Concert Photography Photo Releases

Behind the Shot

This is a show I have been thinking about doing for a while, and that I believe is an important subject for both new and veteran music photographers…. BUT even if you’re not a music photographer, this subject should matter to you. I think it applies to anyone negotiating prices.

I have strong opinions on what the ASMP has referred to as “Predatory” Releases, and there’s no question that I have an opinion on the message I want to get out on this episode, but, it is my show, so I get to do that.

If you’re not a Music Photographer, and have never heard of photo releases – note that these are NOT model releases – then don’t worry. I explain what they are, and why they exist, in the show. Then I am joined by two other music photographers…

My buddy David Bergman is a Canon Explorer of light, and hosts the show Ask David Bergman on Adorama TV. There are few people I know of that know more about photography than David, from his days shooting for the famed Miami Herald newspaper, to having 13 Sports Illustrated covers, David is a big deal. He has been Luke Combs’ full-time tour photographer since January 2019, and Bon Jovi’s tour photographer since 2010. So glad that we get to benefit from his years of experience in media and music photography for this show. Oh yeah… David’s workshops, like Shoot From the Pit and his upcoming Italy trip, are great chances to hang out and learn photography.

Also on the show we have Montreal based Music Photographer Marie Demeire. I have followed Marie on socials for years, but today is my first time meeting her face-to-face. Known around the net as “Marie Goes To Shows”, she has been published in Complex, EDM.com, Bandcamp, iHeartRadio Canada, Canadian Beats, 99Scenes, Sors-Tu, the MUHC Foundation, Secret Melbourne and BP Arts Media. Having been a fan of her work for years, I am thrilled to be able to get her perspective on this subject.

Join Canon Explorer of Light David Bergman, and Montreal Music Photographer Marie Demeire, as they join me for a serious, and fun, chat about Concert Photo Releases, on this Behind the Shot.

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 – Intro
00:03:47 – Overview of Music Photography Photo releases
00:05:08 – Chapter 5
00:08:18 – Getting to Know of Marie & David
00:14:38 – David & Marie’s Overview of Releases
00:24:51 – Common Reasons People Say They Sign a Release
00:37:34 – Replying to Comments from Instagram
00:56:13 – What About the “Cross Out the Parts You Don’t Like and Return It” Argument?
01:09:07 – Anything the Guests Want to Add?
01:18:22 – My Final Thoughts on Concert Photo Releases
01:21:58 – Speed Round Q & A
01:25:41 – Marie and David’s Photographer Picks
01:26:51 – Where to Find My Guests?
01:28:26 – Outro

Connect with David Bergman

Website: davidbergman.net
Italian Riviera with David Bergman: trovatrip.com
Instagram: @davidbergman
Facebook: @DavidBergmanPhoto
X / Twitter: @davidbergman
LinkedIN: @davidbergman

Connect with Marie Demeire

Website: tinyurl.com/mariegoestoshows
Instagram: @mariegoestoshows
X / Twitter: @mgoestoshows

David’s Photographer Pick

Aubrey Wise: aubreywisephoto.com | @aubreywisephoto

Marie’s Photographer Picks

Susan Moss: susanmossphotography.com | @susanmossphotography

ASMP Article

Predatory Contract Clauses: Music Edition: asmp.org

Copyright for Photographers

Playlist on YouTube: Music Edition: YouTube.com/@behindtheshot