First Photo Shoot of a big time concert, need advice!

I need some advice, tips, general rules, etc...I get to take my first photos at a big time concert here in Oklahoma tomorrow night, Guns N Roses.

I've never done freelance work for a paper, nor had a press pass, what are the rules for shooting at big concerts like this? Does the pass get you back stage to take some shots of the band? Do I get to see the whole concert up close? I have tickets already, should I sell mine? etc...general stuff like that.

I'm so pumped right now, but don't know what to do or expect.

Advice!

PS. I just so happens that GNR is my favorite band since High School, and Axl was a hero of mine growing up...I'm very nervous.

Also, my gear, I know my 5D Mark II and 24-70 can handle the shots with no flash, but I'm wondering what settings most people use in the concert light?

well, assuming you signed the release that i've seen flying about, Axl will also have copyright of anything you take, so don't do too good a job.


photo passes for large shows such as this do not include a ticket, and you'll likely be asked to check your gear after your first 3 songs are over. a photo pass is not AAA (access all areas), so no backstage access is granted.

for settings, each show is different, and people's methods vary. personally, i shoot in manual, use partial metering, and start around ISO 1600 @ f/2.8, shutter around 1/125th, and adjust as needed.

narlus wrote in post #13370847
well, assuming you signed the release that i've seen flying about, Axl will also have copyright of anything you take, so don't do too good a job.


photo passes for large shows such as this do not include a ticket, and you'll likely be asked to check your gear after your first 3 songs are over. a photo pass is not AAA (access all areas), so no backstage access is granted.

for settings, each show is different, and people's methods vary. personally, i shoot in manual, use partial metering, and start around ISO 1600 @ f/2.8, shutter around 1/125th, and adjust as needed.

Thanks narlus! Thats a big help. So when you say "check my gear" does that mean I can have it stored in a safe place and get it after the show? I still have a VIP PIT ticket, so I'll use that after the first 3 songs, but then are you saying I can go back and get my gear, and not have to lug it back out to the car, back and forth etc?

ChrisMc73 wrote in post #13370817
I need some advice, tips, general rules, etc...I get to take my first photos at a big time concert here in Oklahoma tomorrow night, Guns N Roses.

I've never done freelance work for a paper, nor had a press pass, what are the rules for shooting at big concerts like this? Does the pass get you back stage to take some shots of the band? Do I get to see the whole concert up close? I have tickets already, should I sell mine? etc...general stuff like that.

I'm so pumped right now, but don't know what to do or expect.

Advice!

PS. I just so happens that GNR is my favorite band since High School, and Axl was a hero of mine growing up...I'm very nervous.

Press Pass doesn't necessarily get you the back stage pass, you will have to ask either the promoter who might ask the band management, <--another person(s) you will have to ask

Another thing about getting a press pass, you just might be able to get into concerts, but most will not allow you back in after 3 songs. And most if not all will have a "no flash photography" policy

400dabuser wrote in post #13371306
Another thing about getting a press pass, you just might be able to get into concerts, but most will not allow you back in after 3 songs. And most if not all will have a "no flash photography" policy

Yep, I'm prepared for that. My gear can handle the low light with no flash, I'm ready there.

Oh and earplugs are really necessary right? Its loud up that close?

ChrisMc73 wrote in post #13371399
Oh and earplugs are really necessary right? Its loud up that close?

As a precaution, yes, because you are nearer sometimes to the speakers, as you can imagine, it is very high. If the music is very soft (like just a banjo and/or violin), it is up to you

ChrisMc73 wrote in post #13371175
Thanks narlus! Thats a big help. So when you say "check my gear" does that mean I can have it stored in a safe place and get it after the show? I still have a VIP PIT ticket, so I'll use that after the first 3 songs, but then are you saying I can go back and get my gear, and not have to lug it back out to the car, back and forth etc?

usually there's some sort of guest services or the like that can hold your bags in a secure location. they won't be responsible for lost items, usually, but it's a safe bet. i've never had a problem.

beats hoofing it out to your car and missing several songs in the meantime.

narlus wrote in post #13371508
usually there's some sort of guest services or the like that can hold your bags in a secure location. they won't be responsible for lost items, usually, but it's a safe bet. i've never had a problem.

beats hoofing it out to your car and missing several songs in the meantime.

I went to two concerts recently where they allowed me to carry the bag myself, as long as I didn't take the camera out. There are smaller venues that won't allow you. Though I would prefer sticking my gear in the car rather than carrying my heavy gear around or leaving it with security

Ok, so should I take all 3 of my lenses out there? I have the 24-70, 70-200 and a 50.

Probably just bring my two zooms? OR just the one 24-70?

Thanks again guys for all the advice and tips.

ChrisMc73 wrote in post #13371571
Ok, so should I take all 3 of my lenses out there? I have the 24-70, 70-200 and a 50.

Probably just bring my two zooms? OR just the one 24-70?

Do you know the venue? If so, decide which is the best, but always carry the nifty fifty or a lens that will allow the most light in e.g. 1.2 if you have the cash or the 1.4, if not, the 1.8 (nifty fifty).

If not, then carry all the lens you have just in case, though preferably the fastest lens you have, I know there is the weight issue

I have the 1.4 50mm, guess I'll throw that and the 70-200 in the shoot sac. It shouldn't hinder me much.
My two zooms are 2.8 so there will be lots of light let in.