WGT - PHOTOGRAPHY

WGT - Photography

So you want to take your camera to some of the events and venues. Depending on your camera you should have no problems getting into venues to take pictures, however nothing is guaranteed, rules may change and you may end up going back to your hotel to drop your camera off, take note of the information below.

There are a few unwritten rules, observe them and you should be OK. Firstly you can only take small non-professional looking compact cameras into events, if you try to take an DSLR (or a camera with a large zoom) in to a gig you will find that you are denied entrance when security check your bag. Expect security to go right through your bag, open all the pockets and give you a full pat down (be polite, they are only doing there job and keeping us all safe!). However it really does depend on the venue and the day of the festival, on the last day security don’t seem to mind if you have a bazooka on your shoulder, but the other three days they will inspect your bag, if your camera looks powerful you will be denied access. If you have something like a Sony Cybershot you won’t have a problem, if you have a big DSLR with detatchable lenses then expect to be going back to your hotel.

If you run a Goth related website or magazine then you can apply for a press pass, they are free and give you free entrance to all the official venues. If you have a press pass you will be able to take SLR cameras into events with all your camera gadgets and gizmos. However you will be one of many that has a press pass, you will find that you are quite roughly herded (by security) into the photographers pit at the front of some stages, given a few minutes to take your pictures and then herded out for the next bunch of photographers. For those of you wanting a press-pass you will need to email the organisers (via the official website email address), it will take time to process your request so don't panic till a few weeks before the festival starts.

I have had the privilege of having access to the Photographers Pit at the front of the stage for 10 years. I no longer ask for a press pass as its damn hard work, these days I just go to enjoy the bands. Here is the list of bands through the years and a small selection of the photos that I took at many of the venues across Leipzig.

2006

Dreamside

Frozen Plasma

Imperative Reaction

VNV Nation

Xandria

2007

Absurd Minds

Angels and Agony

Cinema Strange

Conetik

Cruxshadows