Talk:Venue tips for photographers

Overview

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.

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.

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.

Assignment Confirmation

Confirmation of credentials for Pageant shows often happen very late. In a best-case scenario, you will not know the status of your photo-pass request until a day or two before the show, and in many cases not until the day of the show.

As soon as it is received, you will receive an email notification from Val at KDHX, confirming that you have been granted credentials. Please reply and advise that you have received confirmation. Print the email and take it to the show with you, this will help clear up any potential miscommunication on the night of the show.

Obtaining Press Passes

In 2014 the Pageant put some new rules into place;

- No more than five photo passes will be issued for any given show, and only one of those will be issued to a radio station.

- If a radio station is "welcoming" a show, (i.e., "88.1 KDHX presents" or "KSHE presents,") then the Pageant's press manager will work directly with that station, and will give preference over other stations wishing to cover the event.

- If no radio station is welcoming the show, then requests still have to go through the band's publicist.

KDHX welcomes a lot of shows to the Pageant, and getting access to those should be easier to obtain than other shows.

Ticketing and Credentials

There is a box office next to the venue, visibly labeled, where you will go to pick up your press pass. Have your photo ID ready, as it is required to receive your photo-pass.

You can enter through the General Admission line at the venue, or through the entry way to the Halo Bar. Be prepared for the security staff to check your camera bag before entering the show.

The Pageant has advised that no +1's will be given, unless the event is a "KDHX Welcomes."

Photo Release Forms

• If a band requires you to sign a photo release before shooting, then you must sign the release. If you do not agree to its terms, then you should walk away and not shoot the show. Walking away is perfectly fine, and you are not obligated to sign a release that makes you feel uncomfortable.

• If you do sign a release, you must make sure that KDHX receives a copy. The easiest way to do this is to take a clear well-lit photo with your phone of the signed release. If you receive a release prior to the day of the show, then email a copy to photography at kdhx.org.

Shooting the Show

There is usually a photo pit in front of the stage, which is most often barricaded from the front row of the crowd; you can enter the pit from either side of the stage.

Occasionally there will be a different setup for the show, based on the artist’s requirements. For example, the show may not have a pit, which would require you to stake out a spot close to the stage. Or the show may be seated, with photographer access allowed only from certain areas.

Be respectful to your fellow photographers, as well as to those in the first few rows of the crowd. Try not to shoot the show from the same spot; basically, give others a chance to shoot from your initial location.

These standard/expected rules generally apply to the headlining and all supporting acts; however, you should always be confirmed at the box office when obtaining your pass:

1. Shooting is limited to the first 3 songs
2. Do NOT use a flash while shooting
3. Be prepared for alternate instructions when entering the pit; if this occurs, be courteous to the venue staff who may be offering you unexpected parameters.
   

Important: The Pageant does not allow shooting from outside of the photo pit at any time. They have made it clear that they will eject any photographer shooting from outside the pit, and that photographer may be banned from shooting in future at the venue.

Lighting

The lighting for shows is usually very good at the Pageant, in comparison to most other venues. Lighting schemes are professionally done and are usually anticipated to be part of the show. However, expect for there to be a possibility of all lighting conditions, as well as dramatic changes in the lighting throughout the concert.

Lens Suggestions

Lenses that are most suitable for shooting the Pageant include all types of lenses from wide angle lenses to using your favorite telephoto lens (it all depends on the stage set-up). If you have more than one lens, we recommend taking a couple, to help ensure you get the best range of shots.