Secrets of the City

Though it may be best to leave the shooting of many of the biggest shows to the pros with all access passes and pro gear, I think it’s important that music fans keep using their crappy (though fast-improving) digital and cell phone cameras to capture moments at the other 99% of shows that have no major media presence. Though I agree with Chris that you’re bound to end up with a pretty useless shot from the upper deck of the Target Center, as the London terrorist attacks and dozens of other media events have proved, you never know when amateur photos or video are going to end up on the national news or CNN.com.

Didn’t the Rake’s Musicopolis article report that when the pros shoot shows, they are frequently bound by agreements to only take pictures during the first three songs or something? I agree with David- under those circumstances, why shouldn’t fans try their digital cameras?

First three songs only is an industry standard to which even the pros with all access badges are typically bound, again, making it even harder to get the shot. It’s great for the musicians though, especially if they’re wearing sharp-looking, but hot outer wear. They can take off their jackets after 3 songs knowing that any photos that appear in the major dailies or in Spin, RS, etc. will feature them in full gear.

He forgot my pet peeve–the hipsters who are there to be seen and chat with their friends, not actually pay attention to the show. This seems to be worse at some venues, like the Turf Club, than others.

I’d just like to note for the record, I’m another Jake Nelson in the Twin Cities who is neither the Jake Nelson mentioned in that Strib bit nor the one at musicscene.

(I’m the one in the DFL and on Wikipedia)