Between crowd surfers, security, and other photogs all jockeying for space, the photo pit may seem like a rough and rumble world. But beneath the chaos of the rock show, there are some loose rules that can keep everything running smoothly.
If you’re new to the concert photography scene, welcome to the jungle. Here are a few suggestions for etiquette while shooting shows.
1. Respect
Respect everyone around you, in the pit and in the crowd. For me, this is the number one rule, and the basis for all other behavior while shooting.
I go into a shoot with the mindset that everyone in the pit is equal, and that everyone is entitled to their own shots and their own space. The following suggestions are all extensions of this value.
2. The Courtesy Tap
You’ve all been there – the pit is narrow, there’s a photog lining up a shot, and you need to get by. If you need to pass and there’s no room, a polite tap will do. Practicing this one simple bit of etiquette alone makes everything in the pit run much smoother.
This courtesy also works for tapping into a shot (see #5).
3. Mind Your Gear
Due to the limited space and high likelihood of collisions in a full pit, it’s a good idea to always be as mindful as possible about your gear, from your cameras and lenses to your bag. This is especially true with large camera bags and second bodies hanging off the shoulder.
As an supplement to this suggestion, remember to keep your gear out of the flow of traffic. Stow your large bags under the stage or barricade if at all possible. The last thing anyone wants is to trip over a camera bag in the pit and send glass flying.
All this said, accidents happen, and if you gear gets knocked or you run into someone, a short, sincere apology goes a long way.
4. Mind Your Space
In addition to keeping an eye on your gear, it’s important to also be aware of your position in relation to others. Personally, I aim to have as small of a footprint in the pit as possible. This approach means I’m not only more mobile, but it decreases the changes of conflict with other photogs.
Also, if possible, I always try and leave a buffer between myself and other shooters. No one likes to be crowded.
5. Photo Pit Karma
For any given “rock star” pose or moment, there are very likely just a few angles in the linear pit that multiple photogs may want to occupy. While I will tenaciously go after the shots I want, I also try to give others a chance once I’ve made my image. Pay it forward and everyone wins.
6. Be Nice to Security
Not only are the guys and gals working security are generally great people, but they can also be your best friend when things go sour.
One of the first things I do when I arrive at a venue is to make the rounds and say hi to everyone I know who is working. I’ve always found this to be a good practice, especially for the venues that I frequent.
Shooting From The Crowd
Needless to say, a lot of great live music is made in venues without the convenience of barricades separating the crowd from the press. Here are some suggestions for courteous shooting from the crowd.
Get there early
If you have to shoot from the crowd, get there early. A photo pass entitles you to shoot, nothing more. It’s one thing to drop into a photo pit minutes before the show, but fans at the front of the stage got there early, and so should you if you want that prime real estate in the crowd.
Make Friends
My best and highest recommendation when shooting from the crowd is to make friends with those around you. Break the ice and chat up your neighbors, especially if they’re in a position you might like to occupy at some point during the set.
End Notes:
These are just a few of the guidelines for smooth shooting that I try to keep in mind when I’m on assignment. Do you have any suggestions or rules you try to follow?
Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts on concert photography etiquette!
27 Comments Add your own
1. michael alan goldberg | October 3rd, 2008 at 12:22 am
Nice lil’ piece. For a long time I felt like the only “nice” photographer in the pit — always apologizing if I accidentally knocked into someone; trying to get out of others’ ways if they were trying to get a certain shot; just generally being friendly — while practically everyone else seemed aggressive, rude, disrespectful, etc., and I felt like a chump that was being intimidated & taken advantage of by the “pros.” Fortunately, I’ve run into a couple of other “nice” photographers of late, and it really makes the whole situation a lot more pleasant for people who are all trying to get good shots in a tight space with time constraints and the usual lighting/motion challenges, usually on assignment. I hope a lot of photographers read what you’ve had to say and take it to heart — it’s not difficult to be nice and respectful of one’s fellow photogs, and to me there is no room for attitude, ego, and overly aggressive behavior in the pit.
I second the notion of making friends around you (both fans and security guys), especially when there’s no pit or barrier and you’re up against the stage with the masses. Most of them paid for their tickets, while the photographer very likely didn’t, and they have the right to enjoy the show without someone constantly getting in their way for shots, or pushing and shoving, or simply thinking they are “better” because they get to take photographs and are not simply a “fan.” I always make sure to tell people I’m only going to be in their way for a couple songs, and I stick to my promises, and I always thank the people around me — as well as the security guys — afterwards for their patience, and for that, I can only think of a couple of instances among the hundreds of shows I’ve shot where there’s been any kind of problem.
Cheers!
2. Todd | October 3rd, 2008 at 12:27 am
Hey Michael,
Thanks for your thoughts on this piece. I’ve certainly been in less-than-friendly pits, but I’m glad to say that those instances are generally in the minority.
I’m right there with you about shooting from the crowd. I think it can be easy to get caught up in an assignment, getting a good spot, and going after shots, but when outside of the photo pit, I don’t think photographers are above the fans in any respect.
Thanks again for the comment.
3. Diana | October 3rd, 2008 at 12:33 am
Whenever I’m in a photo pit and I have to step onto that ledge, I tell the fans hugging the barricade that I’ll be in their faces for a few seconds. I’m especially courteous because I first went to gigs as an avid concert-goer, not a shutterbug!
When I shoot from the crowd, I always get to the venue early. However, I notice that sometimes fans around me get annoyed as I shoot throughout the show. (Mind you, I try to be as inconspicuous as I can.) They have that “ugh-just-enjoy-the-concert-you-non-fan!” look. I usually like the bands I choose to shoot, so I find this attitude particularly scathing.
4. Todd | October 3rd, 2008 at 1:26 am
Hey Diana,
Good points, I think open communication with fans is great. I find that most of the time, fans are accommodating for quick requests like you mention. Friendliness goes a long way.
Some fans will always come with attitude – and at a rock show, I’d expect nothing less.
The only time I’ve really felt a bit guilty was during a performance by Josê González. If it wasn’t bad enough that it was an acoustic show, it was also in a pin-drop-quiet chapel.
5. Ramsey Cardy | October 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 am
Make friend’s with the security, chances are that they’ll be at most of the shows your shooting, if anything goes wrong, having them on your side is always a big help.
6. Kate | October 3rd, 2008 at 5:20 am
I’d say definitely be nice and befriend (if you can) the security. It always pays off.
7. Todd | October 3rd, 2008 at 5:33 am
Hey Ramsey and Kate, this tip about befriending security is a really important and excellent suggestion, and I completely agree: it always pays off to know the folks working the venue.
One of the first things I do when I get to a venue is to make the rounds and say hi to the people I know who are working.
This goes for security, but also for people working the door and the general floor staff.
I’ll add another point in the post about this, thanks for the comments!
8. Olivier César | October 3rd, 2008 at 5:49 am
Other target to befriend and not disturb is the audience! They are part of the show!
About the security, yes, it pays when you befriend them and overall respect the guys. To make a story short, In july I did take part of a 4 days festival, I am short on legs, and for a well known artist, all other photographers where glued against the stage and no room for me. A guy from the security came to me and said: Come with me here. He let me climb on a front speakers for like 30sec and I was able to take this picture http://www.flickr.com/photos/olliec/2668340513/
So yes, be nice to other photographers and people help! You will be seen as a good person and will allow you more ‘liberty’ when you need it.
Asking also pays. Like: hey, may a borrow you place for some shoot.. thanks a lot..
But, what I don’t like is photopgraphers standing on the security step in the photographers pit !! I can’t stand that kind of attitude. Especially when after the 3 first song you go to the guy and gently say: Not really cleaver to stand there, you are blocking the audience view. His answer was: I don’t care, I am here to work !
Discussion is then over and out !
Anyway, the workd is: Be nice and you will be rewarded for you behaviour !
Todd, thanks for being the voice of reason !
9. Todd | October 3rd, 2008 at 6:29 am
Hey Olivier,
Thanks for sharing that story, that’s some great access to get. I completely agree about helping people out – it almost always comes back, whether it’s from other fans, photogs, or security.
I appreciate the comment.
10. Klaas | October 3rd, 2008 at 6:42 am
Hey Todd,
Great post and also very true. Decent behaviour will get you a long way, both in the pit as in the crowd.
I don’t have that many pit-opportunities, I shoot from the crows mainly and always try to make it there in time. It also helps to get acquainted with the people around you and that’s often a big help during the gig (or at least the three song-shooting time). Usually I take a few steps back after the photoshoot is done.
11. Todd | October 3rd, 2008 at 6:57 am
Hi Klaas,
You mention taking a few steps back after shooting the first three, and I think this is a great way to work in the crowd. This kind of considerate behavior goes a long way toward building good will in a crowd.
12. Bryan | October 3rd, 2008 at 7:30 am
DON’T put your camera right in front of the performers face and take a picture with or without the flash. It’s both rude and obnoxious for other photographers and the fans as well. If you need to lift your camera up for a certain shot, make sure no one is in back of you first.
13. Todd | October 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 am
Bryan,
Point well taken. I often see people using fisheye or wideangle lenses doing this type of “hail mary” shot. While I can see the use for special instances, this type of shooting as a standard modus operandi seems bad for everyone else involved – fans, other photogs, and the musicians.
14. Natalie | October 3rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
Nice post, Todd! I think you covered it all, congrats!
It would be great if people with videocameras learned this kind of etiquette. They are a pain in the ass with their lights and they get on the way of everybody! I just shoot a festival this weekend and they got on my nerves.
15. Todd | October 3rd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Hey Natalie, thanks for your comment. I think we’ve all been there with the video cameras, but even small rigs can be trying.
I once shot a show where a photog shot the first three songs on a P&S from directly in front of the lead singer. :)
16. Roxanne | October 3rd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I usually work with bands that i know so i don’t really go through that “pit” scenario… though i do have this great opportunity to shoot onstage. Some of my most important rules are:
1.) Don’t use the flash if you can help it. If you must, limit your shots. People, esp the artist can get distracted, annoyed, or worse, dizzy if they see a lot of flashes. Especially if you’re shooting at a very intimate area.
2.) If you’re blocking someone’s view, refrain yourself from staying on that spot for too long. They went there to see the concert… and not your back.
That’s it! =D This article is fun!
17. Todd | October 3rd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Hey Roxanne, thanks for your thoughts on this. Solid suggestions.
18. Laura | October 3rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
More people need to follow these rules!
I often shoot from the crowd and making friends is definitely the way to go. Lots of people see me shooting and ask where they can see the shots and then are more than willing to let me switch places with them for a minute or two. It’s a good idea to keep a card or something on you for these situations.
19. Todd | October 4th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Hey Laura, thanks for the comment. There were over 300 views on this post yesterday, and Natalie is going to translate the article into Portuguese, so that’s a start.
Making friends is a good practice all around, but I find it’s particularly important in the crowd for exactly the reasons you mention.
20. Paige K. Parsons | October 7th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Laura’s right - bring lots of business cards and be sure and make a few images accessible to fans after the show.
When I shoot from the crowd, no only do I make friends and let them know I’ll be out of their way quickly, but I give them a little moo card so they can easily find images after the show on flickr or my website. The uberfans who are usually up front are much happier to share their space with you knowing that they’ll also benefit.
Also, if you’re not too familiar with the band, these fans up front are often a wealth of info. If you take the time you can meet some great folks, learn about the act, and develop fans of your photography all at once.
21. Todd | October 7th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Hey Paige, I agree, great points all around. I do the exact same thing with my cards. You can break the ice, make friends, and end up with an automatic audience for the images.
One thing I do is to include my portfolio on my iPhone, so it’s easily accessible. If I’m ever talking to fans about the show or where they can see the images, I can also show them the kind of work I do and what to expect.
22. Lisa | October 7th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
This should be required reading for all photographers.
23. Todd | October 7th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Hey Lisa, thanks. Feel free to pass the link around to spread the word!
24. Chris | October 7th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Definitely agree with all of that. Among all things, I think I make the people in the crowd come first — especially if I’m the only one there. I’ll usually talk with people and then when the show starts, take the photos, and they are usually cool with me. If it’s more local, etc., I try to stay out of the way as much as possible by either staying on the side, or grabbing some shots and then moving.
I think it’s just courteous and pretty obvious to follow the steps you listed — but I guess there are those people out there who may not realize or want to follow them. In which case, you bash their face in :P
Nice lead intro photo.
25. Todd | October 7th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
You’d think these suggestions were common sense, and I wish that were the case, but I think there’s also an “every person for his/her self” mentality when the lights go down.
26. George K. | October 9th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
It might not be etiquette, but being aware of the crowd surfers is a very important thing at all shows. At the 1997 Warped tour at Randall’s Island I saw a photographer who was about head level with the stage take a boot to the back of the head, crack her forehead against the stage, turned towards the rest of us and her skin just flapped over, blood poured everywhere, and she passed out.
I’ve been knocked out catching an elbow to the skull shooting an Agnostic Front show, I’ve seen photogs clock each other in the head with 70-200mm L lenses trying to move out of the way of wrestlers going over the top rope.
I’ve even gone through a wooden table after being pushed aside during a Legendary Shackshakers set and I’ve lost all my front teeth photographing a Bad Brains set.
It gets really violent really quick at some of these events we shoot, and the worst thing you can do if you accidentally hit a fellow camera person, or if they get hurt, is ignore it and keep shooting.
And if you get hit by accident with a stray lens, don’t immediately assume that the photog that hit you is a jerk, they might have just been shoved out of the way by a security guard, or pushed by a mosher.
Again, this is common sense, but I’ve been crushed, beaten, battered, and bruise too many times to not mention it to everyone.
Todd should segue this into a conversation about camera insurance, but that’s a tale for another day.
27. Alonso Murillo | October 16th, 2008 at 2:53 am
Be careful of crowd surfers. The way I protect the back of my head is by always keeping track of the movement from security guys… it’s a good indicator of where the next crowd surfer is going to land. Also watch out for lead singers… they tend to spit a lot.
That’s my 2 cents!
:)
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to write up your blogs. I enjoy all of them.
speak up
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