Social media has an undeniable impact on our world and of course that includes the music industry, including the niche of concert photographies. As photographers in this field, we deal with visual media that ranges from showcasing our work to providing insights into our lives.
For emerging music photographers and individuals involved in live events may be excited to receive credentials. Whether it's a coveted photo pass, a tour laminate, or a festival credential, the inclination to share images of these achievements on social media is entirely natural. However, here's why you shouldn't.
Security measure
Passes serve as a vital security measure, designed to guarantee that only authorized individuals gain access to restricted areas. These include not only sensitive locations such as backstage areas, dressing rooms, rest areas, technical areas, parking for nightliners and trucks or the catering, but the events as a whole as well.
The passes are primarily important for the organizers of the event and the security. Because they are a fundamental part of ensuring the safety of the event staff and visitors.
Forged passes
The critical reason for refraining from posting photos of photo passes, tour laminates, and other event credentials is the ongoing issue of people attempting to counterfeit these items in order to gain unauthorized access to events.
A noteworthy incident from 2021 involved a TikToker who garnered attention for fabricating a pass for a Kanye Donda event. On camera, he boasted about securing a better view of the show than even Kanye's own family. This individual had discovered a social media post displaying the passes. He built a rough facsimile and made his way through the security easily.
There are special forums on Reddit communities dedicated only to the art of pass forgery and admission tickets. Additionally, there is a group of wannabe influencers who engage in pass counterfeiting as a means to attend concerts and other events -only to get attention in the social media.
More complications
Nearly every photographer has encountered situations where they received one set of instructions from an authority figure of the event organizer only for security to have conflicting interpretations. Then, despite previously clearly communicated and established rules, misunderstandings can arise. Access restrictions, limited time quotas and more are then the result.
Counterfeiting passes adds an additional layer of complexity and challenge for everyone involved. Whenever there is a perceived security risk, security measures are intensified, leading to increased scrutiny of all individuals. Publicly sharing images of photo passes on social media compounds this problem by amplifying the need for heightened security measures.
Security
Credentials play a vital role in facilitating access to secure areas, and it's imperative that only authorized individuals occupy these spaces. I'd rather not get into the most extreme possible consequences of publishing credentials on the Internet.
I implore you, let's prioritize the safety. Let's ensure the well-being of our peers, the fans, and the artists.
Therefore, please refrain from sharing photos of your event credentials online. This includes not just your photo passes but also your tour laminates, festival badges and also your ID.
Timing
When is it appropriate to share photos of passes? The safest timing would be once the tour has concluded. Credentials are routinely changed from one tour year to the next, precisely to enhance safety. After one tour concludes, the subsequent tour featuring the same artist will introduce entirely new sets of credentials with distinct appearances.
If you still decide to post a pass online, I strongly advise waiting until the tour or festival has wrapped up.
How to
If you wish to share images from your work while using a photo pass, it's advisable not to show it. Ideally, remove it and stow it in your pocket or somewhere discreet. Always make sure that the pass isn't easily recognizable.
For BTS photos, you can get creative by adding GIFs, stickers, or emojis over the photo pass to mask it. Basically, any method of hiding the pass is better than showing.
Conclusion
Passes serve as a security measure
There are individuals actively attempting to counterfeit passes
Counterfeit passes pose a substantial security risk
Fake passes and unauthorized entry attempts create difficulties for everyone
Don't show your pass around swankily, when you're out in public
If you do decide to post passes, then never during an ongoing tour or event
Conceal passes within photos or cover them before posting
If you are new to music photography, welcome. Please share your photos - just not your photo passes!
Do you have any recommendations or personal guidelines that you find helpful?
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