Concert Photography - Is it allowed?

[casp3r]

I haven't been to a concert in years and hope to go to one in April this year. I'm just wondering what the policy is with taking photos at them in this day and age? Will I have to try and sneak my 400D in or have the rules slackened from I was last at one? Or is it up to the venue and/or artist?

[rab_cilbup]

Usual rules are no pro gear - the definition of 'pro' invariably being anything with a removeable or interchangeable lens. Will vary as you say though, if it's a relatively unknown band in a small venue then they'll probably not be bothered. If it's the Spice Girls then you could be in trouble :)

[casp3r]

They're a group called Nightwish - probably not very well known in Northern Ireland. They're playing in a hall that will hold about 700-1000 people if I remember correctly. I'm trying to get into their forum to ask this question but the forum seems to be down at the minute.

[SuzyView]

Have you asked the staff at the place you are playing? When I go to a concert or a sports event, I just call or go on the website and usually, it's one small bag allowed. I can usually bring in my 5D with 24-70 attached with no flash. Easy on the 5D, it doesn't have one. But some places will let you shoot, just ask.

[rab_cilbup]

Hehehehe...am a big Nightwish fan, don't know if KMB is about, he can probably tell you all about them as well.

Off the top of my head, I wouldn't think they'd let you take an SLR in - whether you try to do a sneaky one is up to you ! :)

[Steve Parr]

I always recommend against sneaking a camera into a show. If they're not allowed, just go and enjoy the show.

Some venues here have no restrictions on cameras. Find out if this one does. If not, take the camera. If the band has a problem with photography, you'll know soon enough. My experience is that the band is usually worried about more than a guy with a camera; especially so if it's a "regional" band.

If the venue has a policy against it, and you still want to shoot, contact the band. I've gone this route countless times, and I've been successful, probably, 50% of the time.

If the venue and the band have a policy against it, enjoy the show and forget about taking pictures...

[SuzyView]

I always recommend against sneaking a camera into a show. If they're not allowed, just go and enjoy the show.

Some venues here have no restrictions on cameras. Find out if this one does. If not, take the camera. If the band has a problem with photography, you'll know soon enough. My experience is that the band is usually worried about more than a guy with a camera; especially so if it's a "regional" band.

If the venue has a policy against it, and you still want to shoot, contact the band. I've gone this route countless times, and I've been successful, probably, 50% of the time.

If the venue and the band have a policy against it, enjoy the show and forget about taking pictures...

Good advice. I don't attend a lot of concerts because I always end up with a bad headache with the loud amps, but I see signs, no flash, and always, flashing everywhere during the concert. That's one of my most hated things. I obeyed while others didn't. But I let it go now, just enjoy the concert. What other people do, you can't stop it.

[casp3r]

Well I've just fired off an email to their management asking what the policy is so I'll report back if I get a reply :)

[cory1848]

I know Nightwish too and I am from Florida. They are a signed band meaning its probably not allowed. Please share photos if you do happen to get in.

[oaktree]

I just call the venue. Some say 100% no, others say it depends on the singer/band so call on the day of the concert to find out. I usually shoot local acts or things like koto concerts (one with a master koto player!), so I usually can take photos. I took photos of Iris Dement at a converted movie theater several months ago. Great music and I found out that see likes to sing with her eyes closed.

[surrealillusions]

They're a group called Nightwish - probably not very well known in Northern Ireland. They're playing in a hall that will hold about 700-1000 people if I remember correctly. I'm trying to get into their forum to ask this question but the forum seems to be down at the minute.


Another Nightwish fan here!! hello!!

Regards to your question...a small pocket digi cam should be no problem, and pro gear is a definate no no.

BUT, no matter what they say before hand, its upto the security on the night to decide, and depending on what mood they're in, depends on whether you can take photos or not. Sad i know, but thats the way it tends to be here in little olde england

Enjoy the show though


:)

[casp3r]

Many years ago I went to an Iron Maiden concert and managed to smuggle my Canon T90 and 70-300mm lens in - got some very nice photos but a bit grainy - 1600 iso film. If all else fails this time my wife has a decent Canon compact that I may try :)

[casp3r]

I know it's an old thread but:

emailed the management company - no reply
emailed the promotion company - no reply
emailed venue - no reply

So I went to the show last night (which was absolutely fantastic) and decided to leave the camera at home. Then I discovered two guys standing beside me, one with a 40D and an L series lens, the other with another DSLR.
So I spent the rest of the concert thinking 'That would have been a nice shot' :(
I'll know better next time.

[timnosenzo]

That's interesting, I know that most (all) concerts that I go to specifically say No Cameras or Video Cameras, and you usually get frisked by security before you are allowed in.

[SuzyView]

Well, I don't know if the guys were allowed to bring their gear in. Maybe they weren't supposed to use their gear. I know at the last concert I was at flash was not allowed, and during the performance, flashes were all over the place. I have a problem with that. But I would definitely call instead of e-mail. The websites usually have something about photography. I hope you enjoyed the concert.

[narlus]

I know at the last concert I was at flash was not allowed, and during the performance, flashes were all over the place. I have a problem with that. But I would definitely call instead of e-mail. The websites usually have something about photography. I hope you enjoyed the concert.

were the flashes from punters w/ cameras, or working photographers?

a friend of mine shot the Boredoms in NYC, a show i shot the night before in boston. the band was very clear about NO FLASH, and any camera use (including cell phones and P&S) was restricted to people issued photo passes, and only for the first ten minutes of the performance.

turns out the shooter for the NY Times doesn't care about these rules (my friend say this is not an isolated incident)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/arts/music/01bore.html?scp=1&sq=boredoms&st=nyt

[oaktree]

Call the venue. The two places I shot the most have no rule of their own, it all depends on the performer. Usually, I need to call the day of the concert after the performer arrives for rehearsal/sound-check so the venue can ask them if they allow photos, Of course, no what.