How to Get a Photo Pass for Concerts & Sporting Events!

[@alwayscreatingio]

*Please share this video if you have a friend who'd benefit from this. When I first started out in concert photography last year I made a lot of mistakes and wasted a lot of time. I made this video so you wouldn't have to.* 1. Build a portfolio Before you even try sending out e-mails and reaching out to people, you must first have work to show for. This is especially true if you are a freelance photographer and don't have a company to back you. The best way to do this without spending money to get into events is to shoot public/free events, festivals, and college/university-run events because they are the easiest to get into. 2. Find a media outlet/promotion company to work for As I mentioned before, it is very hard to get into events as a freelance photographer especially if you don't know anyone and don't have the connections. When you have a media outlet backing you and reaching out to artists and promotion companies on your behalf, it makes it a lot of easier for you. Media outlets get access to almost every event, so my biggest advice is to get into contact with a media company. The same thing goes with working for a promotion company (ex. LiveNation), although they don't get access to every event, only the events they promote. Media outlets are publications such as magazines, blogs, and radio stations. Often times the most reputable and respected media outlets get access to events, not necessarily the biggest one. Promotion companies are the people that put together the event, decide what media has access to the events, and promotes the event. Smaller promotion companies will be matched with smaller artists, bigger promotion companies will be matched with bigger artists. If you find a way to make a connection with a promotion company that would be ideal because you'll have a guaranteed chance of getting into an event, whereas working for a media outlet is not guaranteed. 3. Wait for a response It took me a lot of time to get to this point. A lot of reaching out to people, literally sending out hundreds of emails a week. I've probably only gotten 5-10 responses to this day. Go out there and apply to media passes to festivals, and reach out to people even if you're unsure if you can get in or not. Soon enough you'll know enough people to the point you won't need to reach out to people; that's what is happening to me. Why are the media passes given to media outlets? - The photos taken are usually published in their magazine, blog, or whatever the case is and provides good press (benefit for artists) - The benefit for the media outlets are they have relevant content to post If you are working for a media outlet you are only able to shoot the first 3 songs (most of the time) with no flash from the photo pit. - Allows you to capture enough content - Allows the personal photographers/videographers to have more exclusive shots - People directly working with the artist have all-access (they can shoot from ANYWHERE) Things to keep in mind: - Not every media outlet will get access to an event - Most media outlets will only be able to get 1 or 2 media passes - Only legitimate media outlets get these passes; being an influencer or owning a big Instagram account doesn’t count - If you do find a media outlet to work for, it will usually be for free - You will also be notified on very short notice; sometimes the morning before the show.

[@nivijr3343]

Thanks a lot Steven 😊

[@alwayscreatingio]

NiviJr33 no problem!

[@hayaaref7116]

Thank you for this, very helpful

[@KayLats88]

Hi Steven, Thanks for very informative video. Would you mind telling me what lens do you use to shoot concerts?

[@dominiqueleblanc2193]

Great tips! Do you think having a IIAP press card could also help?

[@micotoronto]

"shoot your favorite artists" woah there buddy

[@alwayscreatingio]

haha

[@GliTchz]

MICO 😂😂

[@TrashDaddy1]

MICO **JOHN LENNON DISLIKED THAT**

[@TrashDaddy1]

MICO **SELINA HATED THAT**

[@72jefr]

Poor Tupac

[@kirandesai5165]

The reason you are not allowed to use flash when in the photo pit is because it is distracting to the performer(s). Quick, powerful, and bright flashes from a camera are very different from a consistent, weak phone light.

[@alwayscreatingio]

that's probably it

[@Monomonmamon]

as a photojournalist on my college campus, using camera flash/external flash is something you'll probably regret doing, aside from distracting what is happening, it can give you that bad impression from other people lmao in this case, use a really fast lens instead of just bump the iso, or buy a cyberarm and shoot a steady long shutter speed

[@vincedelapena]

First reason is artist safety. If an artist is walking on the stage in the dark and you flash him in the eyes with your powerful speedlite, you are going temporarily disorient him. His night vision will be compromised until his pupils can readjust to the darkness. He may not be able to see the edges of the stage or the other musicians around him for a few seconds.

[@jirky015]

Another tip is to send your media requests to the PR person at the venue. If you shoot at the same venues you get to know the PR person and they get to know you. It doesn't always guarantee you'll get approved because ultimately it depends on the artist, but at least the person knows who are. As far as getting tickets, a majority of the time if I shot a show, I got a ticket because I was also reviewing the show (and I got some really good seats sometimes). So when you put in your request to photograph also ask for a ticket. I've never been paid for a show, but it made up with the access to photograph and the free tickets.

[@marvinleephotos2437]

Getting a free ticket with a photo pass depends on the venue rules, fire code capacity, remaining ticket availability, and last but not least the discretion of the artist’s management. Also, contacting band management directly requires a portfolio and easier to be approved if your images are for the artists and their publicists. If you are contacting either the publicist or management representing media, the sponsoring editor should request on your behalf if you are a freelancer unless the editor asks that you request yourself. Music Portfolio tip: take photos of your family or friends who are in local bands to build your portfolio and gain experience in low light situations (even if it is for free).

[@salatkiel]

Us: Steven, how do you get a media pass? Steven: Work in the media. Us: **open mouth pikachu**

[@alwayscreatingio]

Luis Ramos 😂😂😂

[@starylize]

i’m so happy that i work for a pop culture show at my college’s radio station because i can cover shows easier :)

[@alwayscreatingio]

schools are always a good way in!

[@Danny_Lion]

Mans blessing us with the deets🙌🏻

[@alwayscreatingio]

bydannylee 🙏

[@guill1234downey]

Good job kid! You are proactive and that's how you get it done!

[@joshuamendoza4745]

You could have just said, "network."

[@alliebercikk]

You live in such a hype area for concerts and stuff. Edmonton, AB is lowkey cheeks.

[@alwayscreatingio]

at least it's something. a lot of cities in Canada don't even get some shows. smaller/mid-tier artists are actually more likely to stop by Edmonton than Toronto because they can sell out those venues.

[@hazelbae5691]

Lol mood when your thrown off by the centering. Thanks for the vid

[@MRCALIEMS]

How to get passes *kno someone that’s plugged. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@sherrelljohnson6893]

Lol

[@AustinAmpeloquio]

That’s life my guy. It’s all about networking.

[@shehs]

Or just be there day ones

[@MRCALIEMS]

@@shehs this worked for me . I shot for openers and when back stage plugged myself👌🏽

[@subtojasjeong2853]

Just the video I needed! Great video Steven, this will help me out a lot!

[@alwayscreatingio]

happy to help!

[@EMAZINGERIK]

This is definitely something I can use, thanks Steven!

[@alwayscreatingio]

EmazingErik no problem!

[@rajsuthangopinath8777]

Nice video man. Hat's off. Very useful

[@alwayscreatingio]

thank you!!

[@dean10956]

Manzz sent me from his interview with you. Nice video!

[@alwayscreatingio]

thank you!

[@Mike_Mandigo]

flashes will interfere with recording video. It casts horizontal lines across the screen for a flash of a second

[@BosephJonesMan]

Hopefully, when all this is over i can apply some of these techniques!

[@alwayscreatingio]

yea, i miss going to these events :/

[@ankitkumarsingh9815]

Nice video brother.. love from India and I pray for you that you achieve great success on youtube as I can see you working really hard .

[@alwayscreatingio]

appreciate the support!

[@ankitkumarsingh9815]

@@alwayscreatingio will always do!

[@airsoftmaster40]

usually our flashes are more powerful then a phone flash. so that could be why they wont let us use them

[@isaiahmoran]

How would you suggest we go about emailing or contacting a media outlet? Like how would you format the email or what questions should I ask

[@alwayscreatingio]

Will be releasing a sample email soon! Will probably post it on my website / social media when it's up.

[@isaiahmoran]

Steven Van thanks!!

[@pelokay1]

Steven Van release the format yet?

[@jimbooo5713]

isaiah moran Hi, I'm a contributing photographer to [Publication]. We'd love to cover [Artist's] show at [Venue] in [City, State] on [Date]. My assigning editor is CC'd. Is it possible to set a ticket and photo credentials for this show? Thanks,

[@maksimfilms4673]

Steven Van did jay sky let you into post Malone’s concert?

[@brotheroff9393]

Great video man, very helpful!

[@alwayscreatingio]

thanks!

[@pentleyholmes]

You cant use flash because its blinding and the performer cant predict when you are going to do it and it could potentially be dangerous.

[@smitmachhi1111]

I know How you got lucky.......By working Hard✌️Respect bro.

[@alwayscreatingio]

Smit Machhi thank you man

[@markmunyui]

“It’s cheesing me” 😂 only time I’ve heard someone say that was that girl in the beginning of “How Bout Now” - drake

[@alwayscreatingio]

IG: baltimark 😂😂😂

[@lonelypigeon7562]

I can tell you a few things.....first, true story. Few weeks ago there was a crime spree in my hometown and the cops were chasing these punks who were driving a stolen car. They ended up ditching the car in a stream bed but the cops did fire their weapons, killing one juvenile. I heard this pursuit on my scanner and went to the scene to get shots for the paper I shoot for. While shooting, a network cameraman was upset and told me that he saw a freelancer going beyond the "taped off area" to get his still shots of the suspects being led into custody. I told him if it was a guy named -- and he then remembered and said "yeah....it did look like him". The police, Fire and EMTs and detectives were at the scene...but nobody told that dude to scram! the next day, his images of the suspects were "plastered" on the local section of the paper. Right after this crime scene, our local Fire Dept goes silent.....my scanner is working but no dispatches. I honestly feel that because of his presence there, soon....the police, fire, emt and probably civil defense will no longer be accessible to listen on scanners. SECOND, I also work for a motorsports newspaper thats online for now. I attended the SEMA Show in Vegas for the past 4 years. This last show, my photog partner didnt go so I asked him why he decided not to go. He said that the media relations folks who issue credentials for media and video, were getting particular and now, wanted to see physical proof of media source and how immediately will the years coverage will be posted up. So knowing the situation at hand.....I decided to not attend SEMA any more UNLESS my current full time job asks me to cover SEMA a little.

[@kmdrzt5674]

Thank you sooooooo much for the info broooooo, much love from Philippines

[@alwayscreatingio]

no problem!

[@GleezoVision]

few questions..if ok.. 1. For the festivals..were you just able to take your dslr/mirriorless in? I thought most festivals were against that? 2. Do you have any samples of wording or verbiage we should use when reaching out to media outlets/universities? Thank you in advance..this whole video was very helpful.

[@jahz4058]

The amount of time he says he “shot an artist” thank god we talking about photos😭

[@HustleNArt]

thanks for the video bro

[@bybay]

Big thanks for making video 🙏🏼 It’s helped a lot but I just have one question. How do you go about contacting these media outlets and publications in your email? Do you essentially just ask ask to provide coverage and give a link to your portfolio? Even then, when can you expect an answer and what could a response look like?

[@pablosimancas8256]

^^

[@KandidVision]

Thanks for the video :) Trying to be like you one day, glad to have been able to meet you at Frosted

[@GuntherSnaps]

i sound like a grandpa but i've never heard of any of these artists lol If you lookup Wheelers Weekend Jams, I ran that with my buddy, We shot Riot Fest, Warped Tour and some other events. We would just email the bands manager and have luck every time. I've shot over 140 bands. What I did is just build a website and host my pictures. IF you are good they see your shots and want you to show up and get them shots!

[@hardhian]

I’m your #1 fan wallahi

[@alwayscreatingio]

love you bro

[@giovanniganzitti4117]

Trying this next week in Milan for Kanye

[@MichaelVNguyen]

Thank you Steven!!

[@alwayscreatingio]

no problem!

[@bobbydominic-giordano1713]

How did you get the Raptors Pass? I'm an up and coming editor/videographer and sports videography is my area of work and would like to move from filming High School to College to eventually Professional.

[@samuelgraves3126]

Well rest in piece to this video

[@alwayscreatingio]

😂

[@siliconechef4970]

The off center vid is art my friend >;-)

[@alwayscreatingio]

😂😂

[@umran89]

very informative. Can you also do one talking about pricing for such events?

[@nitelillie]

You basically said contact a big media company or get lucky correct?

[@hayaaref7116]

Great video thank you so much. Also can you please list in your opinion which are the best media outlets and publications to contact in the UK or anywhere for a beginner please. Thank you

[@dropemoff_ant]

Can you make a video of what media outlet you worked for

[@alfviktor.101]

Dope video, super helpful

[@alwayscreatingio]

thank you :)

[@LosFoodiesMagazine]

Los Foodies Magazine is a “media outlet” yay. Too bad we only cover food. Maybe we can target food events. Not really interested in concerts anyway.

[@ahojordan5046]

How much did it cost to work your way up with this type of work?

[@KoolCreation]

Great info

[@alwayscreatingio]

Kool.Creation ✌️

[@FathomBeatz]

If I wanted a media pass to the Jordan brand classic or the McDonald’s all American game I use the same steps that you talked about in the video?

[@alwayscreatingio]

yep

[@lonelypigeon7562]

I hate to break your bubble.....but alot of times, the media relations/pr firms ask you WHO YOU ARE SHOOTING FOR. they won't allow a casual joe to get credentials and shoot. Remember the US Capitol riot? alot of "BS" journalist-wannabes raided alongside rioters and LEGIT staffers from NY Times, AP and Reuters.

[@wiz018]

damn how do you have so many connections haha!!

[@alwayscreatingio]

Aime Ayala comes from my management team but also by just meeting people at the shows and events

[@briant.3001]

I have a question, for sporting events you can only have a certain type of lens (as a customer) with a media pass is it different? Do they let you have a bigger lens since you are shooting media

[@ZDoreTyr]

Can you update this for 2023

[@SkyToddler]

best concert lens vid please

[@alwayscreatingio]

video coming soon!

[@joshuabeckett7356]

Oh yeah yeah

[@BlackScubaBear]

How can i see a letter that you have sent to these companies. I want to get a pass for sport photography boxing

[@channettecarleo1893]

can you make a video about to media outlets, what do you say?

[@tsewkeelem2427]

Thanks bro

[@alwayscreatingio]

Tsew Keelem no problem :)

[@allornothingsc]

Did you get paid or did you shoot for free?

[@kingwrister]

I would recommend you to change the title of the vid to just concerts, Im pretty sure much of this info doesn't apply for sports

[@r3gor197]

Very nice video my man used to follow since the tuturials

[@alwayscreatingio]

R3GOR thank you! I appreciate the support 🙏

[@BlackDynamiteFilms]

Any plans for rolling loud this year?

[@alwayscreatingio]

50% chance I shoot it

[@soulologystudios7397]

If a event is happening where can I find the media outlet ?

[@Jonathan-zo2kp]

where do you go to find the media outlets

[@alwayscreatingio]

google

[@lawreen_chimmy9543]

Have you ever been to any BTS concert? Just curious?

[@alwayscreatingio]

No, but I wanna photograph them when they come to Toronto this year

[@legendsofny]

So how do you maje money with these photos

[@RiaLunnPhotography]

the no flash would be because of the venues cctv

[@ChaseFaneto]

My sister is actually performing at rolling loud this year, do you think she can get me 2 artist passes?

[@lovelyvictoria267]

What’s her name? Do they bring their own stage production? I really want to work for rolling loud this year. With the sound and just helping out overall.

[@mugslime]

how do you focus on silhouette figures?

[@2flydash]

what exactly do you say in the emails? I always have trouble forming a message because I don't want it to be too long. Any advice is appreciated

[@alwayscreatingio]

Literally just, “Hey, I’m inquiring about getting a media pass for ___ on ___ at ___. Let me know if this is possible” + link your work.

[@2flydash]

@@alwayscreatingio cool thanks!

[@umrs]

Nice!

[@alwayscreatingio]

thank you!

[@bybay]

As a freelance photographer do I simply email these media companies my concert portfolio and offer to provide coverage for them and hope that they respond?

[@ryan__dcosta]

any luck lol?

[@bybay]

hell nah lol. @@ryan__dcosta

[@liamg516]

What are the best lenses you would recommend for concert phitos

[@definesolo9903]

It’s asking me for pre coverage and stuff what do I reply for this

[@robertoarosio5495]

Hy Steven thanks for this video. Could you solve me a doubt? When yo shoot, mostly free, at the beginning for a media outlet or because you apply for a festival and they allow yo (I guess promising them the photos if not applying through a media outlet, well...can you then upload the photos on your personal blog in a specific entry? I saw in your video that you upload photos in your instagram but not sure under what conditions. I guess depends too wether if you are paid or not! Thanks.

[@hads404]

Generally you still hold the rights to use the media wherever unless told otherwise.

[@SwavyDavid]

Facts 🎬🙏🏽💯💯

[@jasoncharleslucero9991]

Did you get paid for any of this work?

[@georgebuford1711]

How old you gotta be to do this

[@alwayscreatingio]

i’m 17, got my first pass at 15

[@celticscenter_1880]

Hey how should I format the email

[@jaime874]

What do you shoot with?

[@alwayscreatingio]

Jaime sony a6300. my full gear list: steven-van.com/gear

[@EMAZINGERIK]

Steven can you hook me up to shoot at Tori Kelly's concert on March 9 in Las Vegas? Haha not too sure who to contact for these passes 😭

[@blackboy526]

Travis scott. Travis scott. Travis scott

[@alwayscreatingio]

lol

[@freshflickz]

How to Get a Photo Pass for Concerts & Sporting Events! can give us a 2023 update things changed its hard to get the passes now

[@terminux630]

do you have discord or somethng?

[@alwayscreatingio]

yes in the description of the video

[@terminux630]

@@alwayscreatingio The Link Has Expired

[@UnknownCallerProductions]

flash risks taking the artists composure and can also draw too much attention to the photographers instead of the artists

[@alwayscreatingio]

yea but everyone in the front is taking pictures with flash anyways

[@jaypuri6177]

would you make 1 for me?

[@magicgordo4878]

What this dude is missing is that there are levels of access. In the door is just one level. What he has are not really Press Passes. Dude is a groupie.. Love the totems. OG stuff.. "Ya can't eat trophies."

[@alwayscreatingio]

i indeed have press passes lol

[@magicgordo4878]

Back stage passes are part of the schtick. For the cost of printing the publicists get coverage for acts they are promoting. The "journalists" get plastic trophies. The next trend might be first amendment auditing of rock groups. No passes needed.

[@sankalpswami7517]

Steven Make Thumbnail Tutorial 2019

[@alwayscreatingio]

coming soon

[@Mike-jx2uj]

Having a shit loads of followers helps lol

[@alwayscreatingio]

Yea but also just good work to show for

[@Mike-jx2uj]

I agree ☝️

[@claudianreyn4529]

All I understand from this is, if you want to earn from this, better try do something else. There is no money in it.

[@clicktaofficial]

Yoooo Steven has a good word right here. Although it can be a bit confusing the main point is. NETWORK. take risks. try new things. never stop practicing. There is no one way to do this. Send emails, talk to people when you ATTEND concerts who look important, and have fun with it. Rejection happens, so don't be surprised haha