I’ve photographed a lot of rock bands over the years, but I still feel bad when I have to turn down an opportunity to shoot another show. This weekend was the second time this month that I was already booked with another photo shoot, so I had to turn down an assignment to shoot a concert.
This time I was asked if I could shoot the Edgefest all day concert for the news. However, I already had two shoots booked – one was my museum client and the other was a wedding. I’ve already shot most of the bands on the Edgefest bill before – Korn, Blue October, etc – so I wasn’t missing out on some rare chance to shoot a reclusive musician. But still… I’d rather shoot a band for the third or fourth time than not shoot them.
I looked in today’s paper and they wound up sending fellow shooter Ricky Moon in my place. It looks like he got some real nice photos, so I don’t feel too bad. I feel worse when a client can’t get me, so they wind up getting some blah photog in my place. If I had looked in the paper today and seen some lame images, then I would’ve been bummed. I’m glad that Ricky did such a great job!
But, don’t get me wrong. I still would prefer that a client sends me over another shooter, even if he/she gets some great images. I’m hoping I won’t already be booked the next time someone calls me for a concert or band shoot. I don’t mind missing a show here or there, but I don’t want to miss them all. I’d much rather shoot Korn again and again than not shoot a concert at all.