As mentioned before, knowledge of the subject you're about to shoot is crucial if you want to make a good photo. In addition, some basic knowledge of the music industry is also important. Try to get acquainted with the various functions and responsibilities of the employees at a record company. These are people who can help you achieve your goal and get you the much-desired access to the photo pit. Out of all the employees at a record company, from A&R to royalty accounting managers, publishers, and so on, there is in the end only one person who can get you front stage: the press officer of the record company who deals with the photographers. He or she has daily contact with the various magazines and papers. A press officer knows the circulation figures of the publications, which ones need photos, which photographers they work with, etc.
The press officer is in close contact with the manager and artist about the agenda, publication plans, and policies. When you approach a press officer with a request for a photo pass, make sure you have an official assignment from a magazine, newspaper, or other relevant medium. Websites are somewhat falling out of favor, simply because too many people try to get access that way. Also, some artists are worried about an unlimited number of photos and news items floating around on the Internet. The same goes for press agencies that sometimes sell photos not only to official publications, but also to whoever wants to pay for them. Therefore, in order to get access, you'll have to sign a contract whereby you officially declare that the photos you've taken will be only be used in the publication from which you have an assignment.
By now you're probably asking yourself, "Is there really no other way to get front stage?" Well, there is, but the possibilities are limited. Occasionally, for smaller gigs, a press promoter may allow a photography student front stage. If you have an assignment from your school, it's worth a try. You can also try and get in via someone else within the record company, like a marketing manager, product manager, or a radio or TV promoter. They can recommend you to the press promoter, who in the end has the final say and will need an OK from the artist's management. The marketing manager of a record company is responsible for the marketing and promotion of all artists signed to the company, which can be over 50 different artists. As the workload is too much for one person to handle, the artists are divided among various product managers who report to the marketing manager. Apart from stock control, advertising campaigns, administration, etc., these product managers work closely with the promotion departments who are in charge of generating free radio, TV, and press coverage. It certainly wouldn't hurt for you to maintain a network of contacts with these people.
Another possibility to get front stage access in a "legal" way is via the concert promoter. The promoter will confer with the artist's management and/or with the press officer of the record company involved, so please bear in mind that your application will be double-checked.
Last, but not least, you may be in the fortunate position to get access from the management or the artist. That can be the case when you are assigned by them directly, maybe because they know you or for another important reason. In the end, the management decides who gets front stage access and for how many songs.
