Wake up call: Make concerts open to all photographers

Wow! By the looks of my stats, tons of people have been coming over here for a look. Eisley shows are awesome for traffic. I hope some of you will stick around.

I enjoyed the access I was given at Brewtones, which allowed me to get some really cool shots. Also, they allowed other concert-goers to bring their professional DSLRs, which I’m sure resulted in plenty of other cool shots. Still cooling down from the fun day and the hours of editing from that show, I viewed the much ballyhooed iPhone 3G S upgrade announcements through that lens (so to speak).

The camera is 3 megapixels, and features autofocus and other new options, including 30 frames per second video capture. While none of these are professional DSLR specs, I suspect a good eye could nab a couple of great shots along the way. (Chase Jarvis, anyone?)

Even after the iPhone was first released, I saw people at concerts snapping shots. While most of these will be for posterity, the iPhone is not alone in joining a number of ever-improving point-and-shoot cameras that get almost no attention from concert security or heavy handed tour managers. Meanwhile, those who can snap great images with serious cameras are locked out, unless they have special access.

This all makes me feel a bit miffed about oppressive and archaic anti-photography rules at concerts. And before I go too far, I stand firmly with anti-flash rules: Most flashes can’t even reach the stage, and could screw up professionally produced light shows at bigger venues. Even if the performers aren’t blinded (the stage lights usually do that for you), the pictures will generally look bad.

However, I still can’t grasp why a venue wouldn’t want as many beautiful and well-shot photos as possible. I’ve heard a few reasons, like branding — which holds very little water with me — but nothing very convincing. How many venues sell images of shows they hold?

And if any band thinks they can control their image by controlling visual representations: Wake up! It’s 2009, and if you think you can shut that out, you are sadly mistaken. Moreover, you will trap yourself with awful point-and-shoot images from tiny cameras that people sneak in. I can’t see that possibly helping your brand.

However, I do see one possible good excuse for barring pro cameras: Everyone is getting them. I don’t want to imagine how much more insufferable the front row could be with hordes of DSLR-toting hipsters. I already hate being up front enough as it is. (I’m talking to you, 6′ 5″ kid with bad hair who stands in front of me in seemingly every city.)

But I do think there is a way to solve that situation, through means such as developing an etiquette, or maybe even having special photo passes available to purchase.

I don’t think I’m a know-it-all on this topic, but I do have some experience in dealing with this as a photographer, and even from the bands’ perspectives. I definitely want to hear what you think about this!

Regardless, I think the advancing quality of cameras and the advent of the über-connected modern age of media should be noted by the concert industry, who should progress accordingly. But judging by the rest of the music industry, I am not going to be holding my breath.