Photography ... Where Shall I Start?

Okay, so ... I'm hoping to become a professional photographer someday, hopefully taking pictures at gigs as I have a bit of a passion for music.

I'm currently a student on a media course at college, still learning the ropes, etc. But I'm really loving it.

I know this is a silly question, but ... could someone be able to tell me when I could start going to gigs and taking photos? I know I'm still not on a higher level, but I want to gain some proper experience.

Thank youu. :)

Thanks for the sarcasm. :| Bloody hell. I mean, I have a camera for God's sake. I don't mean taking pictures from the audience, I meant down the front where you see the photographers. But I just really would like to know when I'd be able to actually be doing that at my stage? I know, I sound stupid.

At big concert venues you probably have to get permission. Some places (and acts) are pretty restrictive about photography, but it doesn't hurt to ask. If it's not expressly forbidden, you can try just strolling down to the front like you belong there. At lots of smaller clubs, you can just park yourself at the edge of the stage and shoot away (without flash, of course). If you get some good shots, send copies to the band. They may even buy some for publicity. If nothing else, it helps to establish your reputation as a photographer. Print yourself up some business cards; it will make you seem more professional when you approach performers, promoters, etc. Create a website for your photography, if you haven't already, and put the URL on your card.

Are you old enough to go to the venues (if they are licensed properties)?
If so, check you have permission to take photos, then just go and start snapping. Most important: look after your shots back at home and decide if any could be made into a good print. For example, it may not be the singer that catches your eye, it might be that out of focus person in the background that really captures the atmosphere of the performance.
Be critical, but stay creative, and one day you'll get a lucky shot.
T

There is nothing quite like the pro photographer.

Get good at shooting people.

This is the best portrait photographer we have in los angeles.

http://www.hollywoodmodelphotography.com

if you type "best photographer in los angeles" your yahoo search engine that is the guy that comes up but thats not what makes him the best. Pay close attention how he captures the character and the eyes of the individuals. Look at the lighting. Compare studio to location and what the unique qualities of each. The depth of field and so forth.

also to keep up on technology go here

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/

He is one of the greatest camera gurus in the world. Once you feel like you've experimented with stuff I would drop one of them an email. Dave will respond within the day no matter what your question is. I've never tried contacting Micheal but I think he answers the best questions in his blog. Most of these guys usually love to share their knowledge so I would give it a try. Get some real insider info.

I mean, you can still take pretty decent picture from the front of a crowd if the venue doesn't have a photo pit. This is a likely scenario as most small venues do not have photo pits. You can start going up front when you can get a photo pass. I've found that at small venues if you have a DSLR they'll sometimes let you up in the photo pit as long as you don't distract anyone.

Get yourself a half way decent DSLR some fast lenses (cos its always dark), learn how to use it, then get to know a band, they will get you into all their gigs and go from there. That's how I did it in the '60's. The singers name was Dave Berry and he got me into The Leadmill in Sheffield, still got a pass for that venue, but you really do have to know how to use a camera in difficult, mainly low light situations, first.

Chris

Try this:
http://www.image-nut.com/spip.php?articl...

Buy a camera