Concert Photography Photo Releases

Concert Photography Photo Releases

Author: Steve Brazill July 5, 2024 Duration: 1:29:59

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


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Making Better Action Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:49
David Bergman is a legend in the world of concert photography, and he is someone I have looked up to for a long time. That may be the best summary of David I can come up with, that I am a fan, and honored to call him a f…
The Power of a Photograph [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:38
I have the feeling that Sam Abell has more stories than almost any photographer you know. Thirty-four years as a staff and contract photographer at National Geographic tends to have that effect. Sam is an Ohio based teac…
Focus On The Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:57
I have followed Zack Whitford on Instagram for as long as I can remember, in fact I think he was one of the first I followed after joining Instagram. You know how you have photographers whose work you like because it mak…
Finding Your Creative Voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:35
Usually, I struggle when I write these. To start with, I’m not a writer, but more importantly I want each post to convey to you how much I admire the guest I am writing about. Today however, I gained inspiration from my…
Extreme Composites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:41
Trying to write a post about Ryszard Horowitz has proven to be tougher than I had imagined. Ryszard Horowitz is a legend, literally. His life, and his journey through the art of photography, is almost impossible to disti…
The Traveling Photographer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
If you’ve been watching the show for a while then you may have seen the “Aurora and the Night Sky” episode with Dave Williams. Dave is a travel photographer, based out of London, and one of the most adventurous people I…
Blurring the Lines of Creativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:38
I first met Australian music photographer Michelle G Hunder when she was a guest on the Sunday Night Photographer Hangouts I used to do with Adam Elmakias. We had such great time on those shows. After hanging out with Mi…
Real-World Use of the Canon EOS R3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:04
The Canon EOS R3 looks to be a beast of a camera. Like so many others, I want this camera, and like 99% of those people I won’t be buying one. Why? Because the Canon EOS R3 is for people like Jeff Cable. Ok, also because…
Focus on History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:26
Periodically I get a guest on Behind the Shot that makes me nervous. This episode is one of those moments. Wish me luck… David Hume Kennerly is a legend. In fact, I would wager money that other ‘legends’ look to David Hu…
The Magic of Infrared [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
To introduce the guest on this show I’d like to start by giving a bit of background… The first time I met Troy Miller I was doing a presentation at a local photo group, Inland Empire Professional Photographers and Videog…