Difference between revisions of "Photography for Concerts and Events"

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(Overview)
(Requests to shoot concerts, festivals and events)
 
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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
KDHX is a multi-media organization with great interest in and reliance on new technologies. Photography volunteers will work with the photography editor to produce, publish and curate photography content for the web. Assignments will include live musical performances, events and festivals.
+
Photography volunteers will submit requests to shoot concerts to the Music Director, Nick Acquisto at nick [at] kdhx.org. Requests to shoot other events and festivals should be sent to Engagement Officer, Allison Wilson at allison.wilson [at] kdhx.org. All completed assignments should be sent to Allison for publishing. Potential photography assignments will also be emailed to you periodically. They will typically include live upcoming concerts and KDHX events.
  
This page discusses the photographer's workflow when covering an assignment for '''[http://www.kdhx.org KDHX.org]'''.
+
This page discusses the photographer's workflow when covering and delivering an assignment.
  
Please feel free to peruse the '''KDHX photography archives:''' '''[http://www.kdhx.org/tag/photography kdhx.org/tag/photography]'''.
+
Please feel free to check out the '''KDHX photography archives:''' '''[https://www.flickr.com/photos/881kdhx/albums flickr.com/photos/881kdhx/albums]'''.
  
----
+
==Requests to shoot concerts, festivals and events==
 +
Photographers should submit an email to '''ronnie [at] kdhx.org''' with requests to cover specific shows at least two weeks in advance.
  
'''Tasks Performed:'''
+
'''Please include:'''
*Request and receive assignments to cover concerts, festivals and other events.
+
#the '''date''' of the show
*Fulfill assignments within a 24-48 hour time frame.
+
#the name of the headlining '''band''' or artist
*Understand and act according to the basic principles of concert photography etiquette.
+
#the '''venue''' name
 +
#copy of '''press release''', if you have one (optional)
  
=='''Concerts, festivals and events'''==
+
We will only be publishing concert photography when accompanying a concert review or a published interview for kdhx.org. If the concert is a good fit for the station, we will put a call out for a writer.
Photographers may submit requests via email to '''photography at kdhx.org''' with requests to cover specific shows.
+
  
'''Please include:'''
+
'''Approvals from the Chief Media Officer will be confirmed via email'''. Groups with large followings often receive multiple requests. All interested parties are noted and an assignment will be made during the month prior to the event date. 99% of all assignment decisions are based on a "first come, first served" principle, so early requests are recommended.
:- the '''date''' of the show
+
:- the name of the headlining '''band''' or artist
+
:- the '''venue''' name
+
:- copy of '''press release''', if you have one (optional)
+
  
Approvals from the photo editor will be confirmed via email. Often groups with large followings will receive several requests. All interested parties are noted and an assignment will be made the month prior to the event date. 99% of all assignment decisions are based on a "first come, first served" principle, so early requests are recommended.
+
'''Approximately 7-10 days prior''' to a concert, an email request is sent to ask for tickets and a photo pass for the photographer. This request will be sent to the artists' radio rep, label or publicist by KDHX.
  
Actual confirmation of tickets and/or photo passes is often obtained within a few days of the event. We are '''not always able to guarantee''' that we will be able to obtain entrance, but we will try to the best of our abilities.
+
'''Credentials will vary''' based on the show and producer of the event. We always request a spot on the guest list for the photographer, with a "+1" for a friend, and a photo pass. Different variations may result; i.e., photo pass and one ticket for photographer, photo pass only, etc.
+
----
+
  
==Guidelines for shooting photos==
+
'''Actual confirmation''' of tickets and/or photo passes is often obtained within a few days of the event. We are '''not always able to guarantee''' that we will be able to obtain entrance, but we will try our best.
Photographing events and live sessions is a wonderful opportunity to shoot and possibly interact with up-and-coming musical acts, as well as established legends of the industry. KDHX takes great pride in the photographs that we publish at KDHX.org and, while scheduling hundreds of these events each year, is selective about the photos that are chosen and used in publication.
+
  
Although photographers are encouraged to be creative and to incorporate their own style, there are a few '''rules of thumb''' to take into consideration.
+
----
  
==Standards==
+
===Calls for Photographers===
 +
'''Calls for photographers''' will be issued periodically, which could mean one of two things:
 +
#There is an event that is being '''hosted by KDHX''' that we would like to have covered for publicity, member education and entertainment.
 +
#:'''Note''' - We ask that '''each participating photographer cover a couple of these events each year''', as they are a benefit to the station in our efforts to obtain more volunteers, members and donations.
 +
# THere is an event or concert that is KDHX Recommended or especially connects with a wide section of our audience. The Music Director asks about listing a photographer with +1 and photo pass or a radio promoter, label or publicist offers tickets. You should always expect to cover all bands on the bill. Readers often want to read about the full night of music. In some instances one of the supporting acts may even be who put you on the list.
  
#Shoot with good, lens-removable type digital cameras. No point and shoots or cell phones.
+
If an concert or event you are interested in photographing is not being offered to photograph, it is because:
#Do not use heavy filtering on the photos, i.e., shrink-wrapped, antiquing, postarization, etc.
+
#It is ok to change photos into black and white, crop them, perform color/light balance and corrections, etc.
+
#All rules of good composition and lighting apply.
+
#Avoid giving away free advertising; i.e., Starbucks cups, soda cans, etc.
+
:'''Note:''' Musical equipment is exempt and t-shirts almost impossible to avoid, but be mindful where you can.
+
  
'''In-studio sessions'''
+
*We do not have a writer available to write an article to accompany and give context to the photographs.
:- Be courteous to the band members and do not impose on their performance.
+
*a photographer has already requested or claimed it.
:- Stay out of the line of sight of the video cameras.
+
*KDHX is not playing the artist's music.
:- Within 12 hours, deliver at least 10-12 photos at full resolution, plus at least one band portrait. See '''[[Band portrait for Live Performance articles]]''' for very specific details about this photo.
+
*another station has exclusivity to photograph the show through a sponsorship.
 +
*It could be an oversite.
  
:'''Note:''' Shots of KDHX personnel are generally not used in the article as the band/performer is the main point of interest.
+
You may always request to photograph a concert or event that is not on the list emailed to you.
:Shots of KDHX personnel are used however in another Flickr collection, so if you get a good shot please include it but be forewarned it will not be used in the photo album for the session.
+
  
==Overview==
+
==Guidelines for shooting photos==
KDHX volunteer photographers shoot in all sizes of venues, from tiny clubs like the Magnolia Cafe and the Tavern of Fine Arts, up to the cavernous spaces of the Fox Theatre and the Scottrade Center. The artists and bands who are featured may be local, regional or a national act.
+
KDHX takes great pride in the photographs that we publish at KDHX.org and, while scheduling hundreds of these events each year, is selective about the photos that are chosen and used in publication.
  
Some venues are very relaxed about their photo policy, while others are very strict and have many rules for photographers. Those with the strictest policies will be detailed below.
+
Although photographers are encouraged to be creative and to incorporate their own style, there are a few '''rules of thumb''' to take into consideration.
 +
#Shoot with good, '''lens-removable type digital cameras'''. No point and shoots or cell phones.
 +
#'''Do not use heavy filtering''' on the photos, i.e., shrink-wrapped, antiquing, postarization, etc.
 +
#It is '''ok to change photos''' into black and white, crop them, perform color/light balance and corrections, etc.
 +
#All rules of '''good composition and lighting''' apply.
 +
#'''No watermarks''', personal or station related.
 +
#Avoid giving away '''free advertising'''; i.e., Starbucks cups, soda cans, etc.
 +
:'''Note:''' Musical equipment is exempt and t-shirts almost impossible to avoid, but be mindful where you can.
  
Credentials will vary based on the show and producer of the event. We always request a spot on the guest list or a ticket for the photographer, a "+1" ticket for a friend and a photo pass. Different variations may result; i.e., photo pass and one ticket for photographer, photo pass only, etc.
+
==Venue tips==
 +
KDHX volunteer photographers shoot in all sizes of venues, from tiny clubs like Squaters Cafe and the Focal Point, up to the cavernous spaces of the Fox Theatre and the Scottrade Center. The artists and bands who are featured may be local, regional or a national act.
  
==Credential confirmation==
 
'''Approximately 7-10 days prior''' to a concert, an email request is sent to ask for tickets and a photo pass for the photographer. Often this request is sent to the artists' publicist, however there are several venues and/or producers in town that require that all requests go through them.
 
  
:Those exceptions are:
+
===Credential confirmation===
::- '''[[Venue_tips_for_photographers#Pageant_and_Pagan_Productions|Pageant / Pagan Productions]]'''  ''(inc. Duck Room at Blueberry Hill)''
+
::- '''[[Venue_tips_for_photographers#The_Sheldon|The Sheldon]]'''
+
::- Scottrade / Peabody
+
::- Live Nation
+
::- Fox Theater
+
::- The Touhill
+
::- New Music Circle
+
  
 
Requests for '''festivals''' are usually sent several months in advance and are submitted through a fill-in form on the festival website.
 
Requests for '''festivals''' are usually sent several months in advance and are submitted through a fill-in form on the festival website.
  
'''Confirmation response''' from publicists is often received within a few days. Venues often wait until a few days before the event to issue these credentials, however '''[[Venue_tips_for_photographers#Pageant_and_Pagan_Productions|the Pageant]]''' may advise as late as 5 p.m. the day of the event.
+
'''Confirmation response''' from publicists is often received within a few days. Venues often wait until a few days before the event to issue these credentials, however '''[[#Pageant_and_Pagan_Productions|the Pageant]]''' may advise as late as 5 p.m. the day of the event.
  
 
As soon as confirmation is received, you will receive an '''email notification''' from the photo editor, confirming that you have been granted credentials. '''Please reply''' and advise that you have received confirmation. Also, '''print the email''' and take it to the show with you, as it may help clear up any potential miscommunications on the night of the show.
 
As soon as confirmation is received, you will receive an '''email notification''' from the photo editor, confirming that you have been granted credentials. '''Please reply''' and advise that you have received confirmation. Also, '''print the email''' and take it to the show with you, as it may help clear up any potential miscommunications on the night of the show.
  
==Ticketing and Credentials==
+
===Ticketing and Credentials===
 
+
If there is a box office at the venue, you can usually pick up your tickets and photo pass there right before the show. Other venues will use a guest list, several guest lists as a matter of fact, so make sure that they check the appropriate one. Have your photo ID ready, as it may be required to receive your photo-pass. It is also a good idea yo have your confirmation email available on your phone, if possible in case it is needed. In some cases a number will be provided in the email in the event that there is any problem at the door.
If there is a box office at the venue, you can usually pick up your press pass there. Other venues will use a guest list, several guest lists as a matter of fact, so make sure that they check the appropriate one. Have your photo ID ready, as it may be required to receive your photo-pass.
+
 
+
Any other scenarios will likely be detailed in your confirmation email.
+
  
 
===Photo Release Forms===
 
===Photo Release Forms===
:* If a band requires you to sign a photo release before shooting and you do not agree to its terms, then you should walk away and not go through with the shoot. Walking away is perfectly fine. '''You are not obligated to sign a release that makes you feel uncomfortable'''.
+
*If a band requires you to sign a photo release before shooting and you do not agree to its terms, then you should walk away and not go through with the shoot. Walking away is perfectly fine. '''You are not obligated to sign a release that makes you feel uncomfortable'''.
 +
* If '''you do sign a release''', please make sure that KDHX receives a copy. The easiest way to do this is to take a clear, well-lit photo of the release with your phone. If you receive a release prior to the day of the show, then email a copy to '''photography at kdhx.org'''.
  
:* If '''you do sign a release''', please make sure that KDHX receives a copy. The easiest way to do this is to take a clear, well-lit photo of the release with your phone. If you receive a release prior to the day of the show, then email a copy to '''photography at kdhx.org'''.
+
===Shooting the show===
  
==Shooting the show==
+
With all concerts you will be shooting, please alway only shoot during the first three songs and without a flash or clicks. This is almost always the expectation of the venue and the artist.
  
Again, rules for shooting will vary from venue to venue. Some will allow you freedom to roam and shoot at your leisure, while others may restrict you to a designated area and/or shooting just a few songs of each act or set. '''Please follow all rules or requests''' made by the venue while you are acting as a KDHX representative.
+
'''Be respectful''' to your fellow photographers and of the audience around you at all times. This is not just for their benefit, but also for the safety of your equipment!
  
'''Be respectful''' to your fellow photographers and of the audience around you at all times. This is not just for their benefit, but also for the safety of your equipment! Try not to shoot the entire show from the same spot and give others a chance to shoot from your location.
+
===Lighting===
 +
The lighting for shows at larger venues is usually very good, while smaller venues like the Firebird may have very limited lighting options; i.e., all red floods. '''Be prepared''' for the possibility of any low level lighting condition, as well as dramatic changes in the color and lighting throughout the performance.  
  
'''DO NOT use a flash while shooting.'''
+
If shooting at a venue with an overabundance of red lights, consider changing your photos into black and white in order to gain better control over the brightness and contrast of the scene.
  
==Lighting==
+
===Lens Suggestions===
The lighting for shows at larger venues is usually very good, while smaller venues like the Firebird may have very limited lighting options; i.e., all red floods.
+
Lenses that are most suitable for shooting concerts include all types of lenses; from wide angle lenses to your favorite telephoto lens. If you have more than one lens, we recommend taking a couple for obtaining the best range of images. Be advised that many clubs will require an '''f/1.4 lens''' in order to capture an acceptable image. Low light is the biggest issue that you will encounter as a concert photographer.  
  
'''Be prepared''' for the possibility of any low level lighting condition, as well as dramatic changes in the color and lighting throughout the performance.
 
  
==Lens Suggestions==
+
===Photo delivery===
Lenses that are most suitable for shooting concerts include all types of lenses; from wide angle lenses to your favorite telephoto lens. If you have more than one lens, we recommend taking a couple for obtaining the best range of images.
+
Choose the photos you would like to submit, '''zip them into a compressed file''' and deliver the link to Allison [at] kdhx.org. This can be done with whatever file transfer system you prefer, the link can be provided by email.
  
==Venue specific==
+
The '''standard number of photos expected are at least 12''', more are preferred. If there are multiple bands on the bill, attempt to deliver at least six good photos of each band. There should be more photos of the headliner than of the other acts. When in doubt, send more and leave the editing to the photography editor.
===Pageant and Pagan Productions===
+
 
+
'''Assignment Confirmation''' - Gaining access to these shows has become very difficult. For the most part, shows that are performed at the Pageant or produced by Pagan Productions will not yield entrance.
+
 
+
There are at times exceptions to this rule and these exceptions will be found in press releases that are distributed by Pageant/Pagan Productions. These press releases will often provide contact information associated with the artist.
+
----
+
 
+
===The Sheldon===
+
 
+
'''Assignment Confirmation''' - A few days prior to the concert.
+
 
+
'''Obtaining Press Passes''' - Usually asked to meet a Sheldon representative at a designated place and time who will escort you into the hall.
+
 
+
'''Shooting the Show''' - You may only shoot from the back of the hall, so take an appropriate lens with you. First three songs of each band, act or possibly set. '''DO NOT shoot from outside of the designated area or time-frame'''.
+
 
+
----
+
  
 +
Please clearly '''label all of the photos''' with the name of the band shown in the photos, ''i.e., BruiserQueen01''
  
 +
==Publishing==
 +
When your photos are received, the photography editor will go to work editing photos and publishing. All of our photos are uploaded and housed on '''[https://www.flickr.com/photos/881kdhx/sets/ Flickr]'''.
  
 +
As soon as the photos are published, you will receive notification from the photography editor containing a link for the Flickr gallery.
  
[[Category:Volunteer]] [[Category:Internship]] [[Category:KDHX.org]] [[Category:Photography]]
+
A link to the photos is then posted on the '''[https://twitter.com/kdhx KDHX Twitter]''' account, as well as on the Twitter pages of the participating bands. The same is done on our '''[https://www.facebook.com/881kdhx Facebook]''' page. Our Twitter account has 18,000 followers and our Facebook account has 28,000 followers.
 +
[[Category:KDHX.org]] [[Category:Photography]]

Latest revision as of 22:59, 16 December 2019

Overview

Photography volunteers will submit requests to shoot concerts to the Music Director, Nick Acquisto at nick [at] kdhx.org. Requests to shoot other events and festivals should be sent to Engagement Officer, Allison Wilson at allison.wilson [at] kdhx.org. All completed assignments should be sent to Allison for publishing. Potential photography assignments will also be emailed to you periodically. They will typically include live upcoming concerts and KDHX events.

This page discusses the photographer's workflow when covering and delivering an assignment.

Please feel free to check out the KDHX photography archives: flickr.com/photos/881kdhx/albums.

Requests to shoot concerts, festivals and events

Photographers should submit an email to ronnie [at] kdhx.org with requests to cover specific shows at least two weeks in advance.

Please include:

  1. the date of the show
  2. the name of the headlining band or artist
  3. the venue name
  4. copy of press release, if you have one (optional)

We will only be publishing concert photography when accompanying a concert review or a published interview for kdhx.org. If the concert is a good fit for the station, we will put a call out for a writer.

Approvals from the Chief Media Officer will be confirmed via email. Groups with large followings often receive multiple requests. All interested parties are noted and an assignment will be made during the month prior to the event date. 99% of all assignment decisions are based on a "first come, first served" principle, so early requests are recommended.

Approximately 7-10 days prior to a concert, an email request is sent to ask for tickets and a photo pass for the photographer. This request will be sent to the artists' radio rep, label or publicist by KDHX.

Credentials will vary based on the show and producer of the event. We always request a spot on the guest list for the photographer, with a "+1" for a friend, and a photo pass. Different variations may result; i.e., photo pass and one ticket for photographer, photo pass only, etc.

Actual confirmation of tickets and/or photo passes is often obtained within a few days of the event. We are not always able to guarantee that we will be able to obtain entrance, but we will try our best.


Calls for Photographers

Calls for photographers will be issued periodically, which could mean one of two things:

  1. There is an event that is being hosted by KDHX that we would like to have covered for publicity, member education and entertainment.
    Note - We ask that each participating photographer cover a couple of these events each year, as they are a benefit to the station in our efforts to obtain more volunteers, members and donations.
  2. THere is an event or concert that is KDHX Recommended or especially connects with a wide section of our audience. The Music Director asks about listing a photographer with +1 and photo pass or a radio promoter, label or publicist offers tickets. You should always expect to cover all bands on the bill. Readers often want to read about the full night of music. In some instances one of the supporting acts may even be who put you on the list.

If an concert or event you are interested in photographing is not being offered to photograph, it is because:

  • We do not have a writer available to write an article to accompany and give context to the photographs.
  • a photographer has already requested or claimed it.
  • KDHX is not playing the artist's music.
  • another station has exclusivity to photograph the show through a sponsorship.
  • It could be an oversite.

You may always request to photograph a concert or event that is not on the list emailed to you.

Guidelines for shooting photos

KDHX takes great pride in the photographs that we publish at KDHX.org and, while scheduling hundreds of these events each year, is selective about the photos that are chosen and used in publication.

Although photographers are encouraged to be creative and to incorporate their own style, there are a few rules of thumb to take into consideration.

  1. Shoot with good, lens-removable type digital cameras. No point and shoots or cell phones.
  2. Do not use heavy filtering on the photos, i.e., shrink-wrapped, antiquing, postarization, etc.
  3. It is ok to change photos into black and white, crop them, perform color/light balance and corrections, etc.
  4. All rules of good composition and lighting apply.
  5. No watermarks, personal or station related.
  6. Avoid giving away free advertising; i.e., Starbucks cups, soda cans, etc.
Note: Musical equipment is exempt and t-shirts almost impossible to avoid, but be mindful where you can.

Venue tips

KDHX volunteer photographers shoot in all sizes of venues, from tiny clubs like Squaters Cafe and the Focal Point, up to the cavernous spaces of the Fox Theatre and the Scottrade Center. The artists and bands who are featured may be local, regional or a national act.


Credential confirmation

Requests for festivals are usually sent several months in advance and are submitted through a fill-in form on the festival website.

Confirmation response from publicists is often received within a few days. Venues often wait until a few days before the event to issue these credentials, however the Pageant may advise as late as 5 p.m. the day of the event.

As soon as confirmation is received, you will receive an email notification from the photo editor, confirming that you have been granted credentials. Please reply and advise that you have received confirmation. Also, print the email and take it to the show with you, as it may help clear up any potential miscommunications on the night of the show.

Ticketing and Credentials

If there is a box office at the venue, you can usually pick up your tickets and photo pass there right before the show. Other venues will use a guest list, several guest lists as a matter of fact, so make sure that they check the appropriate one. Have your photo ID ready, as it may be required to receive your photo-pass. It is also a good idea yo have your confirmation email available on your phone, if possible in case it is needed. In some cases a number will be provided in the email in the event that there is any problem at the door.

Photo Release Forms

  • If a band requires you to sign a photo release before shooting and you do not agree to its terms, then you should walk away and not go through with the shoot. Walking away is perfectly fine. You are not obligated to sign a release that makes you feel uncomfortable.
  • If you do sign a release, please make sure that KDHX receives a copy. The easiest way to do this is to take a clear, well-lit photo of the release with your phone. If you receive a release prior to the day of the show, then email a copy to photography at kdhx.org.

Shooting the show

With all concerts you will be shooting, please alway only shoot during the first three songs and without a flash or clicks. This is almost always the expectation of the venue and the artist.

Be respectful to your fellow photographers and of the audience around you at all times. This is not just for their benefit, but also for the safety of your equipment!

Lighting

The lighting for shows at larger venues is usually very good, while smaller venues like the Firebird may have very limited lighting options; i.e., all red floods. Be prepared for the possibility of any low level lighting condition, as well as dramatic changes in the color and lighting throughout the performance.

If shooting at a venue with an overabundance of red lights, consider changing your photos into black and white in order to gain better control over the brightness and contrast of the scene.

Lens Suggestions

Lenses that are most suitable for shooting concerts include all types of lenses; from wide angle lenses to your favorite telephoto lens. If you have more than one lens, we recommend taking a couple for obtaining the best range of images. Be advised that many clubs will require an f/1.4 lens in order to capture an acceptable image. Low light is the biggest issue that you will encounter as a concert photographer.


Photo delivery

Choose the photos you would like to submit, zip them into a compressed file and deliver the link to Allison [at] kdhx.org. This can be done with whatever file transfer system you prefer, the link can be provided by email.

The standard number of photos expected are at least 12, more are preferred. If there are multiple bands on the bill, attempt to deliver at least six good photos of each band. There should be more photos of the headliner than of the other acts. When in doubt, send more and leave the editing to the photography editor.

Please clearly label all of the photos with the name of the band shown in the photos, i.e., BruiserQueen01

Publishing

When your photos are received, the photography editor will go to work editing photos and publishing. All of our photos are uploaded and housed on Flickr.

As soon as the photos are published, you will receive notification from the photography editor containing a link for the Flickr gallery.

A link to the photos is then posted on the KDHX Twitter account, as well as on the Twitter pages of the participating bands. The same is done on our Facebook page. Our Twitter account has 18,000 followers and our Facebook account has 28,000 followers.