‘It’s never about you’: 5 rules for rock photographers

The photo pit is the music photographer’s workplace and gigs are generally what I’d call my office. It occupies that section between the audience and the stage.

To many it’s a dream job to just be able to go to concerts and take photos of musicians, but it’s not called a job if there isn’t any hard work involved.

With anyone now having access to advanced cameras, the photo pit has seemingly become smaller and smaller—making it more and more difficult to shoot.

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I accepted these changes as a challenge for me to do whatever it takes to get the shot.

Still, it shouldn’t be all that hard—if people in the pit were aware of the rules that govern that small space between the audience and the stage.

Here are some I abide by.

1. Give way to those who need it.

Give way to the bouncers. Security is of utmost important in events. No one wants anyone injured, unless you want the event cancelled or the organizer sued and then there are no more events for you to take photos of.

Everyone wants to leave a gig with a memory that they “almost” lived on the edge, and so the bouncer’s duty is to try and rescue fans who may be in trouble by pulling them out of the audience area into the pit. That is another purpose of the barricaded area.

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Security is also the reason some artists don’t allow photographers at all or why you can only shoot for the first three songs (apart from the musician not wanting photographers to shoot them up close).

When you’re done with your shot, give way to other photographers. Try not to hog the space you’re standing in.

If you’re a fan who happen to be allowed in the pit, respect the photographers who are trying to do their job. As much as you want your own set of photos and videos with your 2-megapixel phone camera, it’s selfish to think you’re going to deliver better work than those who actually do it for a living.

2. Try not to hit anybody.

Mind your bag, your movements and your arms and elbows (especially when you shoot vertically) so you don’t hit the person beside you.

Be aware of your surroundings when you back off or move to the side while your eyes are on the viewfinder.

Those carrying backpacks are especially annoying because they underestimate the width of their bags and end up hitting everyone when they turn around.

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Instead of a bulky bag, a belt for lenses or a messenger bag on your side makes it easier for you to grab your gear when you need it.

3. The pit is not your personal party space.

I know the fan in us wants to express our enjoyment because, honestly, the pit has the best view in the house—way better than the most expensive seats. But let’s not forget why were given access to the pit in the first place.

If you do want to drink beer, move to the side. Don’t drink and shoot; you you might spill some on your neighbor’s equipment.

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If you want to smoke, move to the side as well or go to the designated smoking area. Blowing smoke into another photographers face isn’t fun or fair, especially to those who are serious about taking pictures.

Don’t dance. Or, if you want to groove a little, it’s okay. Just don’t jump around screaming excitedly because you’re really going to miss those money shots.

4. Respect the musicians.

You’ve heard of musicians who don’t like photographers, or cameramen in general.

That’s because they haven't had a very good experience with some photographers who don't respect their space, put cameras to their faces or blind them with flash photography.

Photographers have been known to accidentally kick the gear of the musician or, worse, unplug a few wires!

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Trust is essential between a photographer and a musician. If you want to sustain your reputation and in order for you to constantly be able to take photos of the artists you love, you must know your place.

Otherwise, they won’t want you or anyone else to take photos of them, ever.

Or, at least, they’re not going to be friendly with you, which normally happens after run-ins with photographers whose methods are questionable.

5. It’s never about you.

I understand that there’s a coolness factor on being a music photographer. And there’s that high one gets when you’re THAT close to the musicians.

But a music photographer simply provides a service, which is that of a conduit between the fans and the musicians.

There’s that temptation to show off and try to be the star by hovering in the pit talking to friends by the barricade while the show is going on or even taking photos of yourself.

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Your true role is to shoot photos that make those who look at it feel as if they were there.

Yet you have to take that shot as if you weren’t there.

After all, you wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for the musicians. Otherwise, what’s left for you to shoot?