Is there any restrictions of use the professional equipment on the concerts?

Is there any restrictions of use the professional equipment on the concerts?

I'm planning to shoot U2 consert (Paris) with D3, 70-200/2.8, 14-24/2.8...
(In Russia I'd have prblems with security on Zemphira consert.)

I couldn´t get into a steve vai concert with a lumix fz28 I had, so I think it will be simply impossible to go with that equipment.

I had to start smuggling my gear into concerts about 1978, when the rules changed, and it got worse after that. Not to say they aren't right to be protective, and that I wasn't wrong to do it. If France is anything like N. America, and why shouldn't it be, you're extremely naive to think you'll be able to walk into U2 unassailed with that load of gear.

A friend has been successful obtaining press passes to shows and shooting legitimately over the years - he got friendly with a college radio station and shot under their banner. However, that usually means very strict rules, such as the first three songs only and then you are out. Not to mention all the leg work, BS and phone calls required to get through to the proper pass-issuing people in the first place.

My advice would be to just enjoy the show. Even if you get some equipment in under their radar, you'll likely be spotted and ejected. If you don't, then you won't be close enough to the stage to get anything worthwhile.

John

Thanks, John!
I'm naive, because I never been on any serious conserts.
It will be my first time.

Bring an 85mm and keep the camera slung under your coat or behind you and you might just get in. Don't even bother bringing a flash either. A smaller longer focal length lens might get you in and if you have a girlfriend with a large bag you "might" be able to sneak in a monster 70-200, but don't put all of your eggs in one basket. I've gotten into venues with some serious camera gear before and you just have to choose which security line to enter through. I always choose the old guys that seem passive in their searches and have never been kicked out yet and I've photographed plenty. I always make sure to not use a flash though since a speedlight would do nothing but draw attention to yourself. If you get turned down the first attempt, choose an entry point opposite of where you tried before and you might get lucky, but U2? I'll bet their security will frisk you and tell you hell no, but I can't say. Good luck, but I'd choose a smaller lens and try to act like you're not trying to sneak anything by security, they'll catch on to it quick if you act nervous.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/thewenzels/

Thanks for advise, Mayonaka!
I'll try, really.

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Julia Schupak
http://schupak.net

I guess it all depends on whether you are going to the concert to take pictures or listen to music and watch the show... ??

I would not recommend that you potentially spoil the experience of watching the show and listening to the music by trying to "smuggle" in a bunch of gear that might risk you either - not getting in - forcibly ejected - getting your gear pawed by some goon - possibly prosecuted....

Bands these days - big acts like U2 - don't take kindly to psuedo-professional photographers trying to "steal" their image - their image is their livelihood and stealing shots during a concert is akin to you stealing someone's images of their website... Sure it's possible - but that doesn't make it right...

Sorry if this all sounds a little righteous to you but you should decide if you are a concert goer or someone who is looking to impress their friends by showing off your stealthy pictures of U2 - then again perhaps I'm just being a Devil's Advocate

Frankly, I suggest you leave the gear at home and go and enjoy the concert - after all that is all you are paying for when you buy the ticket...

I just don't get the whole "I am traveling 1,000s of kms to see one of my all time favorite bands but I'm willing to risk my enjoyment ( and maybe that of your friends or family that are attending with you ) because I want to take a few shots with my pro gear in the dark".... ????????

If the pictures are worth the potential risk to you then buy or borrow yourself a decent smaller P&S digital that has a 1000 x zoom and snap a few shots with it.....

This isn't like being challenged by a security guard on a public street for taking a few shots of a building he works in - when you enter the concert with restricted ( and purposely hidden ) photo equipment you have already broken the rules - taking shots is strike two - - resist a bit when you ARE confronted and you'll get what you got coming.. Then you'll have a REAL story to tell us when the smoke blows over...

When I am driving I tend to miss a lot of the scenery so I am always envious of my passengers - - When I work an event as a Professional I also tend to not absorb much of the experience of the music or performance either...

If I had to shoot while concealing my camera and always be on the lookout for security or whether the guy standing next to you gets pissedoff and turns you in - I don't think that would be fun AT ALL...

Good luck in whatever you decide to do...

Cheers...

You will almost certainly be rejected at the gate.

Julia Schupak said:

Is there any restrictions of use the professional equipment on the
concerts?

I'm planning to shoot U2 consert (Paris) with D3, 70-200/2.8,
14-24/2.8...
(In Russia I'd have prblems with security on Zemphira consert.)

Click to expand...

nachos said:

You will almost certainly be rejected at the gate.

Click to expand...

sad but true. shooting concerts (with pro gear) without accreditation has become really difficult, not to say impossible. at least in germany. recently I asked for permission in advance for our local annual international music festival I attended since 32 years. was rejected! and no chance to get in with pro gear. security stuff is strict and stupid. but the most annoying in this case: they use my photos on their website without any permission, even not crediting me. clear copyright infringement. invoice is on its way...

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regards
michael

sorry for bad english
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91624034@N00
http://miclart.deviantart.com/gallery/

your not as good as your gear makes you...
your gear is as good as you make it.

There's also the matter of other people who pay for seats near you. I would be extremely upset if I paid for expensive tickets and someone near me was snapping away with a load of gear. Since you are in the Nikon forum I'll assume you have a Nikon - great cameras; but not known for their stealthiness.

Concert security is charged with, among other things, keeping an eye out for people who are spoiling the experience for others. Iit sounds to me like you are headed in that direction.

Seriously - you are going to be in one seat - you can't move around like a professional photographer so any decent images you might get depend entirely on serendipity. At the end of the day you will spoil the concert for yourself, others and likely have some well below average images.

Also - there is the risk they will confiscate your memory cards or gear - read the back of the ticket.

And finally - the most depressing fact, there will be people in front getting better shots with their cell phones!

Des

read the rules of the venue; most prohibit photography for any creative performances.

thanks a lot for comments,

I could not even think, than making picture for miself (not for sale) may be illegall!
Perhaps, I'll leave my gear at home.
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Julia Schupak
http://schupak.net