Concert photography - sneaking in SLR?

[newton]

So this August I will finally be seeing my all time favorite band perform live. At the same time, it is also the first time that I will be shooting a concert.

From what I hear, they usually won't allow in SLRs, but only P&S cams. So would it be a good idea to sneak it in? Wear a big coat? Anyone ever done it?

[FlyingPhotog]

Ask yourself 2 questions:

1) Would your gear be safe sitting in your car in case you fail to get it in...

And if you snuck it in successfully:

2) How p*ssed at yourself would you be if security tossed you out on your ear for violating the terms of your admission?

Other than that, go nuts!! ;)

[jde95tln]

Not worth the risk IMO to sneak it in. Might try to see if you could some how get a press pass then you could carry it no problem and probably get a better seat for the show.

[Jim G]

I don't think I'd bother unless I knew the venue wouldn't care. Some venues in my city don't mind cameras whatsoever whereas others will either chastise or remove you from the venue. DSLRs stick out like sore thumbs if someone's looking - it's not the smuggling it in that's the problem, it's the using it with no-one noticing. Is it really worth the risk of ruining your favourite band experience?

[newton]

All valid points. I guess I'll try for a press pass (unlikely) or resort to my P&S.

Thanks!

[Jim G]

All valid points. I guess I'll try for a press pass (unlikely) or resort to my P&S.

Thanks!

One thing I always do is call the venue itself and ask. Sometimes they just don't care - at least that way you'll know what their stance is and you may get lucky.

[dswood]

How close to the stage are you going to be? I ask because that body paired with your 50 shouldn't attract a whole lot of attention, size-wise...

The 350D is the XT, yes? I've tossed a 50 on my XTI (well, not mine anymore) and buried it under my jacket many a time.

Granted, I usually have a press pass, so I don't have to consider the risk of being tossed on my arse or on my camera. I just occasionally don't want to scream "journalist" is all.

[poloman]

Call the venue. They are usually mostly concerned with your not bringing in a tripod or monopod. At a circus recently, I called ahead and asked. They told me that it was ok as long as it wasn't a "professional camera". After a bit more discussion, I discovered the tripod thing. As long as you aren't in someone's face, I think you will be ok. :)

[narlus]

big coat + august in houston = :lol:


if it's a 'big' band, odds of the venue allowing 'pro gear' (ie, the lens is interchangeable) is pretty remote.