Digital photography

Well, actually, photography, by nature, suffers from a kind of technological fetishism. The same can't be said of journalism, or even music.

Many venues and promoters simply don't want to pay for photographers any more. Why? Because 'my mate/that guy/my nan has a big camera'. It's a shame but it's true and it means a lot of hard working guys have had to retreat into weddings etc, regardless of their talent. This I admit isn't the direct fault of antisocial crowd photographers, but it certainly doesn't help!

How comes you can't film or take pictures in a cinema? Surely you paid for the experience and you want to share it? Even neglecting the issue of copyright, it's just plain antisocial! I despair when I'm actually lucky enough to watch a gig and some prat in front of me decides to show me most of it via his camera screen. Its invasive and distracting (two things a professional photographer is payed NOT to be). It's not really very respectful of the act, either. They're there to perform for you, in that moment. Not for your Facebook buddies. I

If you want to practice, or actually start taking pictures at events legitimately, just ask the promoter or the venue. You'll be surprised.

In my opinion, gigs are brilliant places to watch live music. But taking pictures of the band throughout is just lame and shows you're not really invested in the performance.

I understand taking a memento, but documenting the performance is being done for you by someone else who is payed to do it, and in all likelihood is in a better position to do so. You wouldn't take a bomber jacket with you, stand on the door and refuse people entry just because it's your hobby or you're trying to become a doorman.