Live Music Photography
Shooting live music can be hard due to the extreme lighting conditions mixed with dark venues, but here are a few tip to help you get through the festival season and capture the best possible photos of your favorite bands.
The first decision is what to take, be sure to travel light, whilst trying to be prepared for all situations. You will often see professional concert photographers carrying 2 or 3 cameras strapped across them – these photographers will usually have a press pass and be working for a major publication, which gives them this access and permission to carry such professional equipment.
For everybody else most venues and festivals have strict rules and guidelines to not let in professional equipment, which is considered as any camera with a removable lens.
So here are some quick tips;
Go as much as possible the more people you meet at shows and the more people that know you just goes t show the phrase “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is worth it’s weight in gold. if you become known as a photographer, people will willing to help you out and may start asking you to shoot their shows for them.
Get a press pass try to befriend the club owners, the band or any publications that may use the images. You can send links with the photos through email or any social networking site. Call ahead and try to arrange to take photos in exchange for access as a photographer.
Arrive early, leave late once you are inside the venue have a look around for any colours, lighting, backgrounds on stage that could make your images more interesting. Stay around after the show and ask to take a portrait of the band. These photos are priceless and can quickly build up your portfolio and reputation.
Be prepared have everything ready before the show. Make sure your camera is charged, card is formatted and flash is firing. There’s nothing worse than missing a shot because of technical difficulties.
Find different perspectives and angles to shoot from move around the venue. Don’t just shoot from one place. Get wide shots from the behind the crowd, close ups from the front row, crowd shots and even go backstage if you can.
Be considerate of others in the crowd try not to obstruct others view – remember they have paid to be there. The less noticed you are the better.
The work doesn’t stop when the concert does make sure to follow up your photos, share them with others as soon as possible. Send them to the bands and Venues as they may want to use them for promotional purposes. The faster you send them the better.
Get on the mailing list sign up on email lists for different bands and venues to keep track of who’s playing where and when. Stay ahead of the competition, this will help you get the access and permission you need to photograph your favourite musicians.
