To get permission to take photos at concerts, your most effective approach is generally to contact the artist's publicist or manager to request a photo pass. This is typically the most direct route to gaining official access for photography.
Understanding Concert Photography Permissions
Taking photos at concerts, especially with professional equipment, often requires official permission. This isn't just about venue rules; it also involves artist rights, copyright, and ensuring a smooth experience for both performers and the audience.
- Copyright & Image Rights: Artists and their management control the rights to their image and performances. A photo pass grants you temporary permission to capture these images under specific conditions.
- Venue Policies: Many venues have strict policies against professional cameras without proper accreditation due to space constraints, safety, and potential disruptions.
- Artist Preferences: Some artists prefer a "no photo" policy, while others welcome professional documentation of their shows. Permission ensures you're respecting their wishes.
- The Photo Pass: This is typically a credential (a laminated badge or wristband) that signifies you have been granted permission to photograph the event. It often comes with specific rules, such as shooting only during the first three songs and without flash.
Who to Contact for a Photo Pass
Nine times out of ten, your best bet for obtaining a photo pass is to reach out directly to the artist's publicist or manager. These individuals are responsible for managing the artist's public image and media access, making them the primary gatekeepers for concert photography permissions.
Other potential contacts, especially if direct artist management is unresponsive or for smaller acts, might include:
- The Band Itself: For independent or emerging artists, direct contact through social media or their website might be feasible.
- The Tour Manager: Sometimes accessible through artist management, they handle day-to-day logistics on the road.
- The Venue's Marketing/PR Department: While they primarily handle venue-related media, they can sometimes facilitate artist access, particularly for local acts or if you're shooting for a local publication that partners with the venue.
- The Event Promoter: For festivals or multi-artist events, the promoter's PR team might handle all media accreditation.
- Media Outlets: If you are working for a publication (online or print), they will typically have an established process for requesting passes on your behalf.
How to Find Contact Information
Finding the contact information for an artist's publicist or manager can range from straightforward to challenging:
- Artist's Official Website: The easiest method is often visiting the artist's official website. Look for a "Contact," "Press," "Media," or "Management" section. This page frequently lists relevant contact emails or provides a contact form.
- Record Label Website: If the artist is signed, their record label's website might have press contacts for their roster.
- Dedicated Search: Sometimes, you'll need to act like a private investigator, using search engines (like Google), professional networking sites (like LinkedIn), or industry directories to track down public relations firms that represent the artist. Searching "[Artist Name] publicist" or "[Artist Name] management contact" can yield results.
Crafting Your Photo Pass Request
Once you have the contact information, a professional and concise request is crucial. Your email should typically include:
- Clear Subject Line: e.g., "Photo Pass Request - [Your Name/Publication] - [Artist Name] - [Concert Date/Venue]"
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and the publication/platform you represent (if any).
- Purpose: Clearly state your intention to photograph the concert and why (e.g., for a review, an artist feature, your portfolio).
- Portfolio Link: Provide a link to your online photography portfolio, specifically showcasing any concert or live music photography experience. This is critical to demonstrate your skill and style.
- Specifics: Mention the exact date, venue, and city of the concert you wish to photograph.
- Equipment: Briefly mention the type of equipment you'll be using (e.g., "professional DSLR with various lenses").
- Professionalism: Maintain a polite, professional, and confident tone. Proofread carefully.
Tips for Success
- Plan Ahead: Submit your request well in advance, ideally several weeks to a month before the concert date. Last-minute requests are rarely approved.
- Build a Strong Portfolio: A high-quality portfolio focused on live music is your most valuable asset. It demonstrates your ability to capture compelling images in challenging environments. Learn more about building your portfolio from photography resources like PetaPixel's guides or Digital Photography Review.
- Be Patient and Persistent (But Not Annoying): It might take time to get a response. A polite follow-up after a week or so is acceptable, but avoid bombarding them with emails.
- Understand the Rules: If granted a pass, adhere strictly to the rules (e.g., the "three-song rule," no flash photography, designated shooting areas). Breaching these rules can jeopardize future opportunities for you and your publication.
- Network: Attend smaller local shows, photograph local bands, and connect with other photographers, venue staff, and local media. These connections can lead to opportunities.
