The illusive and much sought after golden ticket (aka “press pass”) will get you access to this (sometimes tiny) cordoned off space, dedicated to press photographers. It’s here that a photographer can enjoy the room to move around during their allotted times. Most promoters/venues across the world allow the photographers to be in here during the first three songs. Beyoncé once allowed us in for just 60 seconds, but that’s a story for another day! During your three songs you feel the rush of adrenaline and your fingers push and pull your exposure dials quicker than your camera’s FPS. It’s a fun place but can be quite daunting and stressful too. Here’s some general rules for photographing in a photographer’s pit. These etiquette tips are broad enough to be applied to all pits, regardless of size and music genre.
No, No, No
No tripods. Seriously. I can’t believe I have to say this. It’s obvious. Pits are small and we’re only in there for a short time. Photographers need to run around, sometimes the musicians hop in too. Get mobile or get kicked out.
No monopods either. If you need a tripod or monopod for your exposure, then you need to go back and learn how to shoot properly.
No flashes. This is actually a big ‘no no’. The band doesn’t want ten flashing photographers blinding them for three songs. So just don’t do it. The only time I would break this rule is if I’m hired by the band themselves and they’re expecting me to flash. I’d still only do it sparingly and only when I have the pit to myself.
Ninja Skills
Nobody is there to see you, trust me. In small venues, it’s polite to be discreet and allow the paying customers to enjoy the show without distraction. Crouch down in the aisles when you’re moving around the venue if it’s seated. Apologize to the fans when you’ve no choice but to block their view and always tell them it’s only for three songs and that you’ll be gone very soon. If a band grants me stage access, out of respect to their fans (and them), I will always wear black. I’m well aware that I’m not the main attraction!
No Shadowing. No Camping
The pit can be small, grab your shot and then move over to allow someone else in. Don’t camp out in the same spot, hogging it for the entire show. On another note, don’t just copy what another photographer is doing. I had a guy who used to follow every move I made in every pit, frame for frame, step by step. I could see him out of the corner of my eye waiting for me to move so he could swoop in and grab the same shot. Be original folks, look with your own eyes… or else expect a complete earful from the person you’re shadowing.
Turn Off the Beeps
You know that moment in a small venue, when the entire crowd goes silent? The singer is getting emotional, they pause before the next verse, you could hear a pin drop…but you don’t, you hear a camera beep. AAAAARRRRGGGHHH! There’s nothing worse than hearing a camera beep every few seconds when the musician is in the middle of a really quiet song. Turn off the beeps, you’re embarrassing yourself. If you don’t know when the camera is in focus with your own eyes then go home and practice until you do. The same rule applies to the AF illumination assist beams. They may be helping you but they’re ruining everyone else’s shot. Switch to MF if you just can’t deal with it.
No Pints in the Pit
Apparently this rule is pretty standard in all countries as it breaks health and safety regulations. It also present a very real hazard to lots of expensive camera equipment. Save it for the fourth song guys!
Don’t Be a Pit Snob
There’s a lot of blogs and posts popping up these days ‘pit shaming’ other photographers. OK, so shooting on an entry level SLR or something more compact might not scream ‘professional music photographer’ but that person has gotten a photo pass; you should respect it. Some of the most amazing photographers out there shoot on various different cameras. You can’t see their end results when you’re standing beside them so don’t just assume they’re amateurs and any less deserving of pit space. I’ll always remind people that I shot my first International magazine cover on an entry level SLR and kit lens. It’s not about the kit you have but how you use it.
Sometimes you will catch a sneaky PR intern or an “I’m with the band” hanger-on in the pit. They’ll likely be there with their iPhone, taking selfies and generally having a great time. If they’re a nuisance or in the way, politely mention it to them, or say it to a security guard. Every time I’ve done this they’ve been apologetic and moved aside. There’s never much of a need to be grumpy about these things.
Waving in the Air Like You Just Don’t Care
Arms down by your side please. Don’t stick your camera in the air in front of the singer so it ruins everyone else’s chance of a good shot. If you need to get closer then buy a longer lens. If you’ve turned up to a massive pit with only a fish eye, that’s your fault. Don’t punish everyone else. I’m pretty sure the singer is really sick of your camera blocking their view all night too!
Take a Load Off
Drop the backpack. We don’t need to be squeezing past you and your extra padding, it’s tight enough in the pit. But for the love of all things musical DON’T put it where others will trip over it. You’d think this is all pretty obvious but I always see rookie photographers with their giant backpacks in the pit… looking like they’re on their way for their first day of school. Also on this point, don’t leave your lenses on stage as they get in the way of everyone else having a clean wide shot. Although it would make for a fairly hilarious photograph when the singer kicks it off.
Black Eyed Pits
Look before you step backwards. A quick glance over your shoulder will stop a domino effect of four shooting photographers falling to the floor and a massive lens repair bill. Photographers not showing consideration for other people’s location is the biggest cause of pit shiners -I speak from very sore experiences! If you’re lucky enough to have height on your side then consider allowing the shorter photographers to stand in front. It literally won’t affect you in the slightest as you can shoot clearly over their heads. Short photographers, however, can’t shoot through you!
Enjoy the Show
We’re not in this for the money or the fame, that’s for sure. The majority of us are in this business because we love live music. So it’s really important that you enjoy the show. I’m not talking about moshing away in the pit (you’ll soon see where that gets you) but if it’s a band that you really love then ask the promotor if you canstay and watch the show after your three songs. Most will allow you, but you may have to check your camera in the cloakroom. But, hey, at least you won’t have to worry about it breaking in that mosh pit you’re starting!
