So, how much does it suck to be turned down? Its a fact of life when shooting concerts, we've all dealt with it. Here's my issue with it; When you ask 2 weeks prior of the show, the label/publicist/manager responds to the first contact with a "looking into it, we'll let you know" response. You wait patiently, but its getting closer to the day of the show. Emails are not being replied to, maybe you have even received a "I'll be out of the office....." canned response. Then, hours to the show time, you get a "sorry lists full" email. WTF, The list wasn't full a week ago, when I asked the second time. Why do they have to wait till the last minute. I've planned my weekend around the shows! ARRG!!!
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It's a p.i.t.a....
But unfortunately it's a fact of life. What probably happened was a couple of weeks ago not many had asked for a pass so there was a chance you were going to get one then as it came closer magazines/papers asked for passes to cover the gig so they didn't you to cover it :(
I'm guessing you weren't shooting for anyone in particular? I had similar a month or so ago. I had a pass all sorted for a festival, got to shoot most of the festival but when the headline act came on (Massive Attack), I was told no agency shooters were allowed :( Having said that they were almost completely back lit with no light on them from the front so it would have been challenging to say the least.
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Mike Gatiss
"Dont' lose the moment..."
http://www.gig-shots.com
Also, you need to remember
Also, you need to remember that that same person has the entire tour to worry about. Lets say 30 shows, times at minimum 10 photographers asking for credentials. That's 300 people they need to listen to ask the same questions over and over. The problem with asking 2 weeks in advance is that its just too early sometimes for the person to even think about it (they are busy dealing with the show tonight).
Not saying I don't agree, but there's a real word aspect to it.
Yeah being an Agency
Yeah being an Agency photographer as well, I get denied fairly often for big name acts
Sometimes I can fall back on shooting for a webzine, but more often than not I don't get bogged down for too long because I have to wake up for work 6am every morning....so I get to stick to my regular sleeping pattern for another night :)
www.dbedford.com
Getting the shot
It happens to me once in a while. I have heard some say, they would never do anything unethical such as photographing a show where they were denied a photo pass. I much rather work within the system but when outright denied, especially as you mention, after being held on the "wish list" as I was recently told, and then denied; I will do what it takes to get the shot. After getting a recent international artist on the cover with good photos, I received a thank you from the management that denied my photo pass even after I offered to buy the admission ticket.
I guess it depends who and what your are working for but I have no problem doing what it takes to get the shot as long as nobody or anything gets hurt.
For those who must abide, most shows allow non-professional cameras. Some, with wide apertures and 8+MP will get some good shots.
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