Paloma Faith, Apollo Manchester

[John]

More images on Facebook, but it was interesting that Paloma encouraged people to take photos via Facebook. Security took no notice of anyone shooting images, so what a nice change that was. My set was from the pentax Q with 5-15mm lens, not quite long enough really, but it sets the scene.

049 Paloma 800px.jpg (196.09 KiB) Viewed 4197 times

[PhilipHowe]

Tried to get a photo pass for this event. Togs were allowed 2 songs only (normally 3) and were then kicked out (they are usually allowed to stay for a while longer to write reviews etc).

She's definatley an artist that doesn't suit black and white photography and she's a cracking performer.

Good photo John, you covered the whole stage.

[kevinlowe]

I had wondered about this aspect of gig photography, Philip. So if you get a photography pass you get in to take your photos and then get kicked out, but you don't have to get a ticket? I'd love to give it a go but I assume the demand for passes at venues like this would mean you'd need a bit of a track record to even make them consider you?

It does seem that more and more artists are encouraging photography in the crowd, I know in the run up to his new album Adam Ant was regularly posting photos by crowd members on his facebook page. I suppose as cameraphones get higher quality and more inconspicuous by the day, the artist is trying their hardest to gain something for themselves from this.

[PhilipHowe]

Most agents need a publication reference. I was emailed and asked if I would like a photo pass for Girls Aloud at the MEN this year, as I'd asked about another artiste they represent. They asked if I'd like the pass and what multinational press association publication they would be printed in.

Most bands you get 3 songs and that's it. It used tro be because they'd do three songs, have a bit of a chat to the audience while you wandered out of the way. That way, you wouldn't spoil any visual surprises later in the set. I photographed the fall last year and that was three songs. The guy has epilepsy, but I wouldn't really use flash anyway.

A few just let you in, some don't reply and most bands love it, particularly the rock cover band scene. They encourage cameras, phones and facebook etc as it publicises them. What they also know is that you are not going to make money with a photo from your smartphone, unless you get to catch a wardrobe malfunction, that is.

If you want to get experience on band photography, go and befriend a local band.

I would love a photoshoot with Paloma Faith though, everything about her says 'photograph me', she really is a chorus girl.