Worst day of my life in photography

Robin Usagani · Dec 12, 2011

So someone I know is in a band that was opening for Guns N Roses. There was no camera allowed anywhere unless you have a press pass. The door opened at 8pm but I got there earlier. There was no bathroom outside. I had to piss but I held it until 8PM. Got in and I asked somebody where the bathroom was. She said I can go there but I cant take my camera with me. WTF? So I held my pee for so many hours because I dont want to leave my equipment somewhere. Then I found out photographers can only shoot from the freaking soundboard. All I had was 5D, 5Dii, 35L, 135L. I looked like an idiot showing up with those 2 lenses and external flashes. I was shooting so far away. Probably around 1.5X length of a basketball court? I looked at the photos, they look good but the band members are so small. The only thing that that is good is the panoramic shot I did that were stitched from several vertical frames. I think what I need was a 300mm f/2.8. I really thought I was going to shoot from a lot closer.

cgipson1 · Dec 12, 2011

That sucks, Robin! I thought you were going to the pit. Maybe next time!

o hey tyler · Dec 12, 2011

More proof that Guns and Roses suck!

:lmao:

Oh well, it happens. Life goes on. There will be more concerts to shoot, hopefully ones that are far less aurally abrasive.

Big Mike · Dec 12, 2011

That sucks....live and learn.

I haven't shot any concert photos, but I've been on the backstage/production side of more concerts/events than I can remember. For most things, it's all about who you know or how well you can sweet talk etc.

There are a usually only a few people who can actually be reasoned with, but they are the decision makers and don't have a lot of time for minor stuff. Everyone else is just 'following orders' and they will just tell you that you can't do this...or you can't go there. It's not uncommon for people to pass the buck when it comes to giving people (like photographers etc.) permission to do something. If something bad goes down, the first thing they ask is 'Who let this guy in?'...all the blame, like B.S. runs down hill. So if you ask to use the bathroom (or anything else), just about everyone will say no. Of course, if you could find a manager or something, they would be able to make the decision and say 'sure, go ahead'....but like they want to be walking around giving people permission to take a piss.

I've found that the 'best' strategy is to look & act like you belong there. Don't ask to use the bathroom, just go use it. If someone stops you, act like you've been there 1000 times...or tell them that 'so and so over there' told you it was OK. If you actually have a name to drop, that can help...but it can also get you into trouble if you're not telling the truth. Sometimes you can talk your way through, even if you are only talking to a part time security guard...but don't make them look bad by wandering around like a lost child. Look and act confident and it can make all the difference.

Now, when it comes to photographers, especially in the world of Rock n' Roll....there is going to be a natural distrust....especially if you aren't clearly 'part of the media'. They don't want you anywhere where you could get compromising photos of a star (or any unsafe workers etc.) Most shows/venues also have pretty strict rules on when you're allowed to shoot (at least from the pit). It's often something like; you're only allowed to shoot the headliner during the first three songs of the set. They want the picture in the paper the next day, to have them looking good....not all worn out and sweaty like they will after being on stage for two hours.

Tony S · Dec 12, 2011

It's pretty standard for photographers to have to shoot from back near the sound board. It's also not unusual for them to have to leave after the first or second song, so if you got to stay then you hit the bonus time.

imagemaker46 · Dec 12, 2011

Big Mike said:
That sucks....live and learn.

I haven't shot any concert photos, but I've been on the backstage/production side of more concerts/events than I can remember. For most things, it's all about who you know or how well you can sweet talk etc.

There are a usually only a few people who can actually be reasoned with, but they are the decision makers and don't have a lot of time for minor stuff. Everyone else is just 'following orders' and they will just tell you that you can't do this...or you can't go there. It's not uncommon for people to pass the buck when it comes to giving people (like photographers etc.) permission to do something. If something bad goes down, the first thing they ask is 'Who let this guy in?'...all the blame, like B.S. runs down hill. So if you ask to use the bathroom (or anything else), just about everyone will say no. Of course, if you could find a manager or something, they would be able to make the decision and say 'sure, go ahead'....but like they want to be walking around giving people permission to take a piss.

I've found that the 'best' strategy is to look & act like you belong there. Don't ask to use the bathroom, just go use it. If someone stops you, act like you've been there 1000 times...or tell them that 'so and so over there' told you it was OK. If you actually have a name to drop, that can help...but it can also get you into trouble if you're not telling the truth. Sometimes you can talk your way through, even if you are only talking to a part time security guard...but don't make them look bad by wandering around like a lost child. Look and act confident and it can make all the difference.

Now, when it comes to photographers, especially in the world of Rock n' Roll....there is going to be a natural distrust....especially if you aren't clearly 'part of the media'. They don't want you anywhere where you could get compromising photos of a star (or any unsafe workers etc.) Most shows/venues also have pretty strict rules on when you're allowed to shoot (at least from the pit). It's often something like; you're only allowed to shoot the headliner during the first three songs of the set. They want the picture in the paper the next day, to have them looking good....not all worn out and sweaty like they will after being on stage for two hours.

Have to agree, with the old "if you look like you are suppose to be there" It's worked for me in the past. A lot of bands only allow the media to shoot the first two songs and then are tossed out, i've been in those situations many times, but because it's known ahead of time there are usually no problems, that of course can change if the "wrong" person decides to change the rules at the last minute, or some other photographer, usually the less experienced, says or does something and then everyone suffers. I shot a concert in February this year and was told I was shooting from the the wrong place, I had arrived early and found a nice spot further back and more tothe side of the stage, knowing that all the "groupie" photographers would rush for the front, I ended up talking to one of the senior roadies and told him my plans, he was good with it but wanted to know why, I pointed out what I wanted to shoot, gave him my camera to look through and he understood. We were only allowed two songs, and that was it. I got what I needed and didn't have to push and shove with the amateurs(in this case most were) down front shooting straight up.

Alot just comes with having a positive attitude, being confident, and mostly, being lucky enough to deal with the right person.

Robin Usagani · Dec 12, 2011

The thing is the opening band which is really who I want to shoot, does want me to be closer. But Guns N Roses set all of the freaking rules.

Big Mike · Dec 12, 2011

The thing is the opening band which is really who I want to shoot, does want me to be closer. But Guns N Roses set all of the freaking rules.

Not uncommon. The headlining act usually get's their way...especially if it's their tour and if it's their stage and their stage manager etc.

If this is something that the opening band wants, then they would probably have to go through the proper channels to get you permission. As mentioned, you (or they) just have to talk to the right people, as everyone else is conditioned to say no. They don't care who you are or what you're doing...you're just another guy at just another gig.

FilmaTroy · Dec 25, 2011

my real question is...WTF were you doing with external flashes?? 99% of any bands you will shoot will not let you use flash during a set unless it is in a small hole in the wall venue. just heads up for next time...