That will work for sure and if all you want is free tix to shows or even festivals in exchange for free photos that's all good, but if you want to transition to paid work that's a lot harder, especially since most of your contacts, based on their past experience with you, will expect you to work for free and often quite likely would rarely if ever pay for photographers in any case. And those that do already have photographers they use and trust, who are likely more experienced better at their craft than you (by which I mean me).
I did the same, I travel from Italy to London for a live show just to watch the show with a Fuji and a 18-55 f2.8 but the security at the venue said to me "you will not enter with your professional camera". The same in other venue around the Europe, so it's more hard than I think.
I’m just starting out for concert photography and videography and this is so helpful thank you! Earned yourself a new sub and follower ! I’m an editor and visual journalist based in the east coast!
Hey man thanks for the tips I'd like to start my journey this year! What do you recommend for a first camera / lens that will give good results without costing me an arm ? I have a canon m50 but I'm considering buying something more professional and a good lens. Thanks again !
Hey I appreciate you checking out the video! The M50 is a great camera to start out with. I would focus on getting a good wide and telephoto set. I usually pair a 24-70 f 2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 for every concert. You could also look into something like the Tamron 35-150 which would be the best of both worlds and is an amazing lens! Focus on a couple good lenses now and a full frame camera later on! If you have any other questions please let me know!
If you get a yes from the band or venue I would follow up with something like “That sounds great, where can I pick up my photo pass or sign in before the show?” They should provide more details for you after that. If they don’t respond but you get a yes from the band, I would show up when doors open and have those messages pulled up to show security. Most likely they will grab a manager and double check everything and you will be good to go!
This video was great! You earned a new subscriber. :) I am currently at a crossroads in my life and am trying to find a direction in which to evolve from where I am now. Having recently rekindled my passion for photography and also being a life long musician, concert photography seems to fit my interests and talents like a glove. Two weeks ago I bought a Sony a7r iiia and a tamron 28-75 f2.8 g2 lens. This equipment should well enable me to bring some good value to artists and venues in the near future. Thanks again for the excellent advice! Bless you! 🙏
Hey new to your channel. Great tips and content. Looking to shoot my first outdoor concert. It will be daytime for the first half and then night with good lighting. Good space to move around and I shoot full frame. My Question is what lens would you recommend out of these two..I will be renting. Canon rf 24-105 f4 L Or rf 70-200 f4 L Which do you think will give me the more opportunities. If you have other suggestions? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ✌️
Hey Ryan, I appreciate you checking out the video. I usually go with a 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8. If you are able to do that then I think that would be your best bet. If you only want to bring one lens I would go with the 24-105 f4 and shoot at around 1/320 or 1/400 and then bump your ISO if needed. With Lightrooms new denoise AI tool, you shouldnt have to worry about noise from pushing your ISO! I hope this helps, lmk if you have any other questions!
@@Kaiiora Thanks so much Kaii! It certainly does help. If I think of something else I will be sure to ask you. Hopefully you put out some more videos as I thought you have some good content. Cheers ✌️📷
GREAT VIDEO!!! I been in the concert/event scene for about 12 years and boy oh boy there is A LOT of rules when you are working under a company and you have all access to the show. But this time around I been trying to brand myself while on tour. I been to Omaha for a couple of show, didn't see much of the town but would love to go there again. Let's connect!
I appreciate you checking out the vid and ya there are always so many rules to follow in this space but it is so worth it. That is awesome, one of my biggest goals is to go on tour. If you ever come back to Omaha, feel free to reach out and we can grab a coffee!
@@Kaiiora thank you for your respond handsome. Yes!!! Tell me about it those rules sometimes stops me from connecting with artist because I feel as if I am being watched by the company I work for. You can definitely achieve it if you start posting more and tagging, that really helps in this world of social media. Will do, I just added you on IG. Also if you ever come to NYC lmk.
This might be an old school method, but I'd get to the gig early (2-3pm when soundcheck happens) and try to catch the band and their manager coming back out the door to the bus.
I apologize for the extremely late response. If you show up early and security will not let you in then just be polite and ask to speak to the event manager. If you let them know you are just looking to photograph the show and would love to build a portfolio, they will usually get you in contact with someone who can give you access.
Hey great question! If they are only allowing publications then there are really two ways you can get in. The first is reaching out to the house team and getting hired to work directly with the festival. Usually these applications go out between end of winter/early spring and can be found on the festivals website. The other option is too start reaching out to smaller publications and have them reach out on your behalf. When going the publication route, you will be required to write and article reviewing the festival and performances but most publications will help you with that if you have not done it before!
I was offered photography gigs for 2 concerts this week. Never done concert photography so I did a quick search and found your video. I appreciate these tips. I will try to edit so fast that lightning comes out my finger tips 🫡 😂
That is awesome! Thank you for checking out the video and I hope the shoots go great! Feel free to share your photos with me on instagram, id love to see them. IG: @oKaiiora
These are very good tips, however ive only done 1-2 events and ny portfolio isnt that "rich" and i want to increase it more. I sent email everywhere to all my local clubs , bars, venues, etc i never got not a single answer, i really dont know how to start i feel stuck
Hey, I appreciate you checking out the video! I think the best thing to do is to keep following up with emails. Reach back out, sometimes they will see it and not have time to respond and then forget about it. The other thing you can do is start reaching out to the artist that are performing at those smaller venues, direct message their page, email their website or management and try to get in that way. Even I have times where no one is responding, don’t take anything too personal. Just keep doing your part and the gigs will come along!
Hi! Thank you for creating such a helpful video to grow in this type of photography! This industry is very competitive so any help is really appreciated! Just had one question tho... what type of equipment for the camera you recommend to start with for concerts?
Question like how far ahead of time do you send out emails/messages? I’m really wanting to start doing concert photography and need all the help I can get 😅
Usually I will send something out about a month in advance. Start by reaching out to the venue, artist and media outlets. If you haven't received a response send another message the week of the concert and then 2 day or a day before. Sometimes it is hard to get in contact with people but if you are consistent and keep your message to the point and show the value you can bring that will help a lot! Let me know if you would like a video on messaging specifically!
I normally don't comment on videos, but I have to on this one. This video is so misleading in so many ways. As someone who has been in the field for over 25 years, this is not how it works. You cannot just show up to a venue and ask for a photo/media pass. 99.9% of the time you have to get a hold of the band's PR agency and set it up that way, unless you are at your local dive bar (and I mean less than 100 people max cap). And that is just the start of it. You cannot continue to shoot around the venue after the first three (if that is what you are allowed to shoot by the band) songs are done. Once again, unless you are shooting in a small dive bar, chances are that it is first three songs and then you are done, and if you are caught continuing to shoot after that, you can have your credentials taken away or even black listed from venues/promoters. Also, unless you are shooting at a dive bar, you will not be hanging out with the artist before or after their set. That just does not happen. Period.
Hey Chris, I appreciate the comment. This video is in no way misleading, this is exactly how I got my start as a concert photographer. You can most definitely do that at smaller venues with smaller artist. I agree that larger artists/venues you do need to to have a pass from the artist, a publication or be the house photographer for a venue. 9 times out of ten you can shoot from the crowd after the first three songs at smaller venues, in all the shows I’ve shot I’ve never experienced anything different. I agree larger venues shows will only allow the first 3 songs. At smaller venues there is a good chance you can run into the artist and talk with them. That may not happen all the time but being a good, genuine person and building connections with those artist provides a lot of opportunity. Being able to network and meet the people around the band is a great way to get those connections. This video was meant for beginners, starting at those smaller venues. There is nothing misleading about this video, if you would like me to make one covering larger venues I can. Thanks again for your comment. It always nice meeting other photographers, I’d love to see your work sometime! Have a good one!
@Kaiiora the smaller dive bars don't have photo pits. Dive bars normally don't care if you go in and shoot, as long as you pay the cover which is normally like $2-5. If a venue has a photo pit, chances are that they have their own house photographer or have a contract worked out with a local publication already. Dive bars deal with local artists. You made reference to smaller venues, but never once said that this works at smaller/dive bar venues only and anything with like a 300 seat venue does not allow this. I have shot everything from a 20 person house shows to the recent Taylor Swift Era's Tour over my 25 years. Chances are, if you need a photo pass to shoot, you cannot shoot outside of the given time to shoot unless it has been okayed by the tour, which is a rarity, and that comes from shooting about three to four concerts a week. Yes, it has happened where you can shoot the entire show. Last week when I photographed Chicago down in Prescott Arizona we had the first three in the pit then the rest from behind the FoH. But the same tour in Kansas City, when I shot them there earlier this year, it was the first three from the FoH and that was it. I am just saying, if you are going to give advice or a "how to" video, make sure you have the facts right and not fudge them. This is my job, and I want people who want to do it not to have false hopes that they will be able to get into a Foo Fighters' show by showing up to the venue and asking at will call for a photo pass because they have their point and shoot or maybe a better camera, and wearing all black, because it will not happen, period. Not even at smaller shows like Ani DiFranco or Flogging Molly, or even GWAR or Cannibal Corpse, who play in venues normally that are under to well under 1000 people (last time I photographed Flogging Molly was at a 500 seat venue). So please, give correct information.
@@chrisortiz6444 Pump the brakes a bit, my man. @Kaiiora mentions in his vid that we should should manage our expectations with these tips. Especially with “bigger” artists and venues. He used Chance the Rapper as an example. As he mentioned, this video is geared towards individuals looking to get into the business. You’ve been in it for 25 years, and have obviously been successful… so it’s not meant for you. I found it extremely helpful, especially for the types of shows that I’m looking to shoot. No hate… Good day, and good luck to you.
@@_ishLikeFishbro is really complaining the tips don’t apply to him when he’s allegedly already shooting Taylor swift. The video says “BECOME” “IMPROVE”
also completely off topic but your eyes are rly pretty lmao
That will work for sure and if all you want is free tix to shows or even festivals in exchange for free photos that's all good, but if you want to transition to paid work that's a lot harder, especially since most of your contacts, based on their past experience with you, will expect you to work for free and often quite likely would rarely if ever pay for photographers in any case. And those that do already have photographers they use and trust, who are likely more experienced better at their craft than you (by which I mean me).
But how do you get PAID to photograph concerts?
Very rarely! It's an incredibly saturated market, so make something that STANDS out, and you might get lucky!
Ive been shooting for smaller bands recently and now I got a photo pass for the band Grey Daze!
shooting my first real concert tomorrow! theses last tips are going to be helpful, thank you!
Bro this info is really valuable. I never understood how to approach venues to get in and shoot. Now I have enough info to work off of. Thanks bro!
I did the same, I travel from Italy to London for a live show just to watch the show with a Fuji and a 18-55 f2.8 but the security at the venue said to me "you will not enter with your professional camera". The same in other venue around the Europe, so it's more hard than I think.
I appreciate this video and you provided massive value! thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
this is the most helpful video on concert photography tips I've seen so far (and I've seen a *lot* ) so thank u king 🫡
Excellent tips, thank you for sharing and your time!
Young photographer from Poland here. Great video!
Great work man inspirational!
Thank you Gains
Excellent tips👏👏👏Thank you so much.. Its very useful 🥰👍 please do more video like this
Im glad you liked the video! I have a ton more content coming very soon that I hope you enjoy aswell!
I’m just starting out for concert photography and videography and this is so helpful thank you! Earned yourself a new sub and follower ! I’m an editor and visual journalist based in the east coast!
Thank you for checking out the video and that is awesome I would love to see your work!
Hey man thanks for the tips I'd like to start my journey this year! What do you recommend for a first camera / lens that will give good results without costing me an arm ? I have a canon m50 but I'm considering buying something more professional and a good lens. Thanks again !
Hey I appreciate you checking out the video!
The M50 is a great camera to start out with. I would focus on getting a good wide and telephoto set. I usually pair a 24-70 f 2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 for every concert. You could also look into something like the Tamron 35-150 which would be the best of both worlds and is an amazing lens!
Focus on a couple good lenses now and a full frame camera later on!
If you have any other questions please let me know!
@@Kaiiora thanks for the quick answer it means a lot ✌️
What do you do if a band gets back to you with the all okay but the venue doesn't? And/or vice versa?
If you get a yes from the band or venue I would follow up with something like “That sounds great, where can I pick up my photo pass or sign in before the show?” They should provide more details for you after that. If they don’t respond but you get a yes from the band, I would show up when doors open and have those messages pulled up to show security. Most likely they will grab a manager and double check everything and you will be good to go!
This video was great! You earned a new subscriber. :)
I am currently at a crossroads in my life and am trying to find a direction in which to evolve from where I am now.
Having recently rekindled my passion for photography and also being a life long musician, concert photography seems to fit my interests and talents like a glove.
Two weeks ago I bought a Sony a7r iiia and a tamron 28-75 f2.8 g2 lens. This equipment should well enable me to bring some good value to artists and venues in the near future.
Thanks again for the excellent advice! Bless you! 🙏
Hey new to your channel. Great tips and content. Looking to shoot my first outdoor concert. It will be daytime for the first half and then night with good lighting. Good space to move around and I shoot full frame. My Question is what lens would you recommend out of these two..I will be renting. Canon rf 24-105 f4 L
Or rf 70-200 f4 L
Which do you think will give me the more opportunities. If you have other suggestions? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ✌️
Hey Ryan, I appreciate you checking out the video. I usually go with a 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8. If you are able to do that then I think that would be your best bet. If you only want to bring one lens I would go with the 24-105 f4 and shoot at around 1/320 or 1/400 and then bump your ISO if needed.
With Lightrooms new denoise AI tool, you shouldnt have to worry about noise from pushing your ISO!
I hope this helps, lmk if you have any other questions!
@@Kaiiora Thanks so much Kaii! It certainly does help. If I think of something else I will be sure to ask you. Hopefully you put out some more videos as I thought you have some good content. Cheers ✌️📷
GREAT VIDEO!!! I been in the concert/event scene for about 12 years and boy oh boy there is A LOT of rules when you are working under a company and you have all access to the show. But this time around I been trying to brand myself while on tour. I been to Omaha for a couple of show, didn't see much of the town but would love to go there again. Let's connect!
I appreciate you checking out the vid and ya there are always so many rules to follow in this space but it is so worth it. That is awesome, one of my biggest goals is to go on tour. If you ever come back to Omaha, feel free to reach out and we can grab a coffee!
@@Kaiiora thank you for your respond handsome. Yes!!! Tell me about it those rules sometimes stops me from connecting with artist because I feel as if I am being watched by the company I work for. You can definitely achieve it if you start posting more and tagging, that really helps in this world of social media. Will do, I just added you on IG. Also if you ever come to NYC lmk.
Great video!
For tip number 1: Who do you approach?? And how do you get in
the building assuming there is security. Thanks!
This might be an old school method, but I'd get to the gig early (2-3pm when soundcheck happens) and try to catch the band and their manager coming back out the door to the bus.
@@heavymetalpermaculture Thanks for the tip!
I apologize for the extremely late response. If you show up early and security will not let you in then just be polite and ask to speak to the event manager. If you let them know you are just looking to photograph the show and would love to build a portfolio, they will usually get you in contact with someone who can give you access.
@@Kaiiora It's all good! Ok, that makes sense thank you!
Kai, how do you get into music festivals where they only allow publications?
Hey great question! If they are only allowing publications then there are really two ways you can get in. The first is reaching out to the house team and getting hired to work directly with the festival. Usually these applications go out between end of winter/early spring and can be found on the festivals website. The other option is too start reaching out to smaller publications and have them reach out on your behalf. When going the publication route, you will be required to write and article reviewing the festival and performances but most publications will help you with that if you have not done it before!
I was offered photography gigs for 2 concerts this week. Never done concert photography so I did a quick search and found your video. I appreciate these tips. I will try to edit so fast that lightning comes out my finger tips 🫡 😂
That is awesome! Thank you for checking out the video and I hope the shoots go great!
Feel free to share your photos with me on instagram, id love to see them.
IG: @oKaiiora
These are very good tips, however ive only done 1-2 events and ny portfolio isnt that "rich" and i want to increase it more. I sent email everywhere to all my local clubs , bars, venues, etc i never got not a single answer, i really dont know how to start i feel stuck
Hey, I appreciate you checking out the video!
I think the best thing to do is to keep following up with emails. Reach back out, sometimes they will see it and not have time to respond and then forget about it.
The other thing you can do is start reaching out to the artist that are performing at those smaller venues, direct message their page, email their website or management and try to get in that way.
Even I have times where no one is responding, don’t take anything too personal. Just keep doing your part and the gigs will come along!
Hi! Thank you for creating such a helpful video to grow in this type of photography! This industry is very competitive so any help is really appreciated! Just had one question tho... what type of equipment for the camera you recommend to start with for concerts?
Good shit brotha!!!
Thank you Brocko
Proud of you man!!
Love you Twin
Thanks for the tips my guy
Yes sir! I hope they help
@@Kaiiora it did I'm starting my journey this year
@@davidmartinezakachicagoown1655 Lets go! Your gonna kill it! LMK if you have any questions
@@Kaiiora will do my dude
Proud of you brother
Thank you brother!
I was surprised that your channel is predominantly CoD! Great video 👍 Keep it up
Thank you! I appreciate you checking out the video! I have alot more photography content coming very soon so I hope you enjoy
Great tips brotha!
Appreciate it! legend
Question like how far ahead of time do you send out emails/messages? I’m really wanting to start doing concert photography and need all the help I can get 😅
Usually I will send something out about a month in advance. Start by reaching out to the venue, artist and media outlets. If you haven't received a response send another message the week of the concert and then 2 day or a day before. Sometimes it is hard to get in contact with people but if you are consistent and keep your message to the point and show the value you can bring that will help a lot! Let me know if you would like a video on messaging specifically!
No way I'm watching this video from the sniper Kaiiora small world
Tip 1: put your lens hood on the right way
good stuff!
Thanks 😊
I normally don't comment on videos, but I have to on this one. This video is so misleading in so many ways. As someone who has been in the field for over 25 years, this is not how it works. You cannot just show up to a venue and ask for a photo/media pass. 99.9% of the time you have to get a hold of the band's PR agency and set it up that way, unless you are at your local dive bar (and I mean less than 100 people max cap). And that is just the start of it. You cannot continue to shoot around the venue after the first three (if that is what you are allowed to shoot by the band) songs are done. Once again, unless you are shooting in a small dive bar, chances are that it is first three songs and then you are done, and if you are caught continuing to shoot after that, you can have your credentials taken away or even black listed from venues/promoters. Also, unless you are shooting at a dive bar, you will not be hanging out with the artist before or after their set. That just does not happen. Period.
Hey Chris, I appreciate the comment.
This video is in no way misleading, this is exactly how I got my start as a concert photographer.
You can most definitely do that at smaller venues with smaller artist. I agree that larger artists/venues you do need to to have a pass from the artist, a publication or be the house photographer for a venue.
9 times out of ten you can shoot from the crowd after the first three songs at smaller venues, in all the shows I’ve shot I’ve never experienced anything different. I agree larger venues shows will only allow the first 3 songs.
At smaller venues there is a good chance you can run into the artist and talk with them. That may not happen all the time but being a good, genuine person and building connections with those artist provides a lot of opportunity. Being able to network and meet the people around the band is a great way to get those connections.
This video was meant for beginners, starting at those smaller venues. There is nothing misleading about this video, if you would like me to make one covering larger venues I can.
Thanks again for your comment. It always nice meeting other photographers, I’d love to see your work sometime! Have a good one!
@Kaiiora the smaller dive bars don't have photo pits. Dive bars normally don't care if you go in and shoot, as long as you pay the cover which is normally like $2-5.
If a venue has a photo pit, chances are that they have their own house photographer or have a contract worked out with a local publication already. Dive bars deal with local artists. You made reference to smaller venues, but never once said that this works at smaller/dive bar venues only and anything with like a 300 seat venue does not allow this.
I have shot everything from a 20 person house shows to the recent Taylor Swift Era's Tour over my 25 years. Chances are, if you need a photo pass to shoot, you cannot shoot outside of the given time to shoot unless it has been okayed by the tour, which is a rarity, and that comes from shooting about three to four concerts a week.
Yes, it has happened where you can shoot the entire show. Last week when I photographed Chicago down in Prescott Arizona we had the first three in the pit then the rest from behind the FoH. But the same tour in Kansas City, when I shot them there earlier this year, it was the first three from the FoH and that was it.
I am just saying, if you are going to give advice or a "how to" video, make sure you have the facts right and not fudge them. This is my job, and I want people who want to do it not to have false hopes that they will be able to get into a Foo Fighters' show by showing up to the venue and asking at will call for a photo pass because they have their point and shoot or maybe a better camera, and wearing all black, because it will not happen, period. Not even at smaller shows like Ani DiFranco or Flogging Molly, or even GWAR or Cannibal Corpse, who play in venues normally that are under to well under 1000 people (last time I photographed Flogging Molly was at a 500 seat venue).
So please, give correct information.
@@chrisortiz6444 Pump the brakes a bit, my man. @Kaiiora mentions in his vid that we should should manage our expectations with these tips. Especially with “bigger” artists and venues. He used Chance the Rapper as an example. As he mentioned, this video is geared towards individuals looking to get into the business. You’ve been in it for 25 years, and have obviously been successful… so it’s not meant for you. I found it extremely helpful, especially for the types of shows that I’m looking to shoot. No hate… Good day, and good luck to you.
@@_ishLikeFishbro is really complaining the tips don’t apply to him when he’s allegedly already shooting Taylor swift.
The video says “BECOME” “IMPROVE”