Thread: Photos from gigs?

I've been becoming increasingly aware of my lack of proffessional performance photos. A lot of dancers have shots of themselves interacting with the crowd at restarants, banquet halls etc. in addition to studio and stage pictures. I love these pictures because they really show off the dancer's personality.

There are quite often proffessional photographers at gigs I do, but I feel like it would be unproffessional to ask the host/owner if I can contact the photographer for pictures when they hired and paid him (and me!). I feel similarly awkward asking to bring my own photographer to a paid gig. Am I being paranoid?

How do you ladies get these wonderfull shots?

I have to admit, I'm spoiled rotten. My boyfriend is a damned good pro photographer and loves coming with me to gigs. (I always get the client's permission first, and share the pictures with the client after the show). Now, he's temporarily living in FL, and I must rely on the generosity of clients to share photos with me ,r:;

It never hurts to kindly approach somebody who appears to be taking lots of photos and ask if they could share some of the best shots with you. Many times, they forget to send the pics .w.: but it's always worth asking!

Currently, I'm lamenting my own lack of video footage. There must be about 30 hours worth of footage floating around in the abyss....

In the case of a pro photographer working the same gig as you - I wouldn't be shy to approach them, trade business cards/info and ask about accessing any of the photos. After all, if they are useable, you can give that photographer a little bit of press in exchange for the photo and vice versa.

Hey Leticia....if you are in Vancouver (as I think you are) you should contact Laura Scotten to photograph you at your next gig. Her rates are really reasonable and being a professional dancer herself, she has a great eye.....ps.laurascotten.com

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

It never hurts to kindly approach somebody who appears to be taking lots of photos and ask if they could share some of the best shots with you. Many times, they forget to send the pics .w.: but it's always worth asking!

I've gotten some great photos this way. Sometimes they are a pro/aspiring pro photographer who will give you photos if you acknowledge the credit on your website.

Originally Posted by dancingstar

Sometimes they are a pro/aspiring pro photographer who will give you photos if you acknowledge the credit on your website.

What she said. They may be WISHING you'd approach them.

Thanks, I will pass them my card next time, I just didn't want to make a blunder, sounds like this won't be as offensive as I thought it may be :)

Thanks for the suggestion Laura, I actually saw Laura S's photos from the 'Snow on the Sahara' show and they were awesome! Definately glad to have her talent in Vancouver :)

I may stick to approaching the photographer at the gig already though. It feels less intrusive.

Thanks for the advice!

Thought I would add just in case...if you booked yourself, go for it. If you were booked through an agency or other referral you may want to check. I recently worked a gig on referral and was there "representing" the company I was booked through. Passing out my own cards would have been a no-no in that instance, as it was part of the contract agreement.

Probably doesn't apply to simply asking for photos, but definately could apply if you pass out your card.

Cool thanks, the agency I work with is very supportive of our advertising ourselves, they actually give our personal cards out in addition to promotional material about the agency/studio. Guess I'm lucky :)

I usually ask my assistant/helper who came with me to snap a few pics. I have also given my card to a person taking pictures. Both have been successful. Don't be afraid to ask for pics. Sometimes, the person at the party may be honored to be credited! This may help them out too..

I was always a little nervous to ask for pictures too. I recently added a couple "live action" shots to my website but realized that most of the photos snapped by my friends and family in a dark nightclub just don't work out well. So in reality I don't have very many shots that are worthy of being published to the web. Next time I'm at a wedding I'll make sure to slip the photog my business card. Good idea!