Quick Answer
In most cases, it is perfectly fine to take a picture of your concert ticket. Venues and ticket issuers generally allow and even encourage fans to take photos of their tickets to have a digital copy. This can be useful for keeping track of your ticket if you lose your paper copy. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Double check the venue’s policy – some have rules against taking photos at certain times like while entering the venue. As long as you follow their guidelines, taking a picture is okay.
– Don’t post the barcode online – this could allow someone else to copy your ticket and use it. Cover the barcode when taking a photo.
– Make sure your flash is off – a sudden bright light can be disruptive at concerts.
– Get your photo quickly – you don’t want to hold up lines taking too long to get your shot.
As long as you are mindful of these tips, taking a picture of your ticket is fine for your own personal use.
Why You Might Want a Photo of Your Ticket
There are a few good reasons why you may want to take a picture of your concert ticket:
Have a Digital Copy as a Backup
Paper tickets can easily be damaged, lost, or stolen. Having a digital photo means you’ll always have access to your ticket, even if something happens to the hard copy. For example, if you lose your ticket on the way to the venue, the photo on your phone can serve as backup proof that you purchased a ticket.
Keep Track of Ticket Details
The photo will contain key info from your ticket that you may need later, like:
- The seat, section, and row number
- The date of the event
- The venue name
- Any special access instructions like “VIP entrance”
Having this info handy in your photos can help avoid confusion at the venue entrance or when finding your seats.
Remember the Concert Details
Photos of tickets make great keepsakes or mementos from special concerts and events. Looking back at the pics later can help you reminisce about a great show and remember key details like where your seats were.
Share on Social Media
Many fans enjoy posting photos of their tickets on social media like Instagram or Facebook before a show. It builds excitement and anticipation for the event online. Just be sure to cover the barcode first.
Are There Any Situations Where It’s Not Allowed?
In most cases, venues have no issue with fans taking ticket photos. However, there are some exceptions:
Venue Policies Restricting Photos
Some venues like comedy clubs or small music halls have policies asking patrons not to take photos during shows or even at certain times like entry. This is to protect the intellectual property of comedians and musicians. Always check the venue’s website and posted signs to see if any restrictions are in place. If they say no photos of any kind, that likely includes ticket photos too.
Pro Sports Leagues May Have Rules
Major pro sports leagues like the NFL and MLB often have very strict rules against posting any photos of game tickets online, especially the barcodes. This is to prevent fraud from duplicate tickets. Read your tickets to see if any notices are printed. When in doubt, call the ticket office to ask about policies.
Historical or Specialty Venues
Certain venues may prohibit photos or videos of any kind as a strict policy. This could include historic theaters, museums, zoos, aquariums, and more. They do this to protect artifacts and maintain an intimate viewing experience. Make sure to double check rules before trying to snap a pic.
Tips for Taking Good Ticket Photos
If you’ve verified that taking a ticket photo is allowed, here are some tips to get a great shot:
Use the Flash Selectively
Be very careful using the camera flash, as it can disrupt patrons and performers at concerts. Turn it off unless you really need it to brighten a dim ticket. Even then, only use it quickly before the show starts.
Cover the Barcode
Be sure to completely cover the barcode on the ticket with your fingers or a piece of paper. This prevents others from scanning or copying it. You can also crop it out later.
Get Close Up
Don’t be shy about getting close and filling the frame with your ticket. This ensures all text and details are clearly visible in the pic.
Use Apps to Enhance
Use your camera app’s auto-enhancing features or editing tools to improve quality. Increase brightness/contrast so all text is easy to read.
Take More Than One
Take 2-3 photos just to be safe in case your hands shake or the first turns out blurry. Review them immediately and retake if needed.
Storing Your Photos Securely
Once you’ve taken a good photo of your ticket, be sure to store it somewhere secure:
Save to Your Phone’s Album
Keep the photo in your camera roll or a special album on your phone. Set a passcode and enable fingerprint or face unlock for privacy.
Use a Secure Cloud Service
You can also upload the image to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. Enable password protection and two-factor authentication for maximum security.
Send to Your Email
Email the photo to yourself as a backup option. Make sure your email account is protected by a strong password and two-factor authentication.
Avoid Public Social Media
Posting ticket photos publicly on social media is not recommended, as the barcode could be stolen. Share on private accounts or use apps like Snapchat where images disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about taking photos of event tickets:
Is taking a screenshot okay?
Yes, taking a screenshot of a digital ticket on your phone is just the same as taking a photo of a paper ticket. All the same advice applies regarding venue policies, covering barcodes, and storage.
What if my ticket says “no photos”?
If your ticket explicitly says taking photos is prohibited, then you should not attempt to take a picture. Follow all terms printed on the ticket.
Can I zoom in on the barcode when taking a pic?
No, you should always completely cover the barcode when taking a photo to prevent theft and fraud. Never zoom in on or highlight the barcode.
Is it illegal to photo my own ticket?
It is not illegal or a crime. Venues may prohibit it as a policy, but you generally have the right to take photos of your own personal tickets for private use as long as you don’t share protected content.
What about reselling sites requiring pics?
Some ticket resale sites require you to add a photo of the ticket you’re selling. This is permitted but be extra careful about covering all barcodes and ID numbers before uploading anything.
Conclusion
Capturing a quick pic of your ticket to concerts, games, and other events is perfectly fine in most cases. It’s a great way to have a digital backup of all the key details. Just be thoughtful about venue policies, security, and avoiding disruption. With preparation and common sense, you can get a photo of your ticket without any problems. So go ahead and snap that keepsake shot – just remember to turn off that flash!