Getting into the music photography industry, there was nothing more daunting to me than trying to get my first photo pass. What if the press contact ignores me? Or worse — what if they say no? I’ve got bad news and good news for you: 1) they’re both going to happen at some point, that’s just the way it is, and 2) it happens to everyone, don’t worry! There’s one way to minimize your chances of being denied photo passes early on in your career, or technically two, but we’ll get to that later. 

So, what do you have to do? Just shoot shows. 

Seriously, that’s it.

By now you’re probably asking yourself “Okay, how does she expect me to just shoot shows? Don’t I need a photo pass?”, and to that I would say good question, and not always! There’s plenty of opportunities for you to build up your portfolio without photo passes, so that when the time comes, you’ve got some work under your belt. By having a portfolio already filled with photos, you can show that you’ve got the work that proves the skills you claim to have.

“Okay, but how am I supposed to shoot shows if I don’t have a photo pass?” The answer is easier than you think: just branch out! You might be used to seeing bands your favorite local venue with a no-camera policy, but have you researched the ones you don’t frequent as often? Depending on the size of your city, there’s likely a venue or two that has an open camera policy, meaning they allow people to bring in their DSLRs to photograph shows. It’s important to keep in mind that the venue can revoke this privilege at any time, especially if the artist doesn’t want to be photographed, but it never hurts to reach out and ask venues what their camera policies are if you can’t find anything about it online. 

I discovered my favorite venue in Philadelphia simply through researching which ones had open camera policies. I shot my first show at the Voltage Lounge in February of this year, which was also my first time shooting a show ever! I was able to photograph As It Is that night, and Cherry Pools at the same venue the following month. To this day, shooting from the crowd at the Voltage Lounge is something I always look forward to when the opportunity arises.

If your city has a big local music scene, you must look into your local record stores. I had no idea that one of the record stores in my area put on shows, and all it took was me shooting them a message on Facebook for them to tell me I was more than welcome to bring my camera in.

Speaking of the local scene, these bands are an awesome way to get practice as well! Small bands are often in need of photos they can use on their social media platforms, and networking with them can be super valuable. Working with small, local artists can provide you with opportunities down the road, and it’s also cool in general to get in touch with your local scene.

Now, you’re sitting there thinking to yourself, “That’s great and all, but how is this going to help me get a photo pass? Don’t I need to be working for a publication?” I’m not going to sugarcoat it— yeah, you probably will. That’s not to say you must be working on assignment to shoot shows in the photo pit, I’ve met plenty of people in the photo pit who worked independently, but it’s definitely going to increase your odds of getting approved. If you’re a small photographer starting out, having a publication behind you that’s willing to offer the artist some kind of press (such as a gallery or show review) shows press contacts that there’s a benefit to working with you, and there’s also some credibility behind your name. 

Don’t be discouraged by needing a publication. Like, seriously, don’t stress over it. Speaking from my own perspective, I’ve seen online zines popping up constantly all over social media. Many small creators (such as myself) are taking it upon themselves to start volunteer-based publications online, and these publications are an awesome way for you to network and build your portfolio so you can apply for paid photography positions down the road. Plus, with your portfolio already filled with pictures from shows at those venues with open camera policies, you have lots of work ready to be shown to an editor, which will make you stand out from the other applicants.

Now with all of that being said, you can see just how simple it can be to get your start in music photography. Whether you choose to shoot at venues with open camera policies, or jump right in and find a publication, it all boils down to you putting yourself out there. It seems like common sense, but your nerves can get the best of you when you have no idea how to start out. However, building these connections with your local venues and other creators is one of the best things you can do as you grow your career. 

Have you shot your first show yet? What was it like? Let me know in the comments below! While these tips are based on my own experience and how I went about doing things, there’s more than one way to start out, and there’s no one “right” way of doing it. Let me know how you got your footing in this crazy industry, I’d love to know!