Press pass to take photos

runningbuddy

Hi folks, apologies if not the right forum. Have taken up photography as a hobby, def don't ever consider making a penny out of it !! I have taken some shots at very small music gigs but was wondering how I go about getting a press pass to take photos at bigger gigs. Just for myself.

I assume only professional photographers only are permitted. Have any of ye any experience of this? thanks

pete4130

Shoot smaller gigs, build uo a portfolio of good images from them and then email requests for larger gigs. Without proper press/media accreditation you may not get far on big international gigs but you may get lucky with some less globally successful acts with the promise of giving them the images for free.

It's about building a reputation, people knowing your name, knowing that you can produce images that look good and a bit of luck for one to be used by mainstream media.

The uphill struggle is that there are a a lot of people, just like you looking to do the same thing. Some may have a low skill set photographically but can talk themselves into good situations. It's a flooded market. Decent DSLR's are cheap these days and most modern cameras have really good high ISO/low light capabilities.


Also, if people are willing to pay you, don't say no. More than likely they wont pay you but will use your images to be posted online, in publications...everywhere to market themselves with probably no credit to you and no payment to boot either. Regardless of permission being sought or not.
You have to think, why would an act give you a free ticket to a gig if the images were just for yourself? It's no benefit to them? Most large bands may only have a 3 song rule where you can shoot for the first 3 songs and then you're done. So you have to be confident you can get your shots in those 3 songs.

twowheelsonly

Get a bit of a name for yourself first at local level both with the venues and the smaller bands.

'Big' gigs aren't as fun as they seem. As stated above you'll be lucky if you get the first three songs before you're shepherded out. In some cases that could be one song or in extreme cases can be the first minute or two - I've seen that happen with some of the 'Divas' who don't like when they're caught looking less than perfect. Aprt from that, unless you're working for a music mag or some of the newspapers / agencies then you won't get a look in.

If you're any good and willing to share photos then some of the smaller venues and bands will love you. Don't be afraid to capitalise on that.

dinneenp

Go to a local venue and take photos, post them on your website (if you have one) or somewhere that the owner can see.

Then contact them asking for a press pass, linking to your photos.

I've taken photos at several gigs at Roisin Dubh, contacted Galway Arts Festival and got a pass for a gig there. As mentioned above first 3 songs and then have to leave.