Etiquette in shooting live music

sorted ... thanks for all the inputs

Unless you are shooting with a pass. You are just another member of the audience, and have no thought of any special treadment just because you have a camera. They paid just as much as you did to get in, and the last thing they want is some a$$ of a photographer thinking he is special blocking their view.

However if you are shooting with a pass. It can vary from venue to venue, band to band, at to what you alreallowed to do.

Oh forgot to mentioned, yes i've got 'media pass'
I'm shooting for a local magazine here in perth, australia

Ah, the sensitive type. Shocking no one let's you in.

Media pass or not, if you are in the general audience, you are another audience member, except you have a better camera (in theory). You goal is to be inconspicuous and get the shots you need for the publication without interfering with the concert goers. If there is no pit, all the etiquette is solely on you. Get three songs in and get out of the way, especially at a packed venue. If you can find a spot away from the front after three songs, shoot away from there.

Another tip, be nice to those in front and explan what you are doing. Get your songs and fade back after three songs. At the end of the set, start making your back to the front. If you were nice, and are polite, you should have no issue getting back up for a few songs.

Get cheap cards made up. Put the name and web site of some photographer you dont like. As you are trying to get to the front, promise people a free 11 x 14 from the show if they let you stand in front of them for a few songs and give them the card.

You get your spot and don't have to follow up with a photo. Win win!

CosmoKid wrote in post #13841177
Get cheap cards made up. Put the name and web site of some photographer you dont like. As you are trying to get to the front, promise people a free 11 x 14 from the show if they let you stand in front of them for a few songs and give them the card.

You get your spot and don't have to follow up with a photo. Win win!

And hope neither the publicist nor promoter finds out that you're handing out fake business cards.

SmileForDaBirdie wrote in post #13858106
And hope neither the publicist nor promoter finds out that you're handing out fake business cards.

Not to mention the future business you will lose to the person you do not like. I get asked for cards all the time, not to mention the ones I give out where folks can get images from. You never know who your card is going to. The girls the OP so kindly passes judgment on, could be a good friend, GF, publicist, etc that may contact you with work. I probably get a dozen promo/EPK shoots a year from strangers who got my card at a concert.

Again, being respectful and nice goes a long way, whether it is getting to the front of a concert to take a few shots, or to a waitress who may give you that free dessert for simply being nice.

i see my sarcasm wasn't that obvious.....

CosmoKid wrote in post #13861379
i see my sarcasm wasn't that obvious.....

I figured based on your work it was. More worried about the now long gone OP who might have took it serious.

Still here.
Thanks for the advice guys

i wouldn't give fake bizz cards! but like the idea though

The bottom line is that, if you're seated in the "house", you won't, and shouldn't, be given deference just because you've got a photo pass.

Get into the pit and the "fat chick" problem goes away...

i think he's referring to shooting in a venue that has no security barrier/photo pit.

but i could be wrong.

The thing is to get in real early then if there is no photography pit. I have had shoots with a couple this year with no pit barrier in place, no trouble so far. It is best to avoid all confrontations, otherwise you can get your gear smashed and/or thrown out by security regardless who started the confrontation.

I just ask if I can move in, show them that I'm the photographer at the venue. If they refuse, just find another convenient spot, it doesn't have to be on the sides, just try stay in the spot where you want to take photos from. You have the right as anyone in that venue to move around

asv wrote in post #13838443
Oh forgot to mentioned, yes i've got 'media pass'
I'm shooting for a local magazine here in perth, australia

you've got a media pass? but in the OP, you said this happens just about everytime you shoot. so there are no pits at ANY of the places/gigs you've shot? and if there is no pit and there are people in front of you, you're not getting there soon enough. as far as the insulting remarks towards people's appearances, developing a professional attitude can't hurt. I assume that from your attitude, you must be breathtakingly attractive...

One thing that has always worked well for me in venues with no pit is quid pro quo - even if I don't get there too early, I always have extra earplugs and usually candy that I offer up to the folks in the front row and often ask them if they'd mind if I shoot for 30 or 60 seconds from their spot once the lighting is favorable and it's always worked well. Oftentimes they even pull me up if I'm standing behind them. Treat fans with respect and they'll treat you with respect.