Naturally, I dreamed big.
This meant emailing literally everyone who was coming to Aberdeen. Tour managers, band managers and venues. I got one response from a band who I will mention in my next post.
Getting Photopasses is uncomplicated but tricky. The majority of managers will not get back to you, unless you work for an actual publication. I said I was a student requiring an event so therefore of not much benefit to anyone in the promotion sense.
So, one Thursday morning, just after I had woken up and was contemplating whether or not I really needed to work that day, I checked my emails on my phone. I had an email from someone called Sean so I skim read the email. Whilst still half asleep, it took me a couple of seconds before I realised what the email was actually about.
The email basically said I was getting a photopass for Noel Fielding's performance at the Music Hall in Aberdeen.
Now, I had never photographed a theatre performance before, so with some help from my trust friend Google, I got some tips. The email said to bring a zoom lens, however I currently have a Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5-6, which is a good lens, but not really good for a low light situation. The rule for photopasses is no flash and either the first 10 minutes of a performance or the fist 3 songs of a set. So I did casually glance at the prices for sport lenses and may have cried a little.
Then I stumbled upon the site http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/.
Delivery was super quick. I was told Monday, it arrived Saturday. Can't fault that since I live way up in the North East of Scotland.
Price wise, it was about £90 for 3 day hire. Plus £32 for delivery. Thank god for student loans. But I see it as an investment for my future. (I have to justify it somehow.) I arranged my own delivery back.
So with the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 lens, I was good to go. The lens is fantastic for shooting, however I do not recommend holding it by hand like I decided to. It is extremely heavy. My camera body, a Nikon D5500 is very light so that did help with the weight. After 10 minutes of shooting, my arm was aching.
In order to get my photopass, I had to sign a waiver so that I can only use my images for my coursework. This had to be handed in to the box office where I was issued my ticket (which was free) when doors opened. I then had to wait for the tour manager, Sean to find me to give me my photo pass and show me where to shoot.
I was told to stand right at the very back, so I was out the way. My actual seat was in row L in the front stalls which was totally ace. (At one point Noel sat on a seat two seat away from me, whilst interrogating an audience member whilst in character as Officer Boombox.) After 10 minutes, an usher helped me get back to my seat.
The show was brilliant and I honestly do not think I've laughed so much in my life and I am very thankful that I got to see it. I thought I'd be chucked out after the first 10 minutes, so the ticket was a complete surprise to me.
My advice is that if you are a photography student, put yourself out there. My lecturer has told me since my NC course to use the course as a free pass. Make contact with anyone you can, send emails, make phone calls, do anything you can do get as much experience as you can.
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