Five Steps to Photographing your first Concert.
1: find a media outlet to shoot for, even if it is a small local paper, a weekly, a website, etc...
Offer your services pro-bono if you have to.
2: contact the PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT of the label; tell them that you want to shoot the show for the aforementioned media and that you need a ticket and a photo pass. Ask them what the photo restrictions are. This alone will make you sound like a pro. Do not sell yourself. They don't care who you are as long as you have a media affiliation; unless of course you are a notorious concert shooter know to them.
3: At the venue, you will deal with the PROMOTER who doesn't always like photographers, especially if you're dealing with Clear Channel. Don't take anything personally. Just in case there's a problem at will call, where you would retrieve your pass and ticket, make sure to bring a print out of your e-mail exchange with the publicist. You will need to show this to the TOUR MANAGER. The promoter will have no idea who the publicist is.
4: Most bands in larger venues have a first 3 songs only, no flash rule. If you have a photo pass but no ticket, you will probably get escorted out after. If you have a ticket, you will be asked to secure your gear back in your car or in the security office of the venue. Don't [whine], don't negotiate. That's how it is.
5: make sure to follow up with the PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT after the show once the coverage is out. A thank you note never hurts. They are middle men (and women), and like to feel appreciated. In addition, if you distinguish yourself without kissing too much [tail], they will make it very smooth for you the next time around.
