MEDIA PASSES

[sydneyguy30]

cant recall if i posted anything like this before

but i want to know if anyone has an insight on how it can be possible to

sometimes gain media passes to certain events

do u have to be an employeed contractor of a publication always?

or can u apply as a freelance photographer for personal use / experince / placing pictures on stock photo web sites.....

[Steve Parr]

cant recall if i posted anything like this before

but i want to know if anyone has an insight on how it can be possible to

sometimes gain media passes to certain events

do u have to be an employeed contractor of a publication always?

or can u apply as a freelance photographer for personal use / experince / placing pictures on stock photo web sites.....

Generally speaking, "freelance" isn't a word people like to hear when handing out credentials.

I've had good luck with approaching promoters, venues, and bands (I do concert photography). I'm having a hard time remembering the last time I was turned down...

[sydneyguy30]

i see

are u in australia

can u give advice on this more....

for me, i mean more like

music awards, pay televison tv awards, major converts ....

do u have to be employyed?

or can u be "freelance" and then say u want to use them for upload on your personal business web site ...

[Steve Parr]

i see

are u in australia

No. That's why it says "San Diego, CA"

:lol:

music awards, pay televison tv awards, major converts ....

do u have to be employyed?

For anything relating to television or something like music awards, you'll need to be "employed", yeah...

or can u be "freelance" and then say u want to use them for upload on your personal business web site ...

Nothing I can think of would result in them saying "NO any faster...

[sydneyguy30]

oh i see

.

well, i applied for a mardi gras media pass for 2006 and i got it

and i applied for a media pass for fox-tel nickoloden tv kids choice awards and i got it

but then i applied for aussie music awards and i dodnt get it

.

a few places have told me, if i have my own website business that publishs

celebrity pics then i got do it (bus aside from that, they would not let me)

.........

so, what type of gigs do u get in to

and who actually employees u

(u are still afreelancer right , as you do all different jobs)

[Steve Parr]

oh i see

.

well, i applied for a mardi gras media pass for 2006 and i got it

and i applied for a media pass for fox-tel nickoloden tv kids choice awards and i got it

but then i applied for aussie music awards and i dodnt get it

.

a few places have told me, if i have my own website business that publishs

celebrity pics then i got do it (bus aside from that, they would not let me)

.........

so, what type of gigs do u get in to

and who actually employees u

(u are still afreelancer right , as you do all different jobs)

I do, primarily, concert photography.

I shot a concert last weekend (four shows and two rehearsals). I knw the promoter, so I e-mailed him. Basically, I was shooting for him. I'm shooting the San Diego Music Awards on Monday night. My company is one of the Presenting Sponsors, so our PR Department got me the credential for that.

Basically, I shoot for whoever will hire me. If an artist doesn't hire me, but the venue does, I shoot for the venue, and vice-versa...

[blackshadow]

I am Australian and I get passes for a lot of gigs, music festivals and awards.

I am a freelancer the people I do work for range from music or guitar publications or music websites, the artists themselves, promoters, publicists, festivals, record companies.

I do sell photos from my own website - there are some shows that contractual arrangements prevent me from posting or selling photos except to the media organisation who arranged my credentials and there are other shows where there aren't those restrictions - if in doubt ask!

To start out I suggest you start shooting small shows where you can take a camera in and develop a portfolio then start approaching publications to gain media credentials. It won't be handed to you on a platter you have to work hard and prove yourself and gain a decent reputation.

When dealing with media organisations/publicists/promoters be polite, assertive and persistent and don't be put off by knock backs (and don't get pissed off if you miss out).

[sydneyguy30]

interesting

seems to me, its all about networking,

just like being an actor

[Steve Parr]

seems to me, its all about networking

Oh, man, if that isn't a true statement, I don't know what is...

[sydneyguy30]

how u mean?

i say that with pure respect to the many people out there who are good at taking great pictures!!!!

but, it reaklly does seem that u need to understand how to network / communicate .....

otherwise, u just wont make good $ in the long run

Oh, man, if that isn't a true statement, I don't know what is...

[Steve Parr]

how u mean?

i say that with pure respect to the many people out there who are good at taking great pictures!!!!

but, it reaklly does seem that u need to understand how to network / communicate .....

otherwise, u just wont make good $ in the long run

Well, that's exactly correct. You have to find out who the right people are, and then approach them.

And, for the record, you can be a master of networking and communication, and still not make good money. I know a lot of people in the music industry, and I'm still a long way from making my mortgage payments with my camera...

[marcusg6@bigpond.net.au]

How do you think I will go asking Chugg entertainment for a media pass to Elton John?

[blackshadow]

How do you think I will go asking Chugg entertainment for a media pass to Elton John?

Depends what your reputation is like and who you are shooting for. I seem to recall you posted some pix of Olivia Newton John a while ago - her publicist is a friend of mine and I asked if she had seen your shots. She wasn't very impressed as you weren't on the accredited press list. (You may have had permission but she didn't know about it).

[adam*]

Well I took free photos for studentnightout.co.uk last year and because of that I now have the contact for free, all-access area passes to photograph bands in our union this year (some of whom will be pretty big). I think i'll have to email each band to ask about any restrictions they may have before each gig though. The same contact may get me access to Carling Academy in the future which means even bigger bands (including some of the biggest in the UK). I'm so happy I got it i've just gone and bought myself a 2gb compact flash :)

[TLovern]

Sometimes the easiest thing to do is ask. I once, on a whim, e-mailed a music festival about what was required to be credentialed for the event. Two or three e-mails back and forth later, I had media passes.

I was honest and up front. I didn't claim to be anything I wasn't. I made certain that I sent copies of the pictures I took to the bands. (I was shooting the event for fun, not for money - plus the bands now have my name and copies of what I can do....)

Tim

[Steve Parr]

I was honest and up front. I didn't claim to be anything I wasn't. I made certain that I sent copies of the pictures I took to the bands. (I was shooting the event for fun, not for money - plus the bands now have my name and copies of what I can do....)

Tim

All I can say to that is "Yep".

Anytime you misrepresent yourself, you're putting another nail in the coffin of never getting into another gig...

[TLovern]

And, sometimes people understand where you're coming from and more importantly the why of what you're asking.

But definitely - if you try to pull a fast one and get caught, you just burned a lot of bridges. The concert community is probably a lot smaller than you realize...

Tim

[blackshadow]

Absolutely correct Tim about the concert community being small; it's miniscule in Australia.

It never hurts to ask and you never know you may get lucky as you did with the festival you mentioned.

[sydneyguy30]

yes, your right,

about that, but i'd say, most people who get work in media photography have good business sense as well.

Well, that's exactly correct. You have to find out who the right people are, and then approach them.

And, for the record, you can be a master of networking and communication, and still not make good money. I know a lot of people in the music industry, and I'm still a long way from making my mortgage payments with my camera...

[sydneyguy30]

totally agree.

i requested access to the australia music awards and told them the truth, that i want to do the gig for experience and with the intention to create a new pictorial website in australia.

they said they will grant access most likey only once the web site is up and running

damn!


Sometimes the easiest thing to do is ask. I once, on a whim, e-mailed a music festival about what was required to be credentialed for the event. Two or three e-mails back and forth later, I had media passes.

I was honest and up front. I didn't claim to be anything I wasn't. I made certain that I sent copies of the pictures I took to the bands. (I was shooting the event for fun, not for money - plus the bands now have my name and copies of what I can do....)

Tim

[woman4life]

Generally speaking, "freelance" isn't a word people like to hear when handing out credentials.

I've had good luck with approaching promoters, venues, and bands (I do concert photography). I'm having a hard time remembering the last time I was turned down...

I was yesterday, and it was the venue. The band and promoter were o.k. with it. You basically had to work for the venue. I only saw one photographer with a pro camera. I was reduced to a small point and shoot and a high zoom point and shoot that isn't working properly. I'm not sure what I got. LOL

But you can always ask. The worst thing they can say is "no". The tricky part is finding out who is making the decision, the band, the band's manager, the promoter or the venue.

[Steve Parr]

The tricky part is finding out who is making the decision, the band, the band's manager, the promoter or the venue.

It's also important to understand that any one of them can say "NO", and you can't shoot, even if the others say yes...

[sydneyguy30]

all very interesting

for me, i much prefer the ide of shootng celebrities paparatzi style


It's also important to understand that any one of them can say "NO", and you can't shoot, even if the others say yes...

[woman4life]

It's also important to understand that any one of them can say "NO", and you can't shoot, even if the others say yes...

Unfortunately, very true.

I may have an opportunity to shoot at House of Blues, if the band has a say, but the venue oft times doesn't allow cameras. I have seen some with passes who have shot pics there before, so I need prayer on that one. LOL

--Melanie

[Steve Parr]

Unfortunately, very true.

I may have an opportunity to shoot at House of Blues, if the band has a say, but the venue oft times doesn't allow cameras. I have seen some with passes who have shot pics there before, so I need prayer on that one. LOL

--Melanie

Without exception, every time I've been hired by a band, I've gotten a credential at House Of Blues...

[sydneyguy30]

interesting

[MJPhotos24]

Disregard

[shesgotthepic]

Apart from shooting bands (more as a hobby than anything but it seems to start to be the other way around) I also do the website for a well known rock band and handle the first stage of screening for press accreditation requests sent in online.

The once who will get a 100% NO is the following:


Freelance photographers not on assignement by magazine for the show.
Wannabe photographers who wants to use the pictures for their own website.
Absolute beginners who thinks it is glamorous to shoot bands.
Photographers who suggest photosessions with band and nude women (yup, have had those in the mail).
Photographers who claim to be absolutely brilliant and provide samples of their best work. Sadly most of the time a trained monkey could do better.
And those who don't have/supply any form of credentials and when they are denied access throw a tantrum and start screaming "don't you know who I am?". (That goes for journos as well) Those are categorically denied access. The louder they scream the less are their chances.
Now - if you say you are on an assisgnment, supply credentials (that may or may not be checked) can supply links to other sites than your own (and not just fan site but proper magazines or webzines) where you are credited as a photographer AND you are accompanied by a writer or you are doing both the photography and the write-up then you will be let through.

Mostly I will send on requests from journos asking for two passes (one for them and one for their photographer) providing they are communicating with an e-mail address linked to the paper they work for or I actually know who they are.

Still - it isn't the band you should contact - really. The first point of contact is the record company. If that doesn't work it's the promoter. The *last* one to contact is the bands management.

She

[shesgotthepic]

The concert community is probably a lot smaller than you realize...


Microscopical.

[Steve Parr]

Apart from shooting bands (more as a hobby than anything but it seems to start to be the other way around) I also do the website for a well known rock band and handle the first stage of screening for press accreditation requests sent in online.

The once who will get a 100% NO is the following:

Freelance photographers not on assignement by magazine for the show.
Wannabe photographers who wants to use the pictures for their own website.
Absolute beginners who thinks it is glamorous to shoot bands.
Photographers who suggest photosessions with band and nude women (yup, have had those in the mail).
Photographers who claim to be absolutely brilliant and provide samples of their best work. Sadly most of the time a trained monkey could do better.
And those who don't have/supply any form of credentials and when they are denied access throw a tantrum and start screaming "don't you know who I am?". (That goes for journos as well) Those are categorically denied access. The louder they scream the less are their chances.Now - if you say you are on an assisgnment, supply credentials (that may or may not be checked) can supply links to other sites than your own (and not just fan site but proper magazines or webzines) where you are credited as a photographer AND you are accompanied by a writer or you are doing both the photography and the write-up then you will be let through.

Mostly I will send on requests from journos asking for two passes (one for them and one for their photographer) providing they are communicating with an e-mail address linked to the paper they work for or I actually know who they are.

Still - it isn't the band you should contact - really. The first point of contact is the record company. If that doesn't work it's the promoter. The *last* one to contact is the bands management.

She

Sounds like the Screen Actor's Guild. You can't get a SAG card without having had some notable roles, and you can't get notable roles without a SAG card...

[shesgotthepic]

Sounds like the Screen Actor's Guild. You can't get a SAG card without having had some notable roles, and you can't get notable roles without a SAG card...

It is to a degree but there is a reason. The pit can only accommodate so many people. The first ones in are the pros who's pictures will appear in magazines the day after.

However - students at universities have been known to get passes. Even those who are looking at building a portofolio to submit with application to university. Best way to bypass the "guild" is via the promoter..... Unless you know the band, that is. Promoters are more likely to give out passes to a photographer in exchange for use of picture or just being kind hearted (or the band wants masses of photographers to feel important and only two from media have signed up. Then it's free for all - almost.)

There are even bands who will let no-one but their official tour photographer down the pit and have him supply the pics to the mags.

It isn't impossible. However - in the case of the band I screen for there is an endless supply of photographers who wants to shoot the band. I rarely break out the camera at their gigs. I have had total access to a full show down the pit though and that was fab.

Now - one band I would *love* to have a go at photographing at a live gig is Tool. I heard it's difficult to get a photo pass for their shows. Please tell me it isn't so.

She

[narlus]

Now - one band I would *love* to have a go at photographing at a live gig is Tool. I heard it's difficult to get a photo pass for their shows. Please tell me it isn't so.

She


all accounts i've heard is that it's a nightmare...one song allowed, very low lights, and maynard hangs around the back of the stage for most of it.

[thelightofsound]

knowing who to contact is key.

it sounds like shesgotthepic works with larger bands, as i've seen loopholes in a lot of what she is saying. smaller bands are a lot easier, and a great starting place.

i start with my website. my director of marketing tracks down the contact and makes the request. it makes it easier as you build contacts and they can make referrals. a lot of time previous work combined with decent webstats will warrant creds through my site. sometimes this will work even with large bands; however, if all else fails then i will go through my print publication, or some of the very high traffic webzines i work with. being able to publish photos across several different mediums is an advantage.

[shesgotthepic]

knowing who to contact is key.

it sounds like shesgotthepic works with larger bands, as i've seen loopholes in a lot of what she is saying. smaller bands are a lot easier, and a great starting place.


yes, you are correct. I'm working with NEC/Wembley size bands (counting UK here). However - I have seen students be able to get a photo pass on such events.

And yes - you are correct - start with smaller bands, the club gigs. That's how I started 20 odd years ago (and then got side tracked).

[blackshadow]

Now - one band I would *love* to have a go at photographing at a live gig is Tool. I heard it's difficult to get a photo pass for their shows. Please tell me it isn't so.


I was lucky enough to shoot Tool at the Big Day Out in Melbourne in January - photos can be seen at http://www.thedwarf.com.au/nd/photos/melbourne/big_day_out_2007/tool.

This was the fourth Big Day Out show of the tour and it was the only one to that date where usable photos of Tool could be taken - a one shot rule was in effect and at the previous shows Maynard waited until it was dark before the band took to the stage and then he stayed at the back of the stage with absolutely no lighting. Thank God there was a little light in Melbourne.

Seems like Tool are rather camera shy but not as bad as The Killers who refused to allow any photographs at all for their set - all other bands the three shot rule was in effect.

She, I'm curious about who the band is you screen photographers for.

[tipsy]

I just started out with shooting for local bands and in the space of a year have gone to shooting for numerous UK magazines including Drowned in Sound, Disorder, Fused, Tuned, Artrocker, Rock Sound and more.

as people have said, the trick it getting to know the right people and building up a good portfolio.

and as shegotthepic suggested, i'm still a sixth form student.
x

[Yella Fella]

Dont you just love catch 22 situations, how on earth do you get out of that?

Now - one band I would *love* to have a go at photographing at a live gig is Tool. I heard it's difficult to get a photo pass for their shows. Please tell me it isn't so.

She

I second that, the drummer is technically amazing! :D

PS im a drummer... lol

[shesgotthepic]

Dont you just love catch 22 situations, how on earth do you get out of that?



I second that, the drummer is technically amazing! :D

PS im a drummer... lol


That's the one thing I hate shooting. Drummers. They're at the back of the stage, on a riser, hidden by a load of brass and wooden tubes with hides (well plastic ones) and you are in a pit, your feet 6 feet beow his feet and you can't get a good angle.

Now - last weekend in Germany and Austria I managed to get a good spot and got some great shots of a drummer I've been fighting tooth and nail for 20+ years to get good shots of. I was giving up on it.

Other than that - I will buy CDs if they have good drums on them.

She

[Compact Diss]

She can we see some pics?

[shesgotthepic]

She can we see some pics?

I'll post a thread with some samples ones everything has been sent off to people who are having them.

[Phil Light]

I'll post a thread with some samples ones everything has been sent off to people who are having them.

When you do, please come back here and post a link. It's easy to lose those.

[blackshadow]

Dont you just love catch 22 situations, how on earth do you get out of that?



I second that, the drummer is technically amazing! :D

PS im a drummer... lol

It was virtually impossible to shoot the drummer from Tool when I shot them - he was way back, couldn't see him through the massive drum kit (I did get a photo of that before they came on stage) and there were no lights on him during the one song we were allowed to shoot.

[DwightMcCann]

Almost every post on this thread reminds me of how lucky I am!

[Phil Light]

Almost every post on this thread reminds me of how lucky I am!

I think we would all like to be you for a day. :D

[DwightMcCann]

I think we would all like to be you for a day. :D
Remember, Phil, I have coronary artery disease and have already had a quadruple bypass ... you might be me on the day I drop dead and then where would you be? :lol::lol::lol: And if my wife didn't like you then you'd really be in the doo-doo, dude!:cry:

[Phil Light]

Remember, Phil, I have coronary artery disease and have already had a quadruple bypass ... you might be me on the day I drop dead and then where would you be? :lol::lol::lol: And if my wife didn't like you then you'd really be in the doo-doo, dude!:cry:

Ok, you win. In that case, we would all like to have your little black book of contacts.

On a more serious note, although I haven't had the pleasure of bypass surgery, I was there when my dad went though it about 5 years ago. That is ROUGH! I'm glad to see you came out of it so well. Congrats!

[BammBamm]

Hey guys Im new to the forum and just wanted to say thanks for the thread. Its been really informative. I was also at the Melbourne Big Day Out, however wasnt fortunate enough to have a media pass so I had to shoot from the crowd ( something I`ll never do again, lugging a dslr around in the crowd was a headache to say the least.) I`ll only be taking a dslr again if I am fortunate enough to be working and have a media pass.

Ive attatched a couple of my shots from BDO hope you dont mind. Cheers :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/373084675_093a569246.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/373084668_12eec2404a.jpg

[narlus]

Almost every post on this thread reminds me of how lucky I am!

but i'd have to jam my ear plugs in really tight if i were shooting in the casino. and not because i fearl the sound system is too loud. :lol:

[Grey56]

Whoa! Is that Lily Allen? It's a bit dark, but amazing that you got that from the crowd! I SO wish I were there for this show. {jealous!}

The guy - is that Lupe Fiasco? I like the composition. Very cool. Please, post more! (I want to see!)

[DwightMcCann]

Ok, you win. In that case, we would all like to have your little black book of contacts.

On a more serious note, although I haven't had the pleasure of bypass surgery, I was there when my dad went though it about 5 years ago. That is ROUGH! I'm glad to see you came out of it so well. Congrats!

It's a piece of cake now that it is commodity surgery ... while it is similar to having a Mac Truck dropped on your chest, they really do great work ... I had "off pump" which means no heart/lung machine ... they just clipped the vessels they harvested from elsewhere on my body over the old ones and shoved me out the door. I am now having some small arrhythmia issues but none of this should be construed as slowing me down much ... I ride my mountain bike during the lunch hour at work for most of the hour, up and down hills and such, and do other aerobic and muscle tuning stuff. I sat around in a rocker for a few weeks and decided that was just a crock. My cardiologist says I won't know how much I can really do until it kills me so I have no restrictions on activity ... hmmm, reminds me of some of my "friends" here at POTN!

[DwightMcCann]

but i'd have to jam my ear plugs in really tight if i were shooting in the casino. and not because i fearl the sound system is too loud. :lol:Say, WHAT? :evil:

[DwightMcCann]

BammBamm, just stick your stuff in where ever you can find room!

[verty]

oh i see

.

well, i applied for a mardi gras media pass for 2006 and i got it

and i applied for a media pass for fox-tel nickoloden tv kids choice awards and i got it

but then i applied for aussie music awards and i dodnt get it

.

a few places have told me, if i have my own website business that publishs

celebrity pics then i got do it (bus aside from that, they would not let me)

.........

so, what type of gigs do u get in to

and who actually employees u

(u are still afreelancer right , as you do all different jobs)

Hey Sydneyguy30..

i know its been awhile since you have posted on this forum and im not even sure if you will see this message.. but i am wondering how you got media pass for the 2006 Mardi Gras.. did you have one for the one that just past last week?? i saw many photographers at this even and i wanna try and do it next year but i have no idea who to speak to about it...

any advice would be great...

[verty]

Hey guys Im new to the forum and just wanted to say thanks for the thread. Its been really informative. I was also at the Melbourne Big Day Out, however wasnt fortunate enough to have a media pass so I had to shoot from the crowd ( something I`ll never do again, lugging a dslr around in the crowd was a headache to say the least.) I`ll only be taking a dslr again if I am fortunate enough to be working and have a media pass.

Ive attatched a couple of my shots from BDO hope you dont mind. Cheers :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/373084675_093a569246.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/373084668_12eec2404a.jpg

how can you obtain media passes for the big day out??
i went to the sydney show and would love to shoot there as well..

[BammBamm]

@ Grey - yes lily and lupe, the lily one is dark because it is in the boiler room ( A massive dark circus tent really.) and I didnt have my 580 with me to get better light.

@ verty - im not 100% sure how you would get media passes for bdo, i think they would be pretty tight on who they gave them out to? maybe someone else here can shed some light...

[blackshadow]

how can you obtain media passes for the big day out??
i went to the sydney show and would love to shoot there as well..

Those were shot from the crowd not with a photo pass.

I got a media pass for the Melbourne Big Day Out through a webzine I shoot for. Big Day Out media passes are as rare as rocking horse sh1t - you need an accredited publication to apply on your behalf to get a pass and they are usually keenly contested between the photographers for said publications.

If you are serious about obtaining a BDO pass start shooting concerts for various publications regularly - I suggest you start small shooting small club shows and submitting your photos that way and work your way up. Don't just expect to be given a pass, especially to a Big Day Out - you have to work for them. I suggest you take note of some of the comments above in this thread if you are serious about obtaining media passes.

My Melbourne Big Day Out photos can be seen at http://www.thedwarf.com.au/nd/photos/melbourne/big_day_out_2007 if you want to take a peek.

[verty]

Those were shot from the crowd not with a photo pass.

I got a media pass for the Melbourne Big Day Out through a webzine I shoot for. Big Day Out media passes are as rare as rocking horse sh1t - you need an accredited publication to apply on your behalf to get a pass and they are usually keenly contested between the photographers for said publications.

If you are serious about obtaining a BDO pass start shooting concerts for various publications regularly - I suggest you start small shooting small club shows and submitting your photos that way and work your way up. Don't just expect to be given a pass, especially to a Big Day Out - you have to work for them. I suggest you take note of some of the comments above in this thread if you are serious about obtaining media passes.

My Melbourne Big Day Out photos can be seen at http://www.thedwarf.com.au/nd/photos/melbourne/big_day_out_2007 if you want to take a peek.

yeah i thought it would be hard..
i said i would like to.. but i know i can keep dreaming... hehehe
im just doing small gigs at the moment, as much as i like concert photography i just dont have enough time with all the other photography i concentrate on.. so BDO would be outta my leauge...
thanxu for your information tho.. you know your stuff :D

[blackshadow]

Good luck with it verty - I look forward to seeing some of your efforts posted here. If you are good it isn't so much "hard" but requires dedication and persistence - show your talent, reliability and persistence and the rewards will come in time.

[butcha27]

I shoot mainly sportand I'm in Australia I have applied for lots of different accrediataions and/or media passes with about a 50% success rate, some people won't acknowledge you at all unless you're from a big newspaper others acknowledge thet your shots are often in fact better! Don't be scared to get some of your work published on websites etc for free by just emailing them if you've been at a gig or a game and offering your photos, then when you apply for something you can always say that your photos are on there or that you contribute to www.whatever I did this with one sport and have had offers since from other teams and websites. Persistance and resiliance are the key, be prepared to be knocked back and sometimes not even replied to!