Passes for photos??

I want to start shooting concerts and shows but I do not want to be the guy that gives photos away for free. Would it be wrong of me to take a deal where a small local magazine run by one guy does all the work to get me access and in return I send him a few photos for use in the magazine?? Without the magazine I'd have no pass so the way I look at it, I am trading something for photos and not just giving my work away.

You are going to shoot and give the photos to the magazine for free? You might as well just stay home -- it will cost you less.

I guess I don't understand your motive.

Gatorboy wrote in post #16723058
You are going to shoot and give the photos to the magazine for free? You might as well just stay home -- it will cost you less.

I guess I don't understand your motive.

I want to shoot a couple bands coming to town. I have tried contacting the tour manager of these bands with no response which isn't surprising since this would just be for learning experience for me. A local mag said they might be able to get me a pass and as such I was going to offer them a couple photos for getting me the pass. Without their help I would not be getting in. Its not like the came up to me and asked me to shoot for free. I see where you are coming from though so thanks for the response.

Unless you have a paying client for anything ... give up !

Sounds like you're just getting started ?

Sounds like a good opportunity to me. I say do it for the experience and the free ticket to the concert, consider that your compensation. Get your feet wet and see what it's all about !

I don't think you'll be taking any bread out of the mouths of other pro photogs that might be there.... establish a relationship with your local mag and get introduced to the local paper at the same time ? Who knows where it might lead....

itw wrote in post #16723107
Sounds like you're just getting started ?

Sounds like a good opportunity to me. I say do it for the experience and the free ticket to the concert, consider that your compensation. Get your feet wet and see what it's all about !

I don't think you'll be taking any bread out of the mouths of other pro photogs that might be there.... establish a relationship with your local mag and get introduced to the local paper at the same time ? Who knows where it might lead....

Yeah, that's pretty much it. I am trying to expose myself to as many genres of photography as I can. Not only is it for experience but meeting people who I can potentially assist or work for in the future.

the flying moose wrote in post #16723119
Yeah, that's pretty much it. I am trying to expose myself to as many genres of photography as I can. Not only is it for experience but meeting people who I can potentially assist or work for in the future.

ehhhhh, I dunno moose. I'd think twice about "exposing yourself" in any form

itw wrote in post #16723107
Sounds like you're just getting started ?

Sounds like a good opportunity to me. I say do it for the experience and the free ticket to the concert, consider that your compensation. Get your feet wet and see what it's all about !

I don't think you'll be taking any bread out of the mouths of other pro photogs that might be there.... establish a relationship with your local mag and get introduced to the local paper at the same time ? Who knows where it might lead....

I completely agree with this. It seems like a perfect "deal" for you, considering where you are at with your photography at this time. A win-win for both you and the magazine/band/venue.

itw wrote in post #16723341
ehhhhh, I dunno moose. I'd think twice about "exposing yourself" in any form

That could explain why my "artistic self nude advertisements" are not leading to clients, but many late night phone calls with nothing but heavy breathing on the line.

Gatorboy wrote in post #16723058
You are going to shoot and give the photos to the magazine for free? You might as well just stay home -- it will cost you less.

I guess I don't understand your motive.

finding paying jobs shooting concerts for websites or small magazines is like finding Sasquatch.

narlus wrote in post #16723755
finding paying jobs shooting concerts for websites or small magazines is like finding Sasquatch.

Even harder when there is only one such magazine/website in town and even then its a small one man show who does it on his own time after his regular job.

I know this is an old post but here's my 2 cents as somebody who has shot hundreds of shows and concerts for my own personal pleasure over the past few years. Your plan sounds like a great idea if it gets you in for free and you get to keep all the legal rights to your shots.

When it comes to getting a "photo pass" sometimes you have to think outside the box. It all depends on the venue and the bands playing as to how easy it'll be. If you're going to be shooting Paul McCartney at blah blah blah Arena, you can pretty much forget about it unless you have an inside connection or work for a magazine.

I've had situations where I couldn't get my camera into an out of town show. A few times I've worked things out by talking to the band (or the bands merch guy) after I get into the show by explaining I'd like to shoot pictures of them. Normally it's not an issue with the band but the venue.

PictureDave wrote in post #16840233
I know this is an old post but here's my 2 cents as somebody who has shot hundreds of shows and concerts for my own personal pleasure over the past few years. Your plan sounds like a great idea if it gets you in for free and you get to keep all the legal rights to your shots.

When it comes to getting a "photo pass" sometimes you have to think outside the box. It all depends on the venue and the bands playing as to how easy it'll be. If you're going to be shooting Paul McCartney at blah blah blah Arena, you can pretty much forget about it unless you have an inside connection or work for a magazine.

I've had situations where I couldn't get my camera into an out of town show. A few times I've worked things out by talking to the band (or the bands merch guy) after I get into the show by explaining I'd like to shoot pictures of them. Normally it's not an issue with the band but the venue.

I've been a few concerts recently as a guest, not a photographer and the past 3 shows I saw there was only 1 photographer there in the "pit" and she was using a cheap P&S. I am not gonna make very much money off this and I know I am not taking away anything from another photographer as they are not there so if I can get in and hone my skills and get to see an amazing concert which I would be purchasing a ticket for if I wasn't shooting it anyhow, then I think I am doing alright.

the flying moose wrote in post #16842626
I've been a few concerts recently as a guest, not a photographer and the past 3 shows I saw there was only 1 photographer there in the "pit" and she was using a cheap P&S. I am not gonna make very much money off this and I know I am not taking away anything from another photographer as they are not there so if I can get in and hone my skills and get to see an amazing concert which I would be purchasing a ticket for if I wasn't shooting it anyhow, then I think I am doing alright.

I can only remember once, a band manager going around the sides of the stage and the pit with a DSLR and a white lens. Otherwise I have always seen one or other abomination. Its always been a great excuse to say "Hey, if you want to see the band through my eyes, write your email on the back of my card". Its worked quite well with a few exceptions.

I read your original post from February, and the way I got started with press was exactly that. I'd ask for a press pass in exchange for a few free assignments a month. It worked well in several ways, I ended up showcasing my photos to the newsroom, getting a few front pages, and in between assignments, I would use the press pass for other events, sports, etc. More often than not the paper/s would even agree to a letter requesting access, in exchange for a couple of pics. A great way of networking.

Not a good way to make a living, but everyone has got to start somewhere. Hope you are finding great success. Cheers,