Shooting Concert Question

[MikeZip007]

I just got a job shooting an upcoming concert. I have a press pass and they have told me restrictions as far as when I can shoot. My question is: Where can I stand to shoot the photos? In the the crowd? (seems stupid) Right in front of the stage? Backstage?

Where should I shoot from?

[Jim G]

I just got a job shooting an upcoming concert. I have a press pass and they have told me restrictions as far as when I can shoot. My question is: Where can I stand to shoot the photos? In the the crowd? (seems stupid) Right in front of the stage? Backstage?

Where should I shoot from?

That varies hugely depending on the venue. You'd have to ask the venue.

Did you mean they have or haven't told you the restrictions?

Some (most around here) venues have a pit in front of the crowd where the photographers can shoot from for the first 2-3 songs.

I wouldn't assume you can get backstage until you have confirmation off someone at the venue.

[ChrisRabior]

When in doubt, ask. Too many variables to give you a clear answer. Some venues have a photo pit (generally in larger venues, but sometimes smaller ones too). Sometimes the venues will overrule what the bands give you the OK to do. Sometimes security overrules what bands and/or venues give you the OK to do. Sometimes bands will tell you to come right up on stage or come backstage, or shoot the entire set. It varies based on the band, the venue, the management, security, and sometimes even from one show to another with all else being the same. Sometimes you'll have the pass to shoot, but the venue will ask you to leave after 3 songs if you don't have a ticket.

So, double check. How long can you shoot? Where can you shoot from? etc. Yeah, they already told you how long, but check again anyways. Things can get switched from 3 songs to 30 seconds in a heartbeat, and nobody HAS to tell you about it until security is ushering you out of the pit.