So you've decided that you want to be a concert photographer. Now you've got to get in with a photo pass to photograph a show, but how exactly do you get that? In this article I will cover a few ways to get the access you need in order to do your job.
Most midsize and larger venues do not allow professional cameras (DSLR’s) in without a photo pass. A photo pass grants you access to special areas often the pit in front of the stage or other designated areas in order to get the best angles with no interference. In order to get a photo pass you have to convince the band and their team that you bring value to them. Typically a good way to show this to them is to be on assignment from a media outlet. Media outlets can be websites, blogs, newspapers, magazines and more. If you cannot find one, create one!
Let’s try to get a photo pass to the Atlas Genius show in Indianapolis on the first of October. First, we need to find out whom to contact. The best way to find this is to go on the bands website (fig 1.) or their facebook (fig 2.). There you will find a press contact. This is the person you want to contact. Atlas Genius uses Jaime Rosenberg at Warner Brothers Records as their press person. Let’s shoot Jaime an email to request access to photograph the show!
Fig 1.
Fig 2.
Jaime is a very busy person and likely gets hundreds of emails from media and photographers all over the country if not the world for several different bands. Knowing this we need to be considerate of Jaime’s time. PR people do not care about your day and your photography class you took in 10th grade. Subjects should be straight to the point. Now let's shoot Jaime an email to request access to photograph the show! (Fig 3.)
Subject Example:
Atlas Genius – Photo Pass – Indy – 10.1.16
Information you should have in the subject:
- Photo request
- Band
- Date
- City
Fig 3.
This information allows the PR person to know what is in the body of the email. The body of the email should be kind, professional, and to the point. It should also show what media outlet you work with and a link to some of your previous work or to the media outlet.
Body Example:
Good morning Jaime,
My name is Steven Sewell and I am a photographer for www.atlasgeniusphotosrock.com. I have been assigned to photograph the Atlas Genius show in Indianapolis, IN on 10.1.16 and would like to request a photo pass. You can check out my work at www.atlasgeniusphotosrock.com/steven.sewell.photos. I look forward to hearing from you!
Have a great day,
Steven Sewell
Photographer
You may have noticed that I have never been with a media outlet. There are other ways to get photo access. This way is a bit more difficult but in my opinion is much more rewarding. Working with artists and not for a media allows you more access sometimes. It allows you as a photographer to get that shot of the lead singer warming up backstage or the guitarist adjusting their strap or changing strings. The way you do this is NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK! When you meet a band and become friends with them you’ll often be invited to shoot their show and hang out with them. In order for them to invite you out they need to trust you. They need to know that you won’t get images of them changing or picking their noses and release them to the world. Starting out you may have to start at a smaller venue. Here in Indianapolis we have a few great venues that have some amazing smaller touring bands stopping by. Go there, take your camera, and meet the bands. One day they may just be the next Guns N Roses. In the end you will get rejected more than you get approved but when you get that show and get to shoot your favorite artists it’ll all be worth it!
Keith Jeffery - Atlas Genius - Backstage in Detroit, MI
If you read nothing more in this article read this number 1 rule: DON’T BE A DICK. No one wants to work with a dick. Be kind and respectful of artists, fans, and security. You didn’t pay for the show so be considerate.
If you have any questions feel free to email me at: info@iamstevensewell.com.
Good luck photogs!
SS
***Please do not contact Jaime or the Atlas Genius team unless you are inquiring about professional reasons.***
Michael Jeffery - Atlas Genius - Columbus, OH