Camera policy on Tour??? Options

[wynken_de]

Do you know what is the band's policy on cameras at gigs?

There are many pics around the net taken from recent and older gigs, so I'd suppose the band itself doesn't mind pics taken during shows? All the venues of course forbid any recording and filming equipment, but for instance, to the Darkness concert you could walk in with the camera in your hand and security said nothing (no need to hide it in pants or anything..).

Those of you who've been to Live's gigs before, how strict is the 'no cameras' rule? I'm going to London June 14th, does anyone know the venue's (Astoria) security policy on this matter? I'm travelling all the way from Finland for this concert, and will sure be disappointed if can't take any photos there..

Thanks in advance for the infromation!

[Gertjan]

Like you said, it is mostly dependant on the policy of the venue. At the last two shows here in Amsterdam and Koln, there were was no security check at all even though the Paradiso has a long list of forbidden items, including cameras, just outside the doors. Generally you are okay when you don't have a huge zoom lens and ditto flash.

[tswart1]

My sister had hers confiscated at the Atlantic City show last summer.

[dolphinscry1]

I know it depends on the venue but I have never had a problem taking pics at LIVE shows. I always put it at the bottom of my purse when entering the venue but once I am in, I freely carry it around.

[wynken_de]

Yes, thank you, that is what I thought too. If they (Live) didn't like cameras, I doubt there would be so many stage pose pics around either..

Here in Finland it's usually near to impossible to get your camera into concerts, because most big venues' security do body search and go through your bag very carefully. The Darkness gig was an exception, but I think that was just because the venue was only half full so they couldn't care less.

[sherocker]

isn't it so that most of the time the venue doesn't allow camera's, but the band itself couldn't care less? anyone?

[Gertjan]

A big flash can be distracting and irritate other people in the crowd, that's a reason they don't allow that. Nowadays with all phones having cameras it's impossible not to have pictures taken no matter how strict the security, so I think that has relaxed the regulations a bit.

[Jennyfoo]

isn't it so that most of the time the venue doesn't allow camera's, but the band itself couldn't care less? anyone?

I can never figure this out no matter who the band is. The bands blame it on the venue and the venues blame it on the bands! I honestly think it's whatever mood security is in that night!

Anyway, if you're a girl or with a girl with a purse, its easy to smuggle in a camera no matter what. Stash it in a makeup bag in your bag and throw some um, feminine products on top of it for safe keeping. Feel out the security before hand. If you see another flash go off and they dont get yelled at, go for it. Try not to do it in a security guards face, lol. If you have a digital, try to take 'em without your flash, thats the easiest way to not cause a disturbance. Good luck

[sherocker]

funny u should mention that, a friend of mine tried the 'handbag' thing once, but she stopped laughing after security rated that bag (they have no shame, believe me) and all her 'feminine' stuff was on the floor!! + they confiscated her camera!...I just think it's always a gamble bringing a camera...at own risk i guess.

[Jennyfoo]

funny u should mention that, a friend of mine tried the 'handbag' thing once, but she stopped laughing after security rated that bag (they have no shame, believe me) and all her 'feminine' stuff was on the floor!! + they confiscated her camera!...I just think it's always a gamble bringing a camera...at own risk i guess.

that sucks!

[Lively Chick]

funny u should mention that, a friend of mine tried the 'handbag' thing once, but she stopped laughing after security rated that bag (they have no shame, believe me) and all her 'feminine' stuff was on the floor!! + they confiscated her camera!...I just think it's always a gamble bringing a camera...at own risk i guess.

Oh , i would have curled up and just died. oh no, your poor friend.
No shame indeed. I mean, really is it that serious. Shouldn't they spend more time looking for weapons anyways, instead of harrassing fans.

[wynken_de]

What happened to your friend, sucks! Did she get the camera back after the gig though? My friend's camera has been taken away from him many times, but he's always been allowed to leave it at the coat room and got it back after the gig. I would imagine it was enough if they confiscated the batteries or memorycard if they're not planning on returning them. Would stop people from using their cameras (unless they've got extras hidden somewhere).

I didn't even think of the possibility of someone confisticating my camera at the Queen+Paul Rodgers gig last year, didn't even try to hide in anywhere. But the security didn't check anyone's bags or pockets there at all..

[sherocker]

What happened to your friend, sucks! Did she get the camera back after the gig though?

fortunatly she did! but i've heard other stories...U were very lucky at that Queens concert, bet u made some ace shots?

[Lakini's Juice]

Offtopic: Hey wynken_de, excellent Freddie pic u have in your avatar, darling!!!

[wynken_de]

Why thank you, dear! That's one of my favourite pics of him. I take it that there are some other people here too who like Queen's music?

I was very lucky indeed at the Q+PR concert, and the best thing was that after I travelled all the way from Finland to Newcastle to see them, I got to the 3rd row standing from the stage My old camera wasn't very good, but I still got some excellent photos and some (poor quality) videos that are just the best memory for me.

If you wanna see my photos, they're here

This post has been edited by wynken_de: May 8 2006, 10:13 am