jcboy3

It doesn't matter what people here are saying; it's a question of what the venue means. Usually, if they mean an interchangeable lens camera, they use the phrase "professional camera". If they mean a lens with a length greater than a set maximum, they use the phrase "professional lens". You need to see if they have any more specifics about the rule or ask them for details.

Be aware that a bridge camera might pass their restriction, but once you start using it (and extending the lens) you might have security tell you to stop using it.

If you know the artist, you could comp them some previous pics and see if you can get a press pass.

I would also get a faster lens than the 18-300. I only shoot with f/2.8 or faster zooms, and prefer f/2 or faster primes.

User ID

It's whatever the security staffers deem it to be.
Period. Same goes for various other "behaviors".

If you are somewhat devoted to shooting music
venues and such, switch to m4/3. I can hide my
"28-300" [equiv] m4/3 lens in a Dixie cup :-)

TWIMC:
actual optical spec 14-150/3.5-5.6

Maceo does Ray

(Download)

User ID

Sure. Make an extra effort to be certain
to fail at security check :-(

jcboy3

I don't fail at security check, because I get a photo/press pass if I need one.

User ID

Are you possibly ignoring the OP ?

jcboy3

I didn't ignore the OP. Go back and read the thread.

But the real answer to taking photos at events is to get permission to do so.

The key phrase in the OP post is "unauthorized persons". You want to take pictures, become an "authorized person". I do that for a lot of events. And that let's me bring pretty much whatever gear I think I need.

Otherwise, my advice is leave the camera at home and enjoy the show.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

There is a group called "Straight No Chaser" that invites concert-goers to take photographs ..... they began as a student group at Indiana University and became successful because of amateur videos posted on U-tube.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

The term "Professional Lens" in this issue simply indicates that most folks that are uninitiated in the technicalities of photographic equipment are under the misconception that big, usually white, long interchangeable lenses connotes professionalism in photograhy and therefor anyone packing that kinda gear is, therefore, a professional. It's simply ignorance of the technology. Problem is, many of these folks are the powers that be at concerts and public events; the venue management, the artists and performers themselves, their promoters and agents and their lawyers.

There are legalities and contractual agreements that prohibit other than authorized persons from producing images and/or videos, for-profit, sale, public display or exhibition without paying royalties and other fees. It is assumed that professional photographers are shooting forprofit and are therefore prohibited. Famous performers consider their images a commodity. People recording their performances without authorization may be legally infringing on their exclusivity. So...if you are not authorized or somehow accreted to the event you are out! Perhaps the also feel that folks with cellphone cameras or shot lenses may capture "far away" views, but long lenses can capture more detailed images.

There are also legitimate concerns about photographers interfering with the general audience's enjoyment of the event by blocking their view, creating noise, and distracting the artists and spectators with sudden bursts of flash which can be especially alarming or blinding in a darkened venue.

I have covered various events on media assignments and this is the information I have gathered. Even those of us who were accredited press or official shooters for the event have to abide by certain restrictions as to flash and usage of our images. Some performances held a "photocall" for media at a rehearsal so we could get shots for press releases and publications but we were not allowed to shoot during actual performances.

My best advice- if you are interested in shooting concerts, perhaps you can become a "stringer" for a local paper or publication and acquire press credentials for certain events. When I started out, I would offer my services to charitable fundraisers where big-name performers would donate their performances and gain "official" status.

Otherwise, just leave you heavy artillery at home, pack a cellphone or small camera and just enjoy the music. Hassling with security folks who don't know the difference between a stovepipe and a lens is a fruitless effort.

therwol Loc: USA

I wonder what Thelonious Monk would say of a group taking that name. Sorry, I used to listen to a lot of jazz. Anyway, thanks for mentioning them. Something to look up.

cam.79 Loc: Gray, GA

Just a question from a newbie, I have a D5600 with a 50mm f1.8 and will be in the balcony 1st row, could decent pics be possible? The stage will be about 100-150 ft away.

jcboy3

This web site can help you figure this out:

http://www.tawbaware.com/maxlyons/calc.htm

Use the Dimensional Field of View Calculator to see that your images will range from 30x45 feet to 45x68 feet. People will be pretty small in the image, but you will likely capture the full stage.

Dannj

And you’re right, it does😊

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

That is a good question. Is a Spiratone lens professional, they made a 400 f8 Spiratone back in the day.
I believe it will be up to the venue to determine what a "professional" lens is. Many venue's have banned long lenses because they hit the person in front of them.
However, most artist's today make little money off record sales, so their profits come mostly from concerts and the stuff they sell there to their fans. If they let Tom, Dick, and Harry take photo's of them (many of these photographers SELL there photo's without the bands permission) then the band makes less money.
I actually applaud the venue's band on long lenses. Folks with little experience show up with big lenses trying to look good and they only cause problems.
If your a professional you will be given a PRESS PASS. All others, BEWARE.

byjoe Loc: Stillwater, OK

At Oklahoma State it is 3”.

Pumble

I ran into this once and had to leave my camera and 24-70L in the car. I no longer try, it's about $$ and now I just go to enjoy rather than worry about getting beyond security so that I can take snapshots I can't sell or use commercially anyway. Cell phone shots will show all the others taking the same cell phone pictures. Unless you're being paid to be there or have some commercial interest and can get a press pass, take the time to enjoy the show.