Gig photos without media pass

[V8S]

As far as I can see, you can't get into a gig with an SLR unless you have some kind of media pass. So you take your compact or use your phone.

Is it possible for a punter to get reasonable shots with a common or garden < £100 digital camera?

Please post examples showing what you can achieve and the camera used.

[PulsatingStar]

Who are you going to see? If its a smaller metal band you might get the SLR in. I see people with them in Camden Underworld at most gigs Ive been to there.

Id check with the venue first though and not take it on the chance.

[V8S]

Oh I'm not going to see anyone but every gig I've been to has had notices saying no cameras. I was just interested what shots people with a bit of talent can get at a gig without having fancy flashes, big zooms or access to the stage.

I wanted to look at some pretty pictures.

[StevieBee]

Done quite a bit of this type of photography (although not recently).

There’s not huge money to be made from photos of bands so most venues/promoters don’t really mind until you start talking about O2, Wembley – which unless you have a press pass, you’re unlikely to get any decent shots at anyway.

I used to go to the Marquee club quite a bit and always took my kit with me. Such was the place, people used to think I was press and ushered me into the press area which was good! A few years ago, I went to see Nik Kershaw at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich and got some cracking shots.

Worth asking before you set off though.

As for the photography itself, it can be tricky. For a start, you’ll get jostled around a bit so difficult to frame – more hit, miss and a bit of luck. Smaller cameras are fine but unless you can control exposure, the flash will go off and the pics not really convey the atmosphere. All about trial and error really.

[PulsatingStar]

I tried getting a couple at a festival last year when Maiden were on with a point and shoot thing which isnt too great but since no ones posted a pic:



I was having a hard enough time fighting for my space nevermind hold the camera though so quicly gave up!

[Blukoo]

I got this pic from a dark tent at T in The Park with my old 2.0mp Fuji Finepix A204 (My first digital camera ever).


A bit of photoshop work had been carried out on it though.

Edited by Blukoo on Thursday 19th June 22:20

[blondemoment]

Took this with a Canon Powershot A550. Not in focus, but a great little camera to sneak into gigs!!

[twister]

Taken from the balcony at Shepherds Bush Empire, using a Konica Minolta Z3 in manual mode, no flash (no point at that distance, and leaving it turned off means not having to wait for it to recharge before taking the next photo), and with IS working overtime...

[Thunderace]

Mark Knopfler a few weeks ago taken on a 40D and 24-70 L. The band's policy is to allow still cameras but no video or camera phones.

[gingerpaul]

I took this at a gig back at the beginning of the year with my G9. There was a bloke in front of me with a SLR though so I think it depends on the venue and who is playing.

[4hero]

I took this shot of the gorillaz with an SLR, excellent performance they put on and didn't mind big camera's at all

Edited by 4hero on Friday 20th June 12:59

[Thunderace]

A few of Hayseed Dixie at Cowes week, 20D and 70-200 F2.8 IS :-

[V8S]

Thunderace said:

A few of Hayseed Dixie at Cowes week, 20D and 70-200 F2.8 IS

Yes, very nice.

But.

It's not a compact cam-er-ra.


Seriously, some nice pics there

[IBlenk]

Took these from the barrier at last years Rhythm Festival nr Bedford last year
( I did have an AAA pass but sometimes it's better in the crowd )

Edited by IBlenk on Friday 20th June 15:03

Edited by IBlenk on Friday 20th June 15:07

Edited by IBlenk on Friday 20th June 15:08

[Thunderace]

V8S said:

Thunderace said:

A few of Hayseed Dixie at Cowes week, 20D and 70-200 F2.8 IS

Yes, very nice.

But.

It's not a compact cam-er-ra.


Seriously, some nice pics there

Nasty speech im-ped-i-ment you've got there

Whoops, that's me told, didn't read the OP properly but was also pointing out that sometimes it is OK to use a 'proper' camera.

Have tried using a Fuji F31d compact which is supposed to be good in low light but haven't been happy with the results. John Hiatt taken with F31d :-

[Scooby_snax]

Fergie from Black Eyed Peas taken with a compact Pentax in 2004

Edited by Scooby_snax on Saturday 21st June 20:32

[Bungleaio]

I'm not a fan of the large events but I do enjoy going to smaller venues to see random unsigned bands, I've never had any issues with taking my d70.