The stage pit, as any music photographer knows, can often be a very busy, narrow and crowded space. Whether you're squeezed into a tight stage pit in a club or amidst a sea of fellow photographers in a sprawling festival pit, the competition for limited shooting space and optimal angles can be fierce.
In such a setting, a dash of courtesy can work wonders and possessing a firm grasp of the proper etiquette can significantly enhance the experience of capturing concert moments as a music photographer.
This guidance is relevant to music photographers of all levels, serving as a valuable refresher for veteran professionals and an essential guide for those new to the world of music photography. By embracing these etiquette principles, you can move and perform in the stage pit with the professionalism of an experienced pro.
101 stage pit etiquette for music photographers
Respect
The number one rule!
Every action you take in the pit should emanate from a core foundation of respect. It's respect for your fellow photographers, respect for the artists gracing the stage, respect for the passionate fans, and above all, respect for every individual diligently contributing to the success of the event. In this realm, there are no allowances for exceptions!
All fellow photographers with a photo pass possesses the same rights to access the pit and capture their shots, without exception. We share a common goal – to capture extraordinary images. By entering the stage pit with respect at the forefront of your mindset, we can collectively enhance our chances of creating remarkable photographs without any unnecessary drama or conflict.
Outfit
This tip serves as both a courtesy to the artists and a consideration for the fans: Opt for black outfits!
As a photographer, you hold a unique and privileged position at the forefront of the stage. You're often very close to the artists and quite literally stand between the performers and their devoted fans. The choice to wear black it a deliberate step toward minimizing the presence and distractions. Embracing black attire is an integral facet of maintaining a professional appearance as a music photographer.
Pit access
My advice is to go early to the show rather than be late and fight your way through the crowds when the concert venue/festival area is fully packed. Sometimes the photographers are escorted via a side entrance or the backstage area in front of the stage, directly into the pit. There will be a meeting point somewhere, which will usually be announced to you by the people who are also responsible for your accreditation or you will find out from the staff at the entrance. Unfortunately, you don't get into this comfortable position very often as a usual music photographer. Often there is only one solution - to torture yourself through the crowd. This is not always a pleasure, but most of the time there is no other way to get to the front of the stage and into the pit.
When moving through crowds move slowly and plan you path. Avoid moving through areas where there’s much dancing, hopping, head banging going on. Let people know you are there by gently touching them on their shoulder. Be friendly and apologize if you step onto someone’s feet. Never push people aside but wait for gaps to slip through. Carry your camera gear above your head or visibly in front of you. Beware of burning cigarettes, beer cups, blood or vomit.
On the way to the stage or exit, many venues can be quite dark. A proven solution for this scenario is a Mini-Maglite. With this small flashlight you can literally “light the way”. Please avoid to dazzling anyone. The Maglite should be used primarily as a visual aid.
Gear
Exercise vigilance when it comes to your camera equipment and gear while in the bustling stage pit. Understand that it's an environment where equipment can endure some rough handling. Little accident can occur. If you inadvertently bump into someone and their gear, extend a quick apology and continue shooting.
To reduce the likelihood of such incidents, consider keeping your camera straps short, and if you're working with two camera bodies, ensure your second body and lens are snugly secured closer to your torso. Similarly, when navigating through the stage pit, carry your cameras close to your body to minimize the chances of accidental collisions.
3SNF
Flash photography is typically prohibited at most concerts. The standard rule in most venues is “First three songs, no flash!” (3SNF). So an off camera flash has absolutely no place in the pits.
Even if you have it mounted the flash but don't intend to use it, it's probable that you get hassled by security. Besides, having a flash in the stage pit adds an unnecessary obstruction for fellow photographers, hindering their ability to capture shots effectively.
For ensuring a smoother and unobstructed shooting experience for all, please stow away your off-camera flash, while your are in the stage pit.
Backpack
Here's a significant consideration. In a densely packed stage pit, avoid wearing a photo backpack at all costs. Trust me - everyone in that pit will thank you for it! But if you do, I can guarantee that everyone else in the pit will hate you. Stage pits are often already cramped, and having a backpack on significantly hinders movement for everyone, including yourself. It's advisable to stow your backpack at the sides or under the scaffolding of the stage. As a general rule, avoid putting your backpack in any place where it may of being in someone's way.
If you require quick access to lenses while shooting, opt for a belt with lens pouches or, at the very least, a messenger-style bag that can be worn on your side or front. This way, you can minimize your footprint in the stage pit while ensuring you have the gear you need at your fingertips.
Oneself noticeable
A small gesture of courtesy can have a significant impact. When you need to move past another photographer in the pit, a simple tap on the shoulder is all it takes. This allows them a moment to acknowledge your presence and make way for you, rather than you simply pushing through. This thoughtful approach can transform the stage pit into a more civil and cooperative space, and your fellow photographers will undoubtedly appreciate your consideration for both your own space and theirs.
Work, not dance
This guideline is quite straightforward. When you're donning a photo pass, there's an inherent understanding that your primary focus is your work while in the stage pit. However, should the music inspire you to dance or you simply wish to immerse yourself in a song by your favorite artist, it's courteous to relocate and find a spot along the side. This way, you can enjoy the moment without disrupting your fellow photographers.
Like a Ninja
When you moving through a crowded stage pit, exercise a high degree of awareness. While it's essential to capture the stage action, it's equally vital to respect your fellow photographers. Whenever possible, opt to move behind them rather than in front, ensuring you don't obstruct their shots. If you must cross in front of someone, make a conscious effort to crouch down, minimizing any interference with their shots. This considerate approach helps maintain a harmonious and professional atmosphere within the stage pit.
Overhead shots
Stages can be quite elevated, especially at festivals. Right! So if you find yourself in the situation where you must shoot with your camera raised high over your head and do a "Hail Mary", I really kindly consider you doing it from the rear of the stage pit. If not, it will just create another challenge for everyone behind you.
Film crews
Like it or not, cameras from film crews take up a lot of space in the pit and on the stage. Apart from that, they are most likely right on the spot where you want to stand. They are often in your picture and all the cables can drive you crazy.
Film crews can either come from a TV station or film at the request of the band. For example, for a live DVD/Blue-ray, a video clip, a streaming service or to show what happens on stage live big screens.
As filmed footage always has a more direct and bigger impact for the artists and record companies than photos, the TV and film crews are more important than you. So don't get in their way, and stay out of their shot. Look out for all the cables on the floor and the tracks for camera dolly systems. You definitely wouldn't be the first to fall over them.
Audience
Always remember that people in the audience have paid a lot of money for their tickets. A photographer standing right in front of them or walking by all the time is not what they want. Be considerate to the crowd standing behind you and try to disturb them as little as possible. Have a little chat with them before the concert starts, and tell them you will be out of their way after the first three songs. If the hall is seated, you should crouch down and try to walk around as little as possible. The fans are also often interested in when and where the pictures can be seen. This saves you a lot of moaning, shouting or worse.
Security
One of the most pivotal facets of stage pit etiquette is demonstrating unwavering respect for security and venue/event staff. While security personnel are primarily focused on the artist's and fans' safety, they also have your best interests in mind. It's genuinely advantageous for everyone involved to exhibit the utmost respect towards security and all event personnel.
When entering a new venue, taking a moment to introduce yourself to the security team can go a long way. For those who frequent a particular venue, fostering a rapport with security is even more beneficial. They can be your allies. Establishing a positive relationship with security is an asset you'll appreciate time and time again.
While it may seem obvious, it's worth reiterating that security directives are to be strictly followed. They have the authority to remove you from the stage pit if safety concerns arise or if there's a sudden change in artist policy that hasn't been communicated previously.
In the rare instance where security might make an mistake, such as miscounting songs, it's advisable to address the issue with the head of security in a polite and respectful manner. Anything less than that could result in you're going to get bounced.
STAGE pit!!!
The stage pit. Often also called “photo pit” - which is completely wrong!
First of all, it is important to note that the stage pit has a safety function first and foremost. It should separate the band from the audience and leave the necessary space for the securities to pull people out of the crowd.
The fact that you are allowed to enter the stage pit as a music photographer is a concession of the organizer and the securities, who are first and foremost responsible for the safety of the concert visitors and also for yours. Anyone who seriously believes that the stage pit is there especially for the photographers and that they have a legitimate right to use the pit, is badly wrong.
Conclusion
If I were to encapsulate the essence of "stage pit etiquette" in one word, it's unequivocally "RESPECT"!
As I wrap up, I'd like to leave you with this parting reflection - while much of this guidance may appear to be common sense, we can all benefit from a gentle reminder.
If you observe someone's actions negatively affecting everyone in the pit, consider engaging in a constructive conversation about how their behavior impacts everyone, instead of just grumble about it. We all have the opportunity to do better. After all, we're all in this together.
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