How to become a concert photographer - Accreditation

Getting accreditation to photograph a concert is one of the most difficult thing to do when you embark on your journey as a concert photographer. Especially is you are just beginnen, not having build a name for yourself yet.

Here is a rundown on how to get in with your camera.

In today's time it is very hard to get in with your camera. In 99% of the cases you just can't walk into big concerts or festivals with your gear. You'll be lucky if you can get a phone into a concert.

So building up that amazing portfolio and name will have to start at the bottom. Here are a few ways to start:

• Find local small venues and ask if you can come to concerts with your camera.

• Find local bands and ask if they will be okay with you taking photo's at their concert. (They will need to approve that with the venue).

• Find local festivals where it is allowed to bring your camera.

• Go to concerts and festivals without your gear and talk to people. Build a network and ask how to get in, ask other photographers how they get accreditation.

This is where you start.

How do you get to the bigger concerts?

This takes time. It depends on your ability to network, to shoot and to deliver. It also depends on growth, perseverance and proving you are trustworthy.

Here are some methods of getting to bigger concerts:

• Find a small e-magazine for music in your local area and ask if they need a photographer.

• Build a relationship with smaller bands who have the potential to grow.

• Contact music magazines and ask if they would give you a chance.

• Contact bigger venues to see if they need an extra photographer

• Sign up to become a part of the media team of a festival.

This will help you build up your portfolio. The better your portfolio and your work the more chance you have for magazines, bands and venues to notice you.

Things you should not do when wanting accreditation!

Doing things out of desperation is not uncommon but these things you should avoid at all times:

• Trying to sneak in gear. This is the quickest way to get banned or loose your gear.

• Harassing bands and venues for accreditation. You will destroy your reputation before you even start as a concert photographer.

• Gossip. Building your reputation as a trustworthy person is everything. A concert photographer who gossips will not easily be trusted by bands and managers.

• Overpromise. Don't promise things you can't make happen. You can be honest about starting out. You can be honest that it will take a few days for the pictures to be done. But not delivering the promised quality and in the set time frame will destroy your reputation.

Absolute should do's to get accreditation as a concert photographer?

It is easy to focus on the things you shouldn't do to ensure your reputation is strong but here are some things you should always do in order to get accreditation:

• Build network! I keep hammering on this but building connection is the way towards getting accreditation for concerts.

• Be respectful. When approaching bands, managers or venues, stay respectful, even in the face of rejection. Accept the 'no' and try later again. Don't be angry and upset. In most cases it is not personal but giving a ticket to a photographer means one less sale.

• Stay true to yourself. Don't go changing your style just because something is more 'In' at the moment. Bands and venues will see the value in variation.

• Show growth! When ever you get into a concert with your camera, improve your work. There is always something to get better at, do it, show it.

• Be helpful! When at a concert as a visitor and you see the band needs help, offer help. This is how you will build your friendly reputation.

• Don't give up! This is one of the long run. It doesn't happen overnight and you will need to send many mails. But keep going, keep contacting bands, venues and magazines. Keep from stalking but sending our a mail or a message for a handful of concerts per month even if 2 are of the same band is okay. Different venues, different rules.

These are all small ideas and tips on how to become a concert photographer and get accreditation. It can be hard work and frustrating at time but it also can be the greatest job in the world.