Haha...I agree about the security! "Bouncers" rule...at least when they're on your side of things lol. :)

Let me reiterate about the writing thing. If it wasn't written, it wasn't done (or agreed upon!) I learned a very hard lesson about this a few months ago. I didn't lose a lot that time but it sure would have made things a lot easier.

Faye Weekly Photography
Advanced Amateur
Waldorf, Maryland

I have also learned to not shoot on speculation unless it is a band that I just want to photograph for personal gratification. I photographed two bands at a show back in July. Both bands invited me to photograph them and expressed serious interest in licensing prior to and immediately after the show. Two weeks later both had a change of heart. I spent gas money, my valuable time and considerable effort photographing and processing pictures of both bands, and I received absolutely nothing in return.

Both bands later invited me to come to another show they are performing. My response was that I would be glad to do that with a signed contract to shoot. Of course the response was they could not guarantee a contract. I said I would not shoot the show. A third act on the bill for the same night may contract me to photograph their set. If that comes through, I look forward to the conversation with the first two bands when they ask to see the photos I took. I will tell them I didn't take any because they didn't pay me to do so.

Bands get paid to play. No contract? No performance. It is time they get a dose of their own (fair) medicine. If they want professional photographs, they can sign a contract and license agreement for me to take them. No cash? No photography. Plain and simple. No more speculation work.

I've learned that local unsigned bands are not a place to go looking for business from. They simply don't have the income to pay a photographer properly. That's a large part of why I've really slowed down shooting bands. I was getting to the point where it wasn't about gaining experience anymore and there aren't any bands that can pay me to work for them. Even the best local bands are struggling to make ends meet.

I'll still go out to shoot from time to time but I don't contact the band unless I feel like it. A few times local bands have contacted me but their expectations were unrealistic so I referred them to other photographers.

I am friends with a local producer and he often changes his rates depending on the artist and how much he likes them.... maybe not the most ethical but he's upfront about it. He will say "I know my rate is "xyz" but I am increasing it if you would like to continue working together". He will also work for basically free with others. I'm actually in the process of putting a portfolio together to leave at his studio. He often gets asked if he knows a photographer. That might be the best way to find local bands who will pay for your services. Find the recording studios and create a working relationship with them.