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Last Friday I was excited to shoot Motley Crue, Poison and the New York Dolls at the Tacoma Dome.  It was a moderately frustrating experience though as they kept us in a holding pen near security for the majority of the night.  We were allowed to shoot the first 2 songs (standard is 3) and were only allowed to stand in front of the sound board about 125 yards away from the stage, on the floor behind all the jumping and screaming fans with floor seating.  

I knew it was going to be soundboard shooting so I brought a Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS which if you have ever shot with you know is a heavy SOB!  Trying to lift that above the heads of thousands of fans...not easy.  

They had us sign a contract that essentially gives them the rights to use my pics for whatever reason they want.  That was totally cool with me, I would love it if Motley Crue used one of my pics for their web site or whatever.  Just for the cool factor you know?  

Then it said I agree not to license the materials (or shall not exploit any of the materials) without the written consent of Motley Crue.  

I wrote and asked if I could submit to Alamy and Shutterstock and heard back almost immediately...no friggin way!  That got me worried about what they meant by exploiting the materials so I wrote back to ask  about Facebook and my personal blog.  They said that was fine as long as I didn't sell the pics.

I shoot a lot of concerts, the only other band that made me sign a contract similar to this was X-Japan.  Theirs was even scarier.  I sure hope this isn't a trend that takes off with all the bigger bands.    

Mat

So, you're fine with putting professional band photographers out of work?

Basically, they get a bunch of people to come in with nice cameras, shoot for free, and they get perpetual rights to do with the images what they want?  Good deal for them.

Actually Sean, I am a professional band photographer and no, I don't think agreeing to the terms they set forth in order for me to fulfill my assignment posed any risk to jeopardizing the career of other shooters.

I wasn't shooting for Motley Crue, I was assigned to the shoot.  It's just a bummer that I can't use them for anything other than my original assignment. 

Many of my colleagues opted to not even apply for the pass having heard the nightmare stories from shooters at previous shows.  They have their own photographers (including the bass player) so I'll be shocked if they do ever use any of my work.

I made the most of the situation though and I am still very glad to have had the opportunity to shoot the show. 

http://www.verbicidemagazine.com/2011/08/15/photo-gallery-motley-crue-poison-and-new-york-dolls-in-tacoma-wa-81211/

www.haywardphoto.blogspot.com

Mat

Thank you very much Mantis.

"Actually Sean, I am a professional band photographer and no, I don't think agreeing to the terms they set forth in order for me to fulfill my assignment posed any risk to jeopardizing the career of other shooters.

I wasn't shooting for Motley Crue, I was assigned to the shoot.  It's just a bummer that I can't use them for anything other than my original assignment.  "

Your original post said nothing about being there for an 'assignment'.

never heard of the New York Dolls

Poison and Motley Crue - they were the bands for those guys at school in year 7 who thought they were hard rockers. Sounds like a dungeons and dragons convention concert.

Cool photos though

LOL, the New York Dolls definitely looked like they've been rode hard and put away wet. 

Motley Crue looked better than ever.  Though I'm not entirely convinced Mick Mars was actually alive onstage.

Backstage, Vince was strutting around like a peacock with the full on look of "All the chicks want to do me and all the guys want to be me."  It was awesome.  The girls looked like they traveled through time from 1984 to 2011.  It was very nostalgic.  I can't say I wasn't entertained.

yeah great photos considering the circumstances, but hey I'm happy to be a photographer so I can get old with style and grace and don't have to look and act like a mop.

I have a local shop I rent from for day use...if you are going on a trip, check these guys out:  http://www.lensprotogo.com/