Photography

Good things to keep in mind if it's your first big show:

• show up early, you'll need to go and collect your accreditation from the guest list. After you've collected it may need to be escorted to the photo pit by security, so it's always worthwhile asking whoever's giving you your pass or venue security where you should go as every venue has it's own rules and setup when it comes to dealing with photographers. (note: it's not uncommon for large venues where in the UK to make you wait outside between bands, might not be the same where you are, but it's worth being aware that may be a possibility)

while shooting:

• be mindful of others, don't stand too long in one spot, make sure you're not getting in other people's way etc.

• One thing you may want to look at is getting a little step stool to get some height as if it's a large venue the stage might be awkwardly tall, but if you do bring one check with security before the show to see if you're allowed to use one.

• getting everything in that timeframe: It's difficult but doable, from memory neither band moves too much during first three so you should have plenty of time to think through composing your shots. Interpol will most likely have a lot of red lighting while you're shooting (or at least have had in the past), Bloc Party were bright white lights last time I photographed them, but that was years ago. If you want to get an idea, have a look at getty's photo feed (look up the band name and sort by newest) as they tend to have a fairly up to date library of images and it's unlikely lighting will change too much from show to show at that level.

• after the show: since it's a first three no flash rule, it's very likely that you'll be escorted back out of the venue, and won't be allowed back in unless you have a ticket and/or are checking your camera gear in. Again, this is dependent on the venue etc, but if you do want to stay for the show it might be worth asking your point of contact if you could also get a ticket if you don't have one already

In terms of if it's worth trying to get on stage, unless the tour manager has said otherwise, the pass you've been given will not allow stage access. And to clarify that "nothing from front of house/crowd after the first three” - front of house generally encompasses anywhere in the venue after the barrier (aka where the crowd are), so that means you won't be allowed to take photos from the crowd/back of the venue

Any other questions feel free to ask. If you haven't yet I highly recommend checking out Todd Ownyoung's blog, I Shoot Shows as he's spent years putting together loads of helpful tips for shooting concerts