Can we bring our SLR's in to music concerts?

[metsuyan]

Hey Everyone.

I was just wondering, I've been to alot of concerts where everyone has a small P&S camera and are taking pictures left and right, but how would it be received if one were to walk in with a 1Ds MkII hanging around your neck or in a small (ha) bag? Sounds intimidating and I wonder if I'd get in. Last thing I'd want is to get to the door and then have security tell me that I can't bring my camera in and then miss the event cause there's no way in hell I'd leave it with anyone.

Anyone have any interesting experiences?

Thanks :lol:

[mattchase]

You more than likely won't be allowed to enter with an SLR. It is hard enough getting a photo pass to a concert, most bands are very selective in allowing anyone to photograph their show. And even when they do give you a pass, it is usually only good for the first 3 songs, then you get the boot.

But you can always call and ask. The box office will be able to tell you, and if it were a local group at a local hangout, then there is a chance you could be allowed. I photographed a local band at the Hard Rock once where they allowed pretty much anyone to bring in cameras, and go anywhere they could squeeze. I have a friend who has photographed group who performs at churches, he just called and asked if he could and they said sure. So there is a chance that you can do it in those situations, but if it is a known band, or at a known / paid venue, then the odds are against it.

[griff2]

If they're a well known band you won't get past the door with an SLR - you'll have to hand it in (I've had this happen to me) 'till the end of the concert.

[RockSlut]

My experience is that small gigs at low-capacity local venues like pubs and clubs you can shoot as much as long you like as you don't get in the way.

Larger concerts (stadiums etc) you'll have a difficult time, unless you have a press pass.

[abel]

i agree with matt 100%!! btw, hey matt hows it been going!!! havent talked to u in a LOONG time...

in fact i shot a concert that only allowed shooting for the first song ONLY! man that was tough...

heres a shot i took at a local club, since it was a small local band i got to shoot the entire 1-2hr set without issues...

http://www.lifeatf8.com/images/10-15oct04a.jpg

[Steve Parr]

And remember, anyone of three entities can veto picture taking: The venue, the artist, or the artists' management...

Steve

[booggerg]

Yes at the tony bennet concert we were only allowed to film the the 1st song or so.. if that happens, you can always take your equipment up to the bushes and film from there. :-)

[abel]

hmmm at the larger concerts ive been too i was escorted into the media pit and then escorted out the main gate... i then put my equip up in the car and then went back in to see the show etc...

i guess it depends a lot on the venue and the promoter

[Mike Panic]

i worked in the electronic music industry for 4+ years... most of the time the answer is no... unless it is pre-aranged and even then it can be somewhat of a pain.

heres some shots i did about a year ago, i had a media pass which got me on the other side of the baracade, but i got most of my best shots from out in the crowd... which is unsual - doesnt happen that way often - http://www.mikepanic.com/photos/KMFDM_Pig_Bile_Concert_Trocadero_Philadelphia

[abel]

im suprised they allowed flash photography...

normally larger bands and such do not allow it.... theyre very strict.

[NickC]

My girlfriend got accosted by the buttmunches at the Fillmore in San Francisco, and she only had a P&S and wasn't using flash. They were not very nice at all (in general the employees at Fillmore are rude but where else you going to see some of those bands). At Slim's in SF, I saw the gendarmes removing cameras left and right. At other venues I've been to people flashed away. So it all depends on the band and the venue.

[Andy_T]

However, it might be a good idea not to have your largest lens prominently on display when entering the venue... put on the 50/1.8, and (unless you have a 1-series) people will think is's some kind of p&s.

Best regards,
Andy

[Metalphotographer]

I've been shooting music for a number of years with an Olympus 4040z and always had to show a photo pass at arena/theater shows to get my camera in. Since I got my 20d it's been the same story. Club shows almost always allow anyone to bring in cameras unless the band/label/management forbids it.