my opinion in this is that,
for the bands, you guys should just simply appreciate ppl who are willing to commit their time (even though they got nothing better to do in life at that point of time) to take photos/videos of you. and then put it up on their deviantart/photo website/youtube and let you know and your fans know about it so they can check it out. and yes indeed, lighting @ gigs is expensive, they do chip in in the "rockstar stage" effect with all those flashes.
however , photographers i feel shouldn't block the audience's view for more than 10 seconds to get a good shot. I used to film gigs I do feel bad blocking audience sometimes (being 6 feet) , but 1) it's as easy as "shifting aside and stand infront of me if you're shorter" 2) you're not even supporting the band by standing up and going forth. so why complain? 3) at baybeats, there're times the petite girls usually watch my cam (I flip the LCD screen for them) if the crowd is too heavy to be infront and there're too many damn tall kids (i don't know what you freaks eat nowadays) blocking them.
so the question is who is irritating?
gig photographers go
1) snap happy and blocks everyone's view without consideration.
2) brings home gigabytes (400) of photos , keeps/photoshop only 10.
3) doesn't even put up online or send to the band.
4) puts up online , shows the photoblog friends but doesn't inform the band (is it that hard to send a myspace msg or put up on forum just so you got more ppl appreciating your photos?)
5) all of 1,2,3, because your photos suck? congratulations you just wasted $<your cam,transport,gig entry> + <insert gig's timing> hrs of your life.
gig videographers (me for example)
1) block the whole world behind you.. sorry la..
2) you have no choice but to push away brainless assault moshing kids to protect your camera and maintain stable footage. (hate it when I dont' have a choice to pick someone my own size.)
3) you "film the band almost for free without permission" (they cover the dvd/entry/transport charge) although seriously i had enough of this complaint from bands.. Permission??
4) you take weeks to convert the footage to put up online... (although those who know video rendering takes days.. no choice.)
5) about putting up online and all those i think I got cover already.
bands
1) you're picky despite a freebie.
2) you're given the footage/photos but YOU don't put up or advertise to your fans. expect to be spoonfed.
3) rockstar attitude and you want to legally threaten the photographer/videographer, unless your ticketing is handled by sistic and you're covered by a touring company then understandable la..
4) if footage/photos were not watermarked, you don't give credits when you put up online. or you actually go and "crop" off the watermark and claim as yours or don't give credit.
to me how I handle this is that "it's fine, it's as easy as I'll never take footage of your band again. other bands get to gain your loss." I hope other new bands will steal your song's chords and rewrite them better then you'll have a taste of your own medicine.
5a) you expect the videographer/photographer to attend your every gig and take footage of it. he's your "bro/buddy/friend" if he says yes, he's on your MSN ignore list if he says no.
5b) or even worse. he's on your MSN ignore list during the times you guys don't have gig slots then msg him when you do.
5c) Band A with band members 1,2,3 ask to film/take photo. etc etc, band A disbands and band members 1,2 form Band B and band members 3 forms Band C with others. and these 2 bands contact you again and again expecting freebie footage. P.S : WE HAVE A LIFE. all of us music-related guys lead double lives, either work/study/NS + passion (music/photo/videoetc) we're not your personal sidekicks.
audience :
you selfishly complain about all of us (band/photo/video) but you're not there to support anyway, you're just there to.. well, enjoy a good view. and being sore about it when your world is not a perfect circle. you sit down on the floor and stay at the back and complain about the supporters standing infront and blocking your view. and moshers, auto abit la, if you see someone carrying a digicam/videocam don't go and purposely mosh into them. i don't see you guys moshing into the stage and breaking the band's guitars/bass/drums. these are our "instruments" also you know.
apparently everyone's got something to complain about, end of the day it's all about give and take isn't it? photographers don't hog 1 fixed spot. videographers try to pick the best spot that doesn't block anyone cos you'll be at a fixed spot. audience pls stand and go forth have fun and assault moshers pls go buy a bag of rice and bring your "Contender Asia" home to hantum.
40¢ worth
