NelsonARowe Loc: North Georgia USA

I was just curious if anyone out there takes their camera into concerts ? I love to go to concerts and love to take pictures but haven’t snuck a camera into a concert in many years. I have the a6000 and think it could be done easily. Went to a Howard Jones concert last week at the local city winery and there was no inspection or searching even for my wife’s purse. I was within four rows of the stage and could have got some great shots. Then on the other hand a few months ago went to see Elton John in Vegas at Ceasars Palace and we went through metal detectors. It was shortly after the mass shooting at the outside country concert so I think everyone was a bit skidish and I couldn’t blame them. Anyway I go to a lot of concerts and always end up trying to shoot photos and video with my iPhone. It tries but the results are not good. I have looked into buying a telephoto lens for the iPhone but I doubt the results will be worth it. If anyone knows of a good set for the 7 plus please let me know. I was just wondering if anyone else has tried this or given it some thought. I used to take my Canon dslr and stuff a huge zoom in my socks and take great pictures but that was in the late 70’s and early 80’s and a lot has changed. I don’t want to sell them just for my own pleasure. Maybe someone knows about getting press pass that would get me in with no problems. I would appreciate any and all feedback from UHH. Thanks.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

In my experience, and all venues are a little different, small Point-N-Shoots are allowed as you can't stop cell phone cameras anyway. Big DSLRs are not allowed unless they have a small lens (under 3-4" long). Have a plan B if you get stopped.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

I do it a couple of times a year for classical music concerts. My wife sings in a local choir and I shot a few snaps whilst in the audience. The organisers liked them and nowdays I get asked to cover the concerts. It does mean attending some rehearsals, so you know what is going on (and have freedom to move around), and also timely delivery of the images. It also meant I needed to buy some some good gear suitable for low light shooting without disturbing the audience or the performers.
I wouldn't even attempt it with well known performers or at major venues.

Steamboat

With the invention of the Internet so much has changed over the years. Everyone is so afraid of copyrite infringement,like your personal photos are going to steal something from them. I miss not taking a camera to shows but these days, just go for the music. If I'm with my family picnicking at a local winery I certainly take a camera but not necessary to photograph the Artists.

I have been detained and threatened by too many overzealous Rodie's in my youth so I just follow the rules. Truth is the picture aren't worth the hassle.

I used to shoot concert photography for the local Arena so if I cant fill the frame 180 mm ......I'd rather just enjoy the show.

As for a press pass find a small local paper you can work for or strike up a relationship with the PR person at the venue. These days with everyone having a camera you will need persistence.
The same kind of passionate persistence you need when starting any new business.....Good Luck.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

What a world we live in. You cant take pictures of performances. You cant shoot the front of some buildings.
In a park you cant shoot if someone is recognizable. I thought we lived in a free country. Has the internet
caused this? Sometimes I go to the local Starbucks. And read my books and manuals online while teching
my cameras. I watch to see if anybody is annoyed that my camera is out. I never take pictures without
asking permission in my work. I think the entertainment business has become an egotistical big ego
unfriendly experience. I was taking pictures on movie set in NY years ago. I looked up at a guy walking towards
me and he gave me a big smile. Yeh it was Frank Sinatra. Ah for the good old days.

NelsonARowe Loc: North Georgia USA

Interesting concept of getting on with the local paper. Might give that a go. I guess concerts are my way of staying young or at least feeling like it again. I just want to try and get some good shots and the iPhone just won’t cut it. Either the lighting is too bright and everything gets whited out of you adjust and hope you get them looking your way when you finally take the shot. Then too anything beyond 2x is full of noise and awful. I once snuck my big Canon and a huge 400 zoom into a Berlin concert and got great pictures and still have the photos to enjoy. The performers I go see aren’t getting any younger and some don’t tour much now anyway. There are quite a lot of small venues here around Atlanta and I have been thinking about it a lot lately and just hoping for some good advice. Thanks again.

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

You are paying for a performance, not a photo op. Why not just relax and enjoy the show? You'll look back on the concert with fond memories and recollections. Besides, you can't take a shot of how you felt. Just my 2¢ worth, sorry.

Steamboat

I shot Elvis in 1977 and had my cameras confiscated by the roadies after the 3rd song.....and I was working for the venue. My cameras were returned after the show. In fairness he was fat and ugly.

Steamboat

"I guess concerts are my way of staying young or at least feeling like it again."

For me photography and Art makes me feel young.
I am going to see Brit Floyd in hopes to remember the Pink Floyd show of 1976....good times

NelsonARowe Loc: North Georgia USA

I have lots of fond memories of years of concerts. Even a couple of Greatful Dead shows I can’t remember at all 😂🤣. I could have taken it in to the Howard Jones show easily and I don’t think they even would have noticed but I don’t want my camera confiscated either. I wouldn’t mind walking back to the car and coming back if they said something at the door but if I get in and amidst the throng of cell phone pics they somehow spot me and want my camera there’s going to be a fight and I might get thrown out so I don’t want to go down that road. Was just hoping that amongst the vast UHH group someone might have some experience with this sort of situation and give me some tips. There’s a lot of good tours this summer and I already have tickets for several concerts and I would really love to get some decent pics other than the iPhone crap. I don’t spend the entire event trying to get pictures and I do relax and take in the experience but photography is just as much a passion for me as going to concerts and if I can get both at once you might say I get to have my cake 🎂 and eat it too !

Steamboat

I agree but sadly the Internet has changed all that.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I always call ahead to the venue and ask if I can bring my camera (and I describe the camera I will be bringing along with the lens) If I am allowed I use center weighted metering and a higher ISO I also try to get the proper white balance by manually setting the temp and taking test shots.

AlMac Loc: Newcastle Upon Tyne - UK

After the Manchester Arena bombing at the Ariana Grande concert last year, I would not even think of approaching security with anything concealed on me.
You might not only be thrown out but your equipment might be confiscated as you did try to smuggle it in.

Alan

hightor Loc: Portland, Maine

At a relatively small outdoor venue in Portland, Maine for a Dylan show, people were stopped from even using cell phone cameras.

Steamboat

"The Times They Are A-Changin'"