Shooting a massive Political rally - thoughts?

rogue_designer

rogue_designer

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So - I managed to secure tickets to the fenced in part of the giant Obama rally in Chicago's grant park. For myself, and for my future children, I want to document this (not shooting for a news service this run, or I'd be taking the dSLR).

I'm running under the assumption that most things will be lit for television - so I'm less concerned about available darkness.

For ease of processing - so they don't get lost in the 100+ rolls waiting at home for processing - I'm shooting 400UC and BW400CN (taking 5 rolls of each).

2 bodies - both Canon P, one with the CV21/4, and one with the Canon 50 1.2.

--

Is there anything major I'm overlooking here? Any thoughts on shooting an event like this with RFs? We can't take bags in - so if you recommend additional stuff, think pocketable.
 
I have attended rallies for Obama and Biden. In both cases, the security team would not allow me to bring in a camera with interchangeable lenses. So for Joe Biden's rally in Gainesville, Florida yesterday, I used my wife's Canon G9. That worked well.
I hope your rally is different and you can use a camera with interchangeable lenses but be prepared with an alternative in case you can't!
Eric
 
Oh - and one more thing - you cannot bring a bad into the rally either. You can only bring in what you can fit into your pockets.
Eric
 
Cripes - I hope that isn't the case. I don't think I have any cameras I would want to use that are not interchangeable lenses - or look near enough to one (Lynx 14, Rolleiflex, which I think they would still think looks too professional).

*fingers crossed*
 
bandages, medical tape

no, I'm not joking; this "rally" could get really ugly, really quick, especially when folks without tickets try to get in.
 
It helps if you have official credentials from a recognized publication. Even better would being connected with the candidate's campaign or political party sponsoring the event. A conservitive suit, tie, etc. will set you apart from the paparazzi. It used to be that a bit of chutzpa (rough translation from the Yiddish: "balls") could often let you talk your way past security. Also knowing somebody of importance that's there might work in your favor. Things ain't what they used to be anymore.
 
Liam, I'd contact the people in charge. Try to get back to wherever or whomever you got the tickets from, and ask about taking with photographic equipment.

If you were able to... I'd take some slide film, something extremely pushable. You won't be able to use a tripod or monopod, so I'd take, say, Provia 400 (pushable all the way to 3200, but I've only done it up to 1600), and Tri-X for B&W (which you can process on your own).

Of course, watch out for all kinds of lowlife that may want to get in or start something. And enjoy! I do envy you... :)

EDIT: Al is correct; dress smartly, wear a tie.
 
Hmm..

Thanks for the tips. Definitely planning on dressing sharp - it's a work day afterall...

I'm not terribly worried about the amount of light - but that's a good call Francisco - I'll throw a roll or two of Provia 400 in my pockets.

Just talked to the campaign - Media resource requests are closed, they're not issuing press passes anymore. And since I'm not shooting for anyone - I'm not comfortable calling in favors for this. The best they could offer for advice at this point was to err on the side of caution. *shrug*

Maybe one body won't be as conspicuous as two - less convenient for me, but probably less chance of getting stopped.

Plan B. I guess I'll throw an XA in my pocket. pleah.
 
I'd suggest only one of the P's. While that limits you to one film type at a time, it's easier to protect it and keep in use. I'd also stuff a 100/3.5 if you have one in your pocket. The extra reach can really come in handy at events like that.

As has been said, keep it all in your pockets, & wear the nicest coat, button down shirt & tie that you own. Chutzpa can still get you many places but the Secret Service has bigger balls than anyone else in this country.

Good luck, smile at everyone & have a great time!

William
 
Briefly considered calling a buddy at the Trib - but they're busy enough without me knocking on their door at the last minute asking for favors.

I'll take my chances.
Revised list:
3 rolls 400 UC, 3 rolls BW400, 2 rolls Provia 400, 21/4, 50/1.8 (smaller, faster handling). 1 body. 1 meter.

Thanks again all.
 
I hate the "interchangeable lenses" thing. I almost had to leave Voodoo Fest (big music fest here in N.O.) because of my IIIf. The camera police knew it was an antique; fortunately I was able to convince them that the lens didn't come off. It was only a 50mm anyway ...

I'd bring a longer lens, if it were me. I always end up using my Jupiter-9 or Jupiter-11 for stage shots at events and festivals.
 
I'd suggest having the XA in your pocket at ISO 800 as a backup/use when between rolls camera anyway. I'd also carry the XA's flash along, just in case I want to go all weegee. And I'd allow myself only a limited number of exposures for "guy on a stage" shots, but that's just me. I tire of that POV quickly.
 
mackigator said:
And I'd allow myself only a limited number of exposures for "guy on a stage" shots, but that's just me. I tire of that POV quickly.
Click to expand...

Yeah - I don't think I'll have the reach to really pull that off anyway. I'm more curious about the people.

Good idea on taking the XA regardless. I'll have to check my pocket space and see what I can swing.
 
Unfortunately - they've long since closed Press credential registration - even for the free areas. Tho I'm sure if I were willing to pony up $900+ they'd make room.

Thanks for the additional info Blake. I'll let you know what comes of it.
 
Security didn't seem overly concerned about cameras this time around. Had no problems at all with the P, 21/4 and 50/1.8 in a pocket plus the XA, a handful of film and a meter.

Got some curious looks from the guards at the metal detector, but otherwise, nothing worth noting. I probably could have taken a second body and the Domke F5xb (they were letting in very small bags, it seems). But this was light and fast, and worked well.

Now we'll see if I got anything worth sharing.

Thanks for the tips fellas. Much appreciated.
 
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