For many photographers and videographers, attending a concert with a camera in hand is a fusion of passions. But converting the energy and vibrance of a live concert into compelling imagery is no easy task.
A lot goes into crafting the story of a night of live music. From knowing your gear to pressing the shutter release or record button at the right moment, capturing quality concert photography and videography is a highly rewarding and challenging endeavor.
In this article, I will provide a roadmap that leads anyone looking to get into concert photography and videography to a clear path to success. If you have a few events already under your belt, there will be some unique tips and tricks that may be worth adding to your storytelling skillset.
From thinking like a photojournalist to setting up your camera for on-the-fly photography and videography, continue reading to become a stronger concert storyteller.
Here’s how to shoot photo and/or video at a concert.
And to find the right gear, check out these best cameras for concert photos. Once you’re done at the shoot, these 20 tips for concert photography editing can help you edit like a pro. For concert video, check out these 18 tips on editing concert videography.
3 Tips for Landing a Gig as a Concert Photographer or Videographer
Before we explore what information you will want before the event, let’s quickly talk about how to get a concert gig. Here are three tips that will help you land your first or thirtieth concert gig.
Tip #1: Start Small
Begin at your local mom-and-pop music venue. Oftentimes these locations do not require the red tape of larger, big-ticket concerts. This most often translates to gaining access with no more than a simple ask. It is a great way to build your portfolio and work towards getting paid and gaining access to large shows.
Working for free as a photographer should be limited. But there are times when it is necessary. You may consider offering your images to the venue or band at no cost or for the price of admission. This is best done when you are just beginning. It will give you a chance to learn what concert photography and videography are like while supporting a local venue and band.
Tip #2: Network
Do not be shy at the venue. Approach the sound mixer before the concert and let him know who you are and what you are doing. At a small venue, it is likely you will be able to talk to the band. If they know you are out there in the crowd recording or creating images, chances are they may actually work with you during their set to make better images. Make friends with the audience, they are often better subjects than the band. If there is security personnel, get on their good side. This may prove to be a worthwhile habit when you move to larger venues if you need special access to capture a particular photograph or video footage.
With everyone you meet, pass out a business card. It may seem old school, but having a piece of paper to refer back to will make it easier for people you meet to reach out to you in the future. Plus, it will give you a professional edge, even if it is your first concert.
Tip #3: Build a portfolio
Ahead of your first gig, be sure to get a website up and running. You want to showcase your skillset, and the best way is a place for people to view your work. Start small and slowly add the top five images from each concert. In no time, you will have a professional portfolio that will lead to larger shows and paying clients.
How to Prepare Before Shooting an Event
You need to gain access to the show. For small venues, this is a lot easier. But for larger concerts, it is more of a challenge. Check out this YouTube video for tips.
Here are a few key things to consider when preparing:
- Once you confirm concert entry, figure out where you’ll be allowed access (and where you won’t).
- If it is a gig where you receive a photo pass, make a phone call to the venue and collect information. Ask about the lighting conditions. What time can you arrive?
- Having information about the venue is critical to success. If possible, visit the location ahead of the concert. If it is an outdoor venue, visit the location during the same time the concert will be. This will help you understand lighting conditions.
- Find locations that offer great vantage points of the stage, the audience, the sound booth, and any other aspect that will help tell the story of the event. Ask if they can produce the same lighting conditions as the concert.
- Create a few reference images to help establish the camera settings.
- Once you have the location dialed in, spend time with your gear. Most likely, the lighting will be low, and if you are lucky, you will have seen it. Note the exposure settings of any test images and recordings. Then before arriving at the venue, set up your equipment to meet the exposure requirements.
How to Set Up Your Camera for Concert Photography
ISO is one of the most important things to keep in mind when shooting lowlight photography, like what you’ll encounter at a typical concert. Here are a few tips for camera settings to help get you through:
Auto ISO – You will want to stop motion at a concert in low light conditions. This requires a higher ISO in order to keep the shutter speed at 1/125 or greater. Even better would be 1/250 of a second.
Shutter Priority mode – All you have to adjust here is the shutter speed. This works best for concert photography because you can get a mix of action images and longer exposures that highlight the action, emotion, and energy of a live concert. Manual mode is a good option if you are quick with the camera.
For video – Setting the ISO around 800 to 1200, depending on the camera, will most likely lead to great footage. The shutter speed should be no less than double the frame rate. Here is a good overview of both these settings.
Lens with a wide aperture – This is essential in low light conditions. Known as a fast lens, anything with an aperture as wide as f/2.8 will suffice for both video and photography. If you can go wider, that is all the better, meaning you can keep the ISO lower and reduce digital noise.
Avoid using a flash – It often will not provide adequate light for the scene and create unnatural-looking images or footage. Plus, many venues prohibit the use of flash photography.
Finally – Set your camera to create RAW images and your video camera to create log format footage. These two formats create the greatest flexibility in post for both editing and color grading. You will want this breathing room when working with low light.
Tips for Success While Shooting Photo/Video at a Concert
Keep these tips in mind while you’re on location:
- Arrive early and create images and footage of people arriving, getting drinks, and generally milling about. This will help set the scene. Think like a photojournalist and find candid moments of excitement and anticipation in the crowd. People will be full of energy and wearing unique clothes, making for the perfect portraiture.
- Before the lights get turned down for the night, find your scouted locations and familiarize yourself with any possible compositions. When the show begins, start creating images and footage in the back. Use a telephoto lens where needed. Then work your way forward. Let the energy of the live concert build so when you arrive at the stage, both the crowd and band are at peak performance.
- When you arrive at the stage, be sure to wander from side to side. Switch to a 50 mm lens or wider. Find unique angles and use any elements of the stage set in your composition. Keep your eyes on both the crowd and band, watching for any interaction. Create images of each band member.
- Here is a list of images you should not go home without creating. Memorize these ahead of time and keep a mental checklist going at the show. For video, these images can easily be translated to footage worth having.
- It is going to be loud. Plan ahead and bring some earplugs to protect your ears. Our hearing is damaged if in a prolonged setting above 80 dBA. Having a set on hand will enable you to focus on crafting great images and footage but enjoy the show without permanent damage.
- A great way to create stellar imagery is to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Ask to gain access backstage; the worst that can happen is you get turned down. By going past your level of comfort, you will be more apt to make mistakes. But the key is to learn from these mistakes so you can grow as a creative.
- There is a lot to think about when working a concert as a photographer or videographer. From settings to being courteous with the crowd, working with security, etc., the key is to remain focused. Create a goal and work towards achieving that goal. Be yourself and never panic. This only leads to disaster.
How to Shoot Video/Photo at a Concert in Review
Once you decide to become a concert photographer or videographer, begin by researching the work of other people. This will familiarize you with what has been done and what can be done while giving you a creative direction on what you can do.
Know your gear ahead of time and, if possible, scout the location. The technical aspect is quite important. You will be working in low light. Keep the shutter speed fast enough to stop motion by using auto ISO and shutter priority mode.
Build muscle memory with your hand to operate the camera by touch. Avoid flash as it is distracting and probably prohibited. Set the camera to create RAW images or dLog footage for the highest quality.
Start at small local venues and build a strong portfolio. Network with anyone related to the concert: the band, the sound guy, the security, the venue operators, and the crowd. Have business cards on hand so you can make a lasting impact.
Concert photography and videography are fast-paced creative endeavors. You have to think on your toes and be nimble. Keep a mental image and footage list on the tip of your mind. Be agile, it will come in handy as you navigate a tight crowd. Remember to be courteous; you do not want to ruin the show for anyone.
Most importantly, be yourself and enjoy the show. Live music is exciting, full of energy, and is a great way to combine a passion for storytelling and image creation with music.