>>3341825Congrats again! Look forward to seeing your work.
>>3341811There's no reason to "get with the times" The 3 song rule is there for multiple reasons. Look it up.
People are never going to get as good as a shot with the newest of phones as you will.
As far as the Media Pass goes. The band (If a headliner) Usually has overall say who can bring what gear because they are the ones being paid to play. Lens size is a stupid rule, I agree on that one. You should have gotten there with the band, then there wouldn't have been an issue.
However... The stage manager has the overall say and has the security detail to enforce it. It is their stage and their rules. Regardless of the band paying you. The band should be made aware (and probably was) of the rules of the stage. And, If all your interested in is close ups from the pit then you aren't really doing the band justice to begin with.
In my decades of shooting concerts I've seen a lot happen. I have shot everything from stadiums to small nightclubs.
Recently, the larger shows and multi-day festivals there is usually a security briefing earlier on in the day. (Sometimes as early as 9 or 10AM when the headliner doesn't go on until 9PM that night.)
Everyone meets, the rules are gone over, and I try to get a good look at everyone's face and at least let them have a good look at me so they'll know who I am later on. I make sure to introduce myself to the stage manager or assistant and the head of security.
Over the years I've had stage personnel and even major performers recognize me and that goes a long way. It's called being a professional and with that comes a level of trust between the artist and photographer.
Once that trust has been established they will literally give you the shots you like.
So instead of whining about the rules play by them and you'll get a lot further and get better shots too.
