Getting ignored when you request a photo pass can be frustrating, especially when you're excited about shooting a band you love. But here’s the truth: it’s often not personal. There are a lot of reasons why your request might have been skipped, buried, or overlooked — and most of them have nothing to do with your talent or potential.
Let’s break down the most common reasons your photo pass request went unanswered — and what you can do differently next time.
1. Management Is Overloaded. Tour managers, PR reps, and band teams juggle a lot. Media requests are just one small part of their day — and often one of the last priorities. If they don’t know you personally, or your message wasn’t crystal clear, it might’ve just slipped through the cracks.
What to do: Keep it short, clear, and respectful. Make their decision easy. Include your name, what outlet you’re shooting for, a link to your portfolio, and the exact show you're requesting access to.
2. Your Email Was Vague. If your message said something like “Can I get a pass for your show?”, it might not have given them enough to go on. Who are you? Where will your photos be published? Why should they say yes?
What to do: Be specific. State what show you're requesting, who you are (photographer, content creator, etc.), and where your work will be published or posted. Make it clear how your work could benefit them.
3. Your Message Got Lost (Or Went to Spam). Email overload is real — especially during a busy tour. Your message could’ve ended up in spam, or just buried under dozens of others.
What to do: Follow up once, politely. Don’t spam or guilt them. One short follow-up a few days later shows professionalism and persistence without being annoying.
4. You Didn't Include a Link to Your Work. If you didn’t clearly include a link to your portfolio or Instagram, they probably won’t go looking. Time is limited — if they can’t see your work in one click, they move on.
What to do: Always link your best work. Make sure your Instagram or website shows concert or music-related photos. No weddings, no food, no confusion.
5. You Asked Too Late. Media lists often close weeks before the show. If you message a few days before, there may not be any passes left — or they’ve already finalized the list.
What to do: Reach out 3–4 weeks before the show, especially for big tours or festivals.
6. You Asked Too Early. If you messaged about a show that wasn’t officially announced yet, or that didn’t have tickets on sale, the team probably wasn’t ready to deal with media yet.
What to do: Wait until the tour or show is officially posted, then send your request. Timing matters.
7. Your Portfolio Isn’t Ready Yet. Maybe your work isn’t quite there — and that’s okay. Everyone starts somewhere. If your portfolio lacks concert or live event work, or if your edits are still inconsistent, it might not feel professional yet.
What to do: Keep shooting smaller shows. Build a portfolio that reflects the vibe you want to shoot. Show growth and consistency. They'll notice eventually.
8. It’s Not Personal. Seriously. Getting ignored doesn’t mean you're not talented. Sometimes, the slots are limited. Sometimes, they already have someone. Sometimes, they just forgot.
What to do: Try again next time. Improve your pitch. Update your work. Keep showing up with more clarity, confidence, and context. The right yes will come.
Final Thoughts Reaching out for photo passes takes guts — and getting ignored can sting. But every “no” (or silence) is a step closer to a “yes.” Learn from it. Improve your approach. Keep building. Your time is coming.
Want to build a portfolio that gets you noticed? Start with tools that make editing easier, faster, and more consistent. Check out my Lightroom presets for concert photographers here: https://gerasymovailona.com/store
Follow me on Instagram for more real talk, tips, and behind-the-scenes tour life. @ilonagerasymova