HOW TO GET STARTED WITH LIVE MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Do you love music? Do you love photography? If you are, then you have come to the right place! Get started with live music photography and document your favorite musicians. Live music photography can be a great way to support your favorite musicians, listen to your favorite songs, and take some awesome pictures, but it can also be quite challenging. In this blog post, I will provide you with some tips that were super helpful for me when I first started out with concert photography including what to bring, where to go, and who to start taking pictures of to begin your journey!
COME WITH THE RIGHT CAMERA!The first step in getting started with concert photography is to invest in the right equipment. You will need a camera that has a fast shutter speed, a wide aperture, and a high ISO range. A good lens is also essential, and my personal favorite is a 50mm F1.4 due to the wide aperture option! This allows me to let in a lot of light especially in dark venues. Another great option is a zoom lens like a 24-70mm, which allows you to get a good view no matter where you’re standing in the venue. This is always a good idea, especially if you are new to taking pictures in crowded event centers. Here is a list of what I keep in my camera bag!
KENN’S CAMERA BAG ESSENTIALS <3
Sony A7III Body
Pentax KX Film Camera Body
Sony E-mount 24-70mm F2.8 Lens
Pentax K-mount 50mm F1.4 Film Lens
Pentax K-mount 28mm F2.8 Lens
Kiwi Pentax K — Sony NEX mount adapter
Back-up Batteries
128 GB SD Card
Lens cloth + cleaner, Lens UV Filters, as well as Lens caps for all of my lenses!
KNOW YOUR VENUEBefore you start taking photos, it's important to get to know the venue! Get to know the lighting design, the stage layout, and how crowded it normally gets. This will help you anticipate where the musicians will be and what kind of lighting you can expect. It will also help you to get there early! Getting close to the stage can be your biggest asset during a concert, I know that it always pays off for me!
If you are interested in shooting bigger concerts, you will need to obtain a photo pass. A photo pass gives you permission to take photos at the concert and provides you with access to areas that are off-limits to the general public. This will help you get up-close and personal to your subject, and get those angles that no one in the GA crowd will see! To obtain a photo pass, you will need to contact the concert promoter or the artist's management team in advance. In this case, it can be really helpful to contact a sponsor or publication like a music magazine. Sponsors can be helpful if you’re taking pictures at a big event like Kilby Block Party in Salt Lake City, Utah. Be prepared to provide some samples of your work and explain why you would like to cover the concert. Get a little portfolio of your best work from the small venues you’ve been shooting at and use those to get you into your favorite big names that you want to highlight in your work.
Shot on Portra 400 in Velour Live Music Gallery in Provo, UT
SHOOT IN RAW FORMAT, BABY!When shooting live music events, it's so very important to shoot in RAW format if you’re shooting digital! This will give you more flexibility when editing your photos later on. RAW files contain so much more information than JPEG files, which means you can adjust things like exposure, white balance, and contrast without losing quality. This will make a world of difference when you’re taking photos in a dark venue with unpredictable lighting.
Dream Daze performing in Provo, UT
USE YOUR MANUAL SETTINGSManual settings are key to getting the best results when shooting live music events. You will need to manually adjust your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to get the right exposure. Especially in dark situations, there is nothing compared to getting your own exposure. Auto settings do not know what you’re trying to focus on, and most of the time will overexpose your musicians in order to compensate for the dark surroundings. This can take some practice, but it's worth it in the end, and I know you can do it! Try it out, I promise you won’t be sorry.
TRY SOMETHING NEWDon't be afraid to experiment with different angles when shooting live music events. Try shooting from different positions, such as from the side of the stage or from behind the musicians. Get the crowd in there! They are a big part of the show too. Some of my favorite shots I have ever taken have been in unconventional spots, so don’t be afraid to explore. This will give you a different perspective and add variety to your shots.
While digital photography is helpful in high energy concert venues, there is something special about shooting live music events on film. Film photography can give your photos a unique look and feel that is very difficult to replicate with digital cameras. This will also help you stand out from other photographers who are only shooting digitally! Additionally, shooting with film can help you slow down and be more intentional with your shots, resulting in more thoughtful and deliberate compositions. I am always a smarter photographer when I am taking the time to fill up a 36 shot roll instead of snapping hundreds of pictures on my digital camera. However, shooting with film does require additional equipment and knowledge, so be sure to do your research before investing in this approach. Also, as you get started shooting on film make sure to bring a digital as well so that you can practice, and see how your exposure works differently between the two.
START WITH LOCAL BANDSMaybe you’re wondering, Kennadi, How do I know what kinds of bands to take pictures of? Local events are a great way to start shooting live events! Smaller bands and musicians are always looking to get their name out there, and you can help. This is an awesome networking opportunity for the both of you. Local is more accessible, and this will help you get more comfortable taking pictures of musicians. You'll be able to capture the excitement of live music events without the pressure of a big and crowded venue. You could also offer your services for free to these bands, this could help you build a portfolio and establish yourself as a live music photographer. They are so nice, go up to them! I promise they want to see your pictures, and this will help you build your community.
Del Water Gap on tour in Boise, ID
HAVE GOOD CONCERT ETIQUETTE GOSH DANG ITFinally, make sure you are being mindful of the artists, and respectful of the crowd when taking photos at live music events. Remember that you are there to capture the moment, NOT to distract from it. Avoid using flash, as this can be distracting to both the musicians and the audience. Additionally, always ask for permission before taking photos of individual musicians. Get there a little early if you are shooting a band you don’t know to talk to them, and let them be excited about seeing your images after the show!
GET OUT THERE AND SHOOT!Live music photography can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right equipment, knowledge, approach, and a little bit of creativity, you can capture some amazing shots that will be cherished for years to come. Good luck! Share your images with me on Social Media! I can’t wait to see what you create <3
