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@photoben
I used to do a lot a of gig photography. For free. Working for a music review website circa 2002-2005. Free entrance to anything from small venues like the barfly to main stage pass at some of the major festivals. Never got paid (though a couple of the bands bought a few pics off me). BUT I used this to launch my pro career in my early twenties when I was still pretty green. Met plenty of pros in the pits who were paid for their time, and they never seemed threatened by my presence, probably because they'd already worked their way to being a pro and getting a good reputation. I then got a job as a photojournalist, and moved away from music.*
People photographing gig for free/for tickets is always going to happen. But people aren't stupid, if they realise their photos are in demand, and they want to get into photography (who wouldn't) they are going to monetize that situation, it's human nature. Yes, the jump from amateur to professional in the music industry is harder these days, because of the availability of digital, but so what? If you want it, and graft you arse off for it, you will get it.**
People filming/photoing on phones at gigs deserve as swift kick to the cunt mind.
*I am still available to hire for live music photography - I still has the skillz.
**applies to all things in this life.