Concert Photography
Of all the types of photography ever invented, I would claim that live concert photography is up there among the most difficult ones. You have five thousand fans behind you, and there is a band in front of you. Nobody stands still. In fact, even the notion of standing still ruins the idea of a good music photo. The bouncers hate you, because you are in their way. The crowd is jealous of you. Crowdsurfers will kick you in the head. The band thinks you’re annoying. The lighting is never bright enough, and changes so frequently that you’re screwed even in the few moments that it is.
And nonetheless, concert photography is one of my all-time favourite pasttimes. It’s hard. It’s unrewarding. But it’s deeply gratifying on a personal lever. It’s about capturing the mood. Capturing the looks. Capturing something the audience is feeling.
Of course, it’s also something I know something about – I’ve done my share of concerts…
Tristania – Live in Manchester by Photocritic.org on Flickr
So, how can you take photos at a concert successfully? First of all, remember the “standard” rules for most concerts:
- No flash photography
- First 3 songs only
- What the security guys say is Gospel
The first two rules are a blessing and a curse rolled into one. No flash photography is a nightmare at many venues, but it is often better to take photos without. You don’t get the “feel” of the gig without the stage lighting. The “first 3 songs” rule is a bugger – most bands look the most energetic towards the end of their set. On the other hand, it means that you have a very clear time limit: You’ve got 10 minutes (or so) to get the photos you need. If you screw it up, well, you’re unlucky. But there is no saving film, you obviously have to make the best of the time you have.
Using the available lighting is a challenge, but can be rewarding, especially if you manage to cotton on to the pattern of the lights. This is Emanuel in concert 2 by Photocritic.org, on Flickr. More Emmanuel photos here.
Equipment
Personally, I have done all all my concert photos with a Canon 60D, 10D or 20D. Don’t even bother trying with a compact camera – you’ll look like an idiot, and the photos will come out rubbish. (Granted, I have worked with a few photographers who have proved me wrong on this point, but why make your life more difficult than it has to be?).
My lenses of choice are a Sigma DX 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which is great for getting in close, a Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4.0 lens which is great for overview shots, and a Canon 50mm f/1.4 fixed length lens. Notice a pattern? Damn right – go for brightness all the way. If you can’t afford zoom glass that is bright enough, then get a 50mm f/1.8 lens. it is normally the cheapest piece of glass you can find, and focussing is a bitch, but you need all the light you can get when doing this type of photography.
Try to capture the artists in the moment where they are most “into” their song. Photo of Eighteen Visions on Flickr. More 18 visions.
How to get in the pit
The first problem you are faced with is that unless you have credentials, the bouncers are unlikely to let you into the venue with professional (i.e anything beyond a compact) camera equipment. So you need a photo pass.
They don’t hand these out to everyone and his dog, but there are a few ways you can get them. Personally, I was shooting for an agency, so they sorted out the photo pass for me, but you can call up your local rag and ask them if they would like concert X photographing. Offer to do it for free. When they say they want the photos, call the venue, and tell them that you are photographing it for the local rag. This isn’t going to work when Metallica comes to town (the local newspaper will send their own photographers, no doubt), but for smaller bands, it usually works: The small bands are thirsting for publicity, the newspaper wants photos, you want into the pit and to get some experience. Everybody wins.
The second avenue is to become an in-house photographer for a venue. This doesn’t work with all venues, and it means you need to get friendly with the managers of the venue. Expect to photograph crappy small local bands for a while, but once they see what you can do, and they start to get faith in you, you may do better.
Finally, you can just call the venue anyway. Tell them that you are a budding photographer, and would love to take some photos. “you have ‘no’, and can’t get a ‘yes’ unless you ask”, as my mother used to say.
Photo of Tarja, of Nightwish. More Nightwish
Tips to taking good photos
So, you are in the photographer’s pit in front of the crowd. Well done. Now, you need to actually take the blasted pictures.
First of all, select an ISO value on your camera that is as low as you can get away with. ISO 200 will give you far better photos than ISO 800, but if all your photos turn out blurry because of lack of light, then you would have been better off with ISO 800 after all.
Second, observe. Concert lighting move in patterns, and you need to try and snap the photo of once the lighting is exactly right.
Always shoot in fully manual. It’ll be too dark for your auto focus, and the rapidly changing lights mean that your light meter is worthless. You need to be good, but your instincts will save you. If you can’t “feel” how a photo is going to turn out before you look at your digital display at the back of the camera, perhaps you aren’t ready for concert photography quite yet. There’s no shame in that – just keep practicing.
Take a lot of photos. Personally, I throw away 99% of my concert photos. In fact, some times, I come home without any really good photos – it isn’t always your fault. The lighting can be particularly tricky, etc. And you can’t plan for any of it – you have to roll with the punches.
Change your vantage point. You can walk all the way back and forth in front of the stage. Do it. If you are in your face enough, chances are that the lead singer will show off for the camera a little – they may even look at your cam for a fraction of a second. That is your cue. Get the photo.
Finally, get as close as you can. I guess this is mostly a personal thing, but I prefer photos where I get really close. Action portraits, if you will: photos taken of an artist at work.
If you manage to get in close enough, you may capture a moment of out-of-character intimacy. Personally, i feel those are the photos that tell most about an artist or a band. This photo is of The Darkness – see this photo bigger on Flickr, or check out more Darkness photos.
Inspiration
Check out Lithium Picnic’s concert photography galleries, or talented music photographer Andrew Kendall’s photo gallery.
We’ve also done a separate article on ‘more on live concert photography‘ and ‘concert photography at smaller venues‘, both of which might be of interest to you :)
Making money off your concert photos
Originally, we had a lot of information here on how you could monetize your concert photography, but it all became a bit wieldy. I would strongly recommend you have a look at our seperate writeup on event photography, and our making money off your photos article.
My day job, if it can be called that, is being a writer. I've got one book out there so far and it's awesome, so go ahead and buy a copy! It's available from 
In front of you, five hyperactive men with guitars, drums, and microphones. Behind you, five thousand fans. In your hands, a camera... You're going to need more than just a little bit of good luck to pull this one off. That's where this book comes in.
Take a Canon EOS 450D. Attach a Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens. Hit the streets of London. See what happens.
Insights, suggestions and comments
Awesome article.
I love concert photography, but unfortunately I only have a point-and-shoot for now. However, I was able to get some pretty good shots at a recent Rhett Miller concert, check out my site and let me know what you think.
Hi,
I read your tips with interest. I am devoted to taking concert photos and do so on a Panasonic DMC LZ1 which, after trying several other cameras is the best for taking low light photos.
I already have intuited two or so of your rules in that I always get close, never use flash and take a million shots, often in continuous shooting mode. One or two of the continuous mode shots generally turn out well and give one an interesting picture of the artist in action.
I live in Australia and carrying a small camera into venues is never a problem. I always get there early to grab a good postion up close to the stage.
you should check out: http://www.andrewkendall.com/pages/photogallery/favouritephotographs.php
there’s a great podscast about gig photography on his livejournal too: http://andrewkendall.livejournal.com/
Nice article. I think it mostly applies to rather large venues though, where there is actually a separate pit for the photography people. Though I’ve only started recently, I’ve only done more indie bands which play in smaller venues. This means there’s no separate photography pit and you’re in the middle of the audience. In my opinion, the rules then change.
Which is why I wrote my own guide a while ago, geared mostly towards people like me: just starting out, with smaller bands. :) It’s here:
http://on-no.net/concert-photography/
Could you describe the technique you used to convert the digital color to black and white? I used to shoot concerts in college and shot w/ a Minolta X7-A using either a 50mm f1.4 and a 70-210 f4-5.6 using 400ISO Ilford pushed to 1600 w/ a 1/60 exposure and the lens wide open. Some day I’ll have to sit down and scan a bunch of my old work. Great photos.
Nice tips, I’m just getting into photography with my new Nikon D70s, and events are something I’m interested in.
I guess the fixed focal length 50mm lens would be best if you get get close!
Definitely some good advice there about getting better at concert photos. I wrote something a little similar on my blog – but concentrating more on the technical and technique side of things.
http://www.boudist.com/archive/2006/02/08/tips_for_live_music_concert_photography.php
Interesting read although I have managed some great shots with a lesser camera and no front area access but I enjoyed reading your experiences. The last concert I went to was Depeche Mode. Had an older digi that did me proud considering ;) Here are an example of some of the shots- http://www.creativeemotion.com/DMshow/index.htm – again, not like the pros but all things considered it worked great and put together in a group gave me a kick ass 30×40 poster as well as a lot of single 8×10s =)
You make some good points. I like what you say about getting in with the venue. I take alot of live reggae photos-club shows. However I personaly allways use flash. Only one reggae artist in 4 years has said something. It makes a difference. Being in the front row has been the best advice I have got. It means going an hour or so early to the show and waiting often. One thing left out here is to ENJOY THE SHOW.. dont let the pictures ruin your good time. Thanks for the info / good read !
Bean
http://www.reggaetraders.com/gallery
I’ve been shooting concerts for over 4 years now. I started out with a disposable camera and slowly worked my way up to a decent camera. I’m after a top of the line Canon as my next camera. With only 24 shots you need to be selective and on point. As I got better I learned what the clubs and bouncers will let you get away with, how to interact with them and the band and I made it back stage over 90% of the time. I completely agree with the original post and have these 2 rules in addition to what was said already…
1) Be cool with everyone and act humble. They remember you and will treat you as you deserve. If you have a digital camera and get a pic of a chick flashing, show the bouncers, you will be their best friend!
2) Don’t be a paparazzi. Your name will be dirt and you will be hated by all. If you get that $5000 shot, tough. I have many and I don’t want to bring myself down to that of pond scum.
Thanks for some great advice. It didn’t take me long to realize the most important thing in ANY setting is the speed of the lens; I picked up the Canon 50mm f1.8 and see why the extra speed is so important, but now I have my eye on the f1.4. I’ll second the “don’t bother with a crappy camera”, I managed to spend a night processing a picture from my original Digital Elph of The Skydiggers and Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip, but it is more computer generated than actual photograph…
Nice article, but The Cribs aren’t really a “local band” anymore, they’re quite big in the UK!
Love the photo of Tarja… Nightwish is one of my all-time favorite. The black & white usage is phenomenal as well.
The last picture is of the former bassist of The Darkness. He is a real asshole that tried to split the amazing rock group up. Just thought I would throw that in there.
Nice pictures, and great write up!!!
I guess using digital cameras is discouraged, but what about just for bar bands. I was thinking of doing this for http://idahofallz.com for our local bar bands.
Excellent article! I’m actually photographing a stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but shooting conditions are just as horrendous. Low light, fast action.
I just began shooting concerts (well I did alot in college, but starting over again 20 years later) Here are some recent shots. The Glenn Miller pics were all available lighting, the punk bands were flash due to really crappy lighting
Glenn Miller http://web.mac.com/boj/iWeb/Music/Glenn%20Miller.html
Local Punk Bands: http://web.mac.com/boj/iWeb/Music/Reno%20Divorce.html
Great article, thanks for the tips. How long have you been photographing professionally for?? I look forward to more of your great pointers!
why the 3 song rule? is that a venue/band rule?
“Full manual” might mislead some readers? You aren’t setting f-stops manually, are you, given the changing light?
Renting good glass is a wonderful option. I rent the Canon 70-200/2.8 stabilized lens ($30 from Saturday a.m. to Monday 5 p.m. from Keeble & Schuchat in Palo Alto – not bad for a lens that costs $1700).
Sharpness is everything: better sharp + grainy than unsharp + smooth. The Canons you mention, with theire CMOS chips, are so smooth even at ISO 800 and 1600 that graininess is really a non-issue.
OK, with the stabilized lens, high ISO, and a monopod (many stage venues allow them), it’s pretty hard to get fuzzy results. Finally, that big, expensive Canon lens focuses – I’ve never had a problem shooting in autofocus mode. (I’ve shot stage events for 30 years, but most of the concerts I shoot are fairly sedate…)
I disagree with you about flash photography. If you don’t know what you’re doing with your flash, or if you dont know what your flash can do, then its a bad idea to use it. However, if you want to capture some really unique moments or get a certain effect, using the flash can be a very effective tool. Of course, I’m not saying use the flash constantly. Surely you’ll want to get clean pictures of the artist/band members, and that’s when you turn it off. However, if you have a good flash and a good diffuser (a lightsphere is a blessing) you can pull off some really amazing shots that look like you’re using available light. What’s even better is, if you use rear shutter sync, you get some really great photos that convey different emotions depending on the type of music or how active the singer/band members are. Flash photography is great if you know how to take advantage of it. If you don’t know what you’re doing and you’re shooting your flash directly at your subject or bouncing it off a low ceiling, then obviously your photos aren’t going to be so great.
Just my 2 cents, but a great read nonetheless.
High ISO in B&W gives some good results, check out what I’ve done from the crowd for:
- radiohead: http://flickr.com/photos/philchambers/sets/72057594139688516/
- primal scream: http://flickr.com/photos/philchambers/sets/72057594124166303/
The 135mm f/2L is good for this type of work… just remember to hide your kit!
This guy takes the best photos of the most recent “big bands” I seen in along time. Check out his site! It’s called I Shot Your Band.com
Http://www.ishotyourband.com
Great article! Photos of concert/nightclubs/discos/lightshows is awesome. :-)
What cameras/CMOS chips should a poor student go after if you want low grain but high ISO? In the price range $500-$1000.
Thanks
Good article on getting close that is helpful.
Never underestimate the use of good B&W film, or color, as an alternative to high digital ISO. I have found. I have had good luck with Tri-X @ 3200 and Portra @ 800. A good film body matching the EOS line can be picked up fairly inexpensively and IMO is a better choice for low light.
http://www.pbase.com/rmlupu/minnesota_music
in response to matty, the first 3 songs rule is because many bands are distracted by flashes. in many concert environments, flashes and photographers in general tend to detract from the experience had by paying concert-goers and this should also be taken into account. I think part of it may actually also be that many bands would actually feel self-conscious if someone was pointing a lens at them for 30-45 minutes straight.
and as others mentioned, as good as this guide was, it mostly applies to larger concert halls with stage lights. smaller venues with no lights or, *gasp*, no stage, almost require a flash. someone also mentioned using the flash creatively. this is the key. by either using a mini-softbox, bouncing the flash off a low, white ceiling or going handheld with the flash and aiming it in a way other than straight on can definitely help make photos more interesting. but yes, this is true only when a band in playing a space where there isn’t enough available light to alone create an interesting effect.
when shooting bands in these smaller spaces – especially bands that are heavy on the mosh – another tip for photographers would be to look into a good insurance policy. it is a risk to take a $2000 tool into a sea of bodies and the last thing you want to is be without protection after something awful happens.
well i just wanted to say that i absolutely love your article. I also do a lot of concert photography at local venues. I work for a record label which is how i get passes to events like these. But pretty much everything that was said was right on target. I’m glad someone finally wrote about this, i honestly havent seen much about concert photography.
Great work.
I noticed you said you used the Sigma lenses. I have a 20d and was wondering about the qualiy of pics using the sigme lenses versus the same canon lenses? Obviously the sigma’s are cheaper, but just wondering.
I take all the photos I want using flash. I usually bring 2 or 3 disposables and take all the pics I want.
Nice article.
For Canon SLR users with a few bucks in the pocket, I would also recommand the Canon f2.8 24-70 L lense for that kind of shooting. The Sigma equivalent is nice, but really heavier and a bit slow on the autofocus (but something like 800 euros cheaper).
Really nice article and pictures !
On my side, I’m using a Canon EOS 5D and lots of the pictures you can see on my blog are taken with the 50mm f1.8.
I have been lucky enough to have been allowed to bring my 15 year old son to a few of his favorite bands; SlipKnot, Shadows Fall, Lamp of God, Unearth, As I Lay Dying, when I was hired to shoot some concerts. The first concert was at the Xcell Center in St Paul Mn. The security was way cool for this one. They let me shoot for the first three songs, but since they laughed that it’s hard to tell when some of their songs are finished, they were relaxed on how long I was there. I also was allowed to take more pictures from around the arena. I use my small built in flash on my Nikon D70 only when the concert lights are in flash mode. Kind of blurs the fact whether I actually used my flash. The same for when I did SlipKnot at the Roy Wilkens Center in St Paul, also. There security was pretty strict. After 3 songs I was out of there and they stopped me when I tried to take more pics around the arena. That’s cool, that’s part of their job. I shoot 1600 ISO using the small flash when needed. Grain is not a problem if there is lots of color contrast. Usually for the first three song, they keep the lights down low, kinda sucks, but wait until the light hits your subject and shoot away.
I use a Nikon D70 with a Tamron 28-135 (converts to 42-190 mm) and a Nikon 70-210 (converts to 105-315 mm). I have a small camera backpack (extra padding) that wear to carry all of my stuff, keeps it close to me and I don thave to leave it anywhere. Usually you are lower than the subject so you either have to stand on your toes or lift the camera up above your head to get straight on shots. This position also allows you to shoot the subjects while they are backlit by the spotlights. It adds to the concert coolness look.
http://www.metalreview.com/ViewConcert.aspx?ID=20036
http://www.metalreview.com/ViewConcert.aspx?ID=20045
Hi hope you can help with my query!
As an employee if I took photos of the factory I work in, can I use them or publish them on a web-site?
Hope you can shed some light
Thanks
John
hey, thanks for all the tips… my home town has a thriving small venue scene, and i take A LOT of photos, some of which turn out truely amazing… only problem is that i use a digital compact shitey kodak which EATS batteries…
i’m having the oposite problems to most budding photographers, i know a lot of small venue owners, theese are also the people who put on larger local gigs in out music hall (2000 + capacity) i have been offered photopasses for a few concerts, so i need to get myself sorted out with a decent slr…
any advice? im talking digital here as i know jack shit about film, i need s decent slr, and a few decent lenses, only problem is that i am on a very tight buget (being 16 and in full time education) i have maximum of a few hundred quid to work with
cheers
ross
what “compact” cameras would you suggest for concert photography for someone who isn’t on the level of gaining press access and would like something to take great photos.
Anyone have any suggestions on how to photograph the drummer? They’re usually covered up by either their own drum set, or other members of the band (since they’re shoved to the back of the stage.) So unless you can somehow get higher than the stage they’re usually impossible to get a picture of. Thoughts?
Man , I could not disagree more. Like most photo sites you are recemmending following photography rules. Uhg! Boring! Try something new. Check out the band photography at shannoncorr.com. Learn your own techinques.
I am amanaboutadog’s chief photographer…
My ’standard lens’ is a Nikon 200 mm / f2 – (very) expensive but it really does give something extra – you can get very close with this (monopod required). Definitely never flash; 400 or 800 ASA film; Nikon F3 HPs (I wear glasses) with MD4s – generally there’s no time for anything so I go in with four bodies all loaded up and ready to go. Motordrives (MD4s) mean you don’t have to take your eye off the action.
I’ll have something like an 85 mm f1.4 or 50 mm f1.2 (go for fast lenses) on one of the others. Keep it simple and if in doubt take the shot!
My top tip is to concentrate (at least to start) on the (visual) leader of the band – probably the vocalist – definitely Claire in amanaboutadog…get to know one band really well – it takes several gigs to get grooved into what they / you want. And yes – about 99% of the frames go in the bin…
Pete
Hi,
I agree with Shannon. Rules are what you follow if you want your photos to look exactly like everyone elses. Change it up! Use a slow shutter…and with flash! (if you can). I have two pretty good ones in particular at:
http://www.ProRockPhotography.com/live1.html
I also try other things like white silhouettes, and zoom with slow shutter speeds. These are things you really need to try if you don’t have the pretty colored lighting. Otherwise you just have the same photo over and over again.
So try new things and stand out. That’s why clients will choose you over others.
Lisa Wareham
Director, Pro Rock Photography
lisa@prorockphotography.com
http://www.ProRockPhotography.com
Great article…lots of helpful hints.
I take lots of concert photos because I work at a venue. Sometimes I have good luck and sometimes I don’t. But it is great practice.
Cindy
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctatunderground/
Is it at all posible to take good concert photos with this: Minolta Maxxum 300si, AF 35-70 0.5m lens? It does have manual focus, but the rest is pretty much all automatic. I realize that’s not ideal, but what combination of setting/film should I use?
Nice article, thank you.
For spanish speakers, here you have my own tutorial. It’s in printer friendly pdf format and, I should apoligize, written in the chimical era.
http://www.denaflows.com
Thanks again
I’ve enjoyed your article, and thought I would like to sahre how I capture my photos in convert events.
ISO 1600
Low F-Stop that I rattle between 10/15 and 60 – depending on the light and hte movement.
My camera – now I use the Can-DrebXT 350D – I chose it over the NikonD70 because my hands just arent that big. with a flash module, you dont want a heavy camera, and the features on the dreb-xt are amazing and easy to adjust on the fly.
No flash in concert – as one of my inspirers once told me, let the God’s of stage lighting do their magic.
he was right, check out my pics on my site (this message left 6/30/06)
God Bless
“but you can call up your local rag and ask them if they would like concert X photographing. Offer to do it for free. ”
That’s the best way to devalue the profession, while simultaneously getting in the way of shooters who are actually there to make a living.
Hoss: Not being funny or anything, but how did /you/ get started? And how do you feel would be a better way to entry into the business?
300 words in an email to post@photocritic.org, I’ll be glad to post it here on the site.
figure out the brand of camera you like and do not change to other brands. not all cameras have the same ‘feel’ so find the brand you like best and stick to it. including accesories, etc. my brand is nikon. during the 80’s i got talked into using canon and hated them. plus, they could not take the punishment my nikons could… be loyal to the brand you choose and you’ll be happier with your outcome and overall use.
Hi.
I’d like to offer an alternative view on this subject. First, the author over-simplifies the notion of getting a photo pass. I have been photographing concerts for 30 years and to this day have not wrangled a pass out of anyone. Like most everyone, some of my stuff is really good and some not. For many non-arena shows, you can pretty much walk in with what you have and fire away.
So let’s look at things from the non-photo pass perspective. Trying to sneak in a camera that even appears to be pro-level is pretty much a crap-shoot. Most venues will tell you to put it away or to leave. Nowadays, major venues have posted a new rule on their forbidden item lists; no profession cameras. That means you can pretty much fire away with a point and shoot. The author comes off a bit high-brow when he says…”Don’t even bother trying with a compact camera – you’ll look like an idiot, and the photos will come out rubbish.” That’s just a clueless statement. I have point and shoot pics that rival that of my classic Olympus OM-1n. Lighten up sir.
If I even tried to pull out my Olympus with a 200mm lens, I’d be bounced out. So let’s get over ourselves and concentrate on how to get the best pics with a point and shoot. Unless you’re right up front, you’ll probably need a 4x or higher zoom factor. Combine that with a 5mp or higher camera and you have the basics you need. The next problem is settings. Auto does not work well. You’ll want to go to a local club and experiment with your settings. Open up the aperture (F2.8) and go with a slow shutter speed (1/60th). Using a monopod will help stabilize the shots.
Now it’s just a matter of trial and error. Would a DSLR be better? Sure it would! However, there are many obstacles to their use at concerts. Read your point and shoot manual, experiment, and give it a try. Dont let anyone tell you that you cant get something done simply becuase you dont have the best equipment, or the best access. I have never had either and I have many pics that could easily be considered pro-level.
Good luck.
Greetings,
I have been trying to break into concert photography for a little over a year now. Pretty much impossible. Although, the more shows that I got to, I keep meeting people with “connections.” It seems that this will be my best bet. My 20D and collection low light level lenses will be waiting in the que.
So in the meantime, I will keep buying the great seats and keep using the point and shoot. The results are pretty impressive. And the 8×10 prints look terrific – pro quality. Well, pro enough to frame on out walls.
Actually, I have been contacted by many fans and even some of the bands/artists.
The camera we currently us is the Canon SD550. Turns out beautiful shots.
Since this is the digital age and our photo albums are not getting filled anymore, I developed a brand and made a website. Take a and have some fun. I pretty much post everything I can. I remind you, that this is a fan site only. We just do it for the fans and the love of music.
http://www.tourbuslive.com
Cool article, thanks very much!
I really loved this article. I was looking for some help in how to photograph bands or live gigs and I found this.
Thanks a lot for the wonderful help.
I love photographing and I have been doing in my garden for a while, but taking pictures of bands and singers is my new passion.
I’ll keep on trying to get my best shot…not easy though.
Thanks a lot.
Solange
My heartbeat quicened and my eyes were glued to the story about concert photography which described how I felt exactly. The challenge of getting a great shot under difficult and changing-by-the-second conditions is the hard part, but is also what makes it so rewarding when you get a shot that captures a split second emotional expression of a performer. I don’t yet have a really good camera and have been challenged with taking photo’s with 2 really cheap compact cameras-a Kodak cx6330 3.2 meg and a FugiFilm 3 meg. I’ve relied on post photographic digital editing to try and make up for the lack of quality in camera equipment and hope that I’ve at least come close to something worthy of looking at.
Steve http://www.cdimage.ca
Thank you for this great article. I am still learning but recently was contacted by a band who wants to use my photos from a recent show. What about pricing? Any advice?
I am going to a very small concert at a college and want to get some good photos for my class, photo1. I am going to use Tmax3200 and am a bit concerened that you sugested slow film. I am really new at this and it bieng my first class I am in a little conflict over what the teacher says and what people cay to do so I just want to clarify something, when you say te the light meter is useless does that mean the I should use F4.5 (wich i believe is as large as my lens goes) @ 1/500 and not worry that the line in the view finder that he says should be as close to 0 as possible looks like the pic. will be way underexposed?
To everyone saying “break the rules!” “use a flash!”, that particular rule has nothing to do with photographic dogma and everything to do with courtesy.
As a bands frontman, and a concert photographer/music journalist, I have experience at both ends of the lens. Flashes can suck, ruin the experience for the crowd and can cause problems for the musicians. The other thing to thin about is that you aren’t the only photographer there. The bands will frequently have their own with them, and other pros will be in front.
The pros have most likely signed an agreement stating that the use of flash is forbidden (it’s part of what you have to do to get a photo pass) and if you don’t have a pass yourself, playing nice is the best way to avoid trouble.
That said, if you have an agreement with the band, and are doing pics for them, then speak to them about it and of course, encourage them to let you break the rules.
Remember, they aren’t doing the show so you can get clever pics. You are a guest at someone elses party.
Thank you for the excellent article, exactl;y what I was looking for. I have my first chance at gig photography tonight and I may, just may, get a couple of good shots out of it now!
I have managed to get a photography pass from the band’s (Zero 7) management simply by emailing them and explaining who I was;
Amateur photographer looking to increase his experience and protfolio.
That I’d be as unobtrusive as I can, no flash etc (big venue, good lighting).
That the photographs would simply be to expand my portfolio.
So they came back with the pass, an opportunity to speak to the lighting technician beforehand, and they would like a DVD of the photographs!!!
Will let you know how it goes.
I have a little advice..get to know the security guys …even just for the night….give them your card and tell them you’ll send em some photos of the show…they have all been pretty excited…the most recent was where the security guy told me when and where the artist was entering the building .. and I was able to get some shots….
and my new fav…is the 1.4 50mm
I just got it a month ago…i’ve been able to shoot in just about the darkest stage lighting senarios…word…
http://greenwoodimages.blogspot.com/
OK, SLR cameras are what you should use when taking pictures at concerts. However, in my 10 years of concert photography I have only ever taken photos with a compact camera – in the past 5 years I’ve used a digital compact (albeit in manual mode).
All the concert photos on my site were taken with a Minolta and a Fuji digital camera…. And the results are pretty damn good. Click on Photo Albums 01/02/03 to see more shots.
I’m looking for ways to get a photo pass for a pretty well known band at a large venue in the coming month. I’ve already emailed the bands press manager. I’m determined to shoot this show, I want in. Any pointers?
I love how half of the people who bag you here who have been shooting concerts for a while have reasonably shit photos.. Pathetic really..
This is a great guide, only a guide and not steadfast rules, that will give you a really good starting point to get into the industry.. Thanks for putting the effort into writing this..
Great tips for concert photography.
Check out some of my photos here- http://www.kingpinphoto.com
nightwish u r like my all time fav band i would like it if u guys came to perth all played for us and i would so can SO come and see u guys cos us r the greatest band eva made U ROCK???
My question is, why “First 3 songs only”. Who set that rule?
Would love to get your feedback on my work at http://www.girishmenon.com … I’ve shot 5-6 concerts and want to do this for a living. Thanks for this article!
I absolutely loved this article – i was looking for some advice on lenses (i recently bought a Nikon D80 – a switch from my Canon 300D) and desperately need some insight on a good fast lens to shoot with (as i too shoot without flash – mostly because i have to!)
I’ve been taking live shots for about a few months now and i have to say i agree with everything this article said! With the photopass it really is about chatting to people and dropping the odd email to the venue/bands press etc and chancing your arm – sometimes it really works!
I sadly haven’t sorted my website up but i have a few shots on the ol’ myspace here: http://www.myspace.com/lucylovestodance As you can see i’m still a amateur so thank you for the advice!
Great article. A question though.
I know I few bands and managers but other then that I cannot get photo passes. I try taking pictures from the front row….but that is where the mosh pit is, so I just give up. I have asked all my local venues and they all say “ask the band’s manager” and when I ask the manager they say “ask the venue” Is that normal? Who else could I ask?
Thank You
I have become the house photographer at the venue 8 in Rapid City South Dakota and I am really enjoying it.
As a musician it is only natural my photography would move towards capturing music on stage.
Nice artical
Hello, i love http://www.photocritic.org! Let me in, please :)
Well, so far it sounds as if I am doing almost everything right regarding my camera. I used to have an advanced point-and-shoot digital, FUJIFILM S7000. The shutter delay REALLY bugged the crap out of me. I recently acquired a Canon EOS Rebel XTi, and I am truly excited to start using it at all the local venues. The shutter delay is practically nonexistant, so hopefully I will get the pictures I meant to take. One virtue of learning on a point-and-shoot is that I have been able to hone my anticipation skills.
I always try to get close to the stage, and I HATE using flash – it takes away all of the ambiance. I can hardly ever get a clear image without it – I have been asked to not delete most pictures, though, because my subjects like options. I do like motion, I just wish I could get some clear shots.
Any tips for photographing an energetic drummer?
I have some pictures on my “myspace” site.
http://www.myspace.com/seekthesacrifice
Nice site actually. Gone to my favourites. Thanks for creation.
Concert photos are so much fun while doging security and trying to not piss off your neighbor while flashing towards the stage. Take a look at some of my collections over the years. Metallica, Motely Crue, Tim McGraw, Korn , Kenny Chesney and many more, I like this one [URL=http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/13 . Digital is the only way to go . I wood sugest that you join the bands fan club and you can get a private meeting after the show and probably get them to pose with you or for you at least. Hot chicks usualy seem to get the best results for asking them to hold still . check out my view , I find the lighting quiet acceptable. [URL=http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/223 Rolling Stones Rock!!!!
I recently acquired a canon digital rebel xti, and I am very new at SLR cameras. I am taking a photography class, and have purchased a few guides as well, just to learn as much of my camera as humanly possible. I work at a radio station so we constanly need concert photos. I am trying the trial and error method, but I would like a physical guide to go by if possible. Are there guides out there for taking concert photos? I have been searching and can’t find anything. Maybe there isn’t anything. It’d be a money maker if there was. Please advise if you’ve seen or heard about anything. Thanks…..Ryan
Thanks! i found this very easy to read for a beginner like myself! I am still confused though because everyone seems to say one thing or another! For example, some believe in low ISO while others swear by high ISO. I guess i will just have to try each out and figure it out for myself.
I recently purchased a Nikon Digital Scanner so I could scan into my computer 30+ years of slide and negative photography. Approximately 400 rolls of that film is of concerts I photographed mostly between 1977 and 1983. As a matter of fact, the reason I purchased a 35mm camera in the first place was to photograph concerts. I have photographed about 125 bands from ACDC to ZZ Top (6 times). Tonight as I was scanning a roll of ZZ Top from the El Loco tour in 1982 I decided to google concert photography and you came up. I have something to add to your rules. Position is almost everything. Know your band and how they are going to be positioned on the stage before you get there so you can get an advantageous position. (Note: Almost all of my photography was done in the old general admission days.) If you are not positioned well you will not get good shots. If you are mainly interested in guitarists as I was, you will need to position yourself to the guitarist’s right (if he is right handed, reverse if left) or facing the guitarist to your left. This is because you will be working with shallow depth of fields. This way the neck of the guitar will be furtherest away from you. This doesn’t sound like much but if you shoot into the neck it is likely that the guitarist will be in focus but the guitar neck will not be in focus. I don’t take to many photos at shows any more although I did shoot Peter Frampton this year (I too old now and stick out like a sore thumb) but I tell you shooting concerts although very tough to do from a concert crowd was some of the best times of my life. I wish I could go back and do them all over again.
I’m definantly NOT a pro when it comes to photography, but I’m going to school for it and always end up at shows taking photos of my friends bands. It’s one of my favorite things to do, and when asked at school what kind of photography I’m working towards, my response is always that I’m really into concerts. I don’t think half of the people I talk to understand it.
I LOVE THIS ARTICLE!!
I’ve been wanting to ask photographers that actually do concert shots about how they do their magic. I’ve come up with some great photos, but I want to get more personal, and learn how to deal with the lighting.
This article just opened my eyes! Thanks!
Yesterday I shot my first concert photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/t3mujin/sets/72157594578043123/) and I was able to confirm one thing: a fixed lens really is a damn cool lens for concerts!
Just picked up a Nikon D40 myself and have been looking for some advice on shooting my buddy’s hip-hop band at local bars. Right now I’m using the kit lens (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) and I’m constantly searching for more LIGHT! I’ll keep in mind a 50mm f/1.8, but for really intimate settings, where I have free run of the bar to get any shot I want, would a 35 or 28mm be a better choice?
Check out some of my first live concert shots with my new d40:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trompen/collections/72157600134510487/
the 28 is always gonna be more light but with “digital” you don’t need to worry as much about that. if you use a film camera, sometimes i will use fill flash or i will “push” the film a stop or 2 if it’s a really dark bar.
the 28 is gonna be a wide angle… if that’s the effect your looking for. you can use the stock 18-55mm just as easy if you know a few of these tips.
i don’t carry extra lens when i shoot a concert i carry extra cameras… all nikons of coarse but sometimes i
will carry up to 5 cameras at a particular event. 2, 35mm professional bodies and maybe 2 or 3 smaller mom & pop shooters like the 4600 or whatever to get a different “vibe” or look and feel… gonzo style.
be creative, go do a few test shoots, see what works best for you. be artistic and you’ll see even bad photos may have a certain charm. hope this answers a few questions for you.
good shooting.
Hey, great article!
It’s good to know there are others out there who love shooting concerts as much as I do.
Check out the concert shots on my site.
Hey!!
I love this article!!!
i always take photos to all concerts I go! I have a cannon 350-d with 18-55, 28-200,75-300!!
soyviaje4@yahoo.es (my email)
I tell you my space,there I have photoconcerts!!!
a hug
I abosoluty love this article! I do concert photography and no one understands why I do it or why anyone does it. But some of the best pictures come from being in the crowd, rockin to the music and gettin shots. I use a Nikon Coolpix and its been great for me! I use a variety of cameras but that the “usual” grab.
The shot with James of Eighteen Visions is one of my favorite pics. I’ve seen them live several times, met them and some of my best work been of them. I’ve seen a lot of pics of bands from live shows and its hard to find those that grab your attention and make you want it forever.
Awesome article once again!
I have a website with my concert photography coming just like a lot of others lol
http://www.stillcoda.com
Thanks for a great article. After year of being responsible for “not providing enough light” for you snappers, I am trying my hand at gig photography. The help is appreciated.
fantastic blog, concert photography is great. I have a local venue which i cover, unfortunantly the extent of the lighting is about the same as that of a maglite! still some photos are good! by far the best i have ever taken were at the liverpool summer pops photograhing whitesnake, i didn’t have any photo pass so i got bouncered what made up for it though was some 1st class photos of david coverdale!
thanks for the advice!
i particulary liked the 3 rules however i don’t agree with the first three songs, i notice pro photographers doing it at weddings as well as concerts. I just think its arrogant, you miss the atmosphere
Thank you for the tips. Very helpful. Check my site out I have just started out after taking several classes in Photography. Would love to have some input. http://www.freewebs.com/purephotography
I’m really glad I came across sites like this before I took my camera to too many shows. My first few attempts I was that annoying jerk with the flash going off every 3 seconds. I’ve since bought a 50mm 1.8 for my Nikon D80 and am able to get decent shots without a flash at all. I don’t necessarily abide by the 3 song rule, but I usually only take photos at small gigs where the band probably enjoys as must exposure as they can get (pun intended…).
Check out my photos of Wintersleep live in Toronto here:
http://www.wolveshawksandkites.com/2007/10/18/live-in-toronto-drug-rug-cut-it-up-and-wintersleep-welcome-the-night-sky/
Thanks for the tips!
I used to go on the road with Matchbox Twenty as my X was their production manager, so I got to go where I wanted and go crazy with my camera….My LOVE!! I love photography and I got some incredible shots that I think would be t shirt, poster, jacket worthy. Incredible lighting that iA caught under an incredible bright blue light wiht Adam on guirtar and Rob Thomas on the piano. GREAT photo really, im very impressed with my skill there. I have many more that I cherish and that no one has seen (aka have never been in a magazine) they are mine and mine alone and my pride and joy. I was able to wonder anywhere I wnated because of the fact I was engaged to their production manager for years so I got to go behind the ropes. Many would say “youre so lucky to get so close” I only thought of it as I got to take these incredible pictures tht no one else could take unless you were the photographer for MTV, and mind you my photos look if not better or just right up there with a simple camera, but the heart a passion of a photographer. Not to meantion I got some signed after I had them printed to my expectations. I will never forget how I had the oppertunity to take photos so close to a band I love and they came out better then “known photographers” because I had WAY more passion for the actual photos I was taking!! Believe that Zoie85022@yahoo.com
Photos of Placebo in concert – Montréal / Québec
I am the photographer for http://www.concerttickets.com. The bottom line for good concert photography is being as close to the stage as possible. Even front row seats can place you 25 feet from the performer. Other points is that if you are in a venue that where seats are set up on a grade, it is good to know how many rows to be up to be level with the performer. This can provide a straight on view. We often get back stage passes and get very interesting photography. But when we are out front, close is key.
Mark Johnson
Senior Photographer
http://www.concertickets.com
Hi
been reading this blog for a while now has been very usefull .
Ive been lucky enough to take many photos of some big name rock bands over the last few years
some of wich can be found here
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v331/R1FSR/DREAM%20THEATER%20-%20Manchester%2007/
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v331/R1FSR/SATRIANI%20-%20Manchester%2006/
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v331/R1FSR/SCORPIONS%20Manchester%2007/
and was wondering about getting my name into some agencies to open up the chances of more photo passes…is there any in particular that i should contact , any info would be apreciated .
cheers
Paul
Hi.
I’m not sure who wrote the original article, but I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents regarding camera positions at a concert, as I have somewhat different advice, and probably more experience than any living person on the planet:
1. DON’T get as close as possible.You will only limit your photo possibilities…..WIDEN OUT….. Let your frame “breathe”.
2. DON’T shoot where everyone else is shooting from.
3. DO shoot from where everyone else ISN’T- even if all you’re shooting is the back of the band. I guarantee that your pictures will be infinitely better than anyone else’s.
-Neal Preston
You’ve missed something out there, if you get into the pit IT WILL BE LOUD!
EAR PLUGS ARE ESSENTIAL!!!!
Just something worth noting if you value you’re hearing as anyone working in and around stages will tell you.
Before you go to your gig, try and find out, through the internet (Youtube, band website, fan forum), if there is live footage of the current tour. That’ll give you some indication of the band and stage set-up, and perhaps even a playlist.
If you have a playlist for the current tour, try and find out which are the first three songs. Familiarise yourself with these tracks before you go so you know if there are any emotional or tense bits that might be good moments to capture the band or the singer performing.
I have been fortunate to photograph a lot of great musicians. I would appreciate it if you would check out my work.
My Webzine: Brain Dead Media
Personal Myspace: Dave Williams Myspace
I never use flash, take tons of photos and usually use a high iso which gives me a good shot for the web.. but not really for printing purposes. I’m only a point and shoot guy with a panasonic TZ1 which offers a 10x zoom – The closer the better obviously – I only ever look for a couple good shots from the night. If anyone knows this camera at all and can suggest different setting options please do. Other suggestions for point and shoot cameras with 10-12x zoom I am looking for also with good video clip features. I take photos and clips for my reviews site.
thanks
Jeff
I just wanted to come on here and comment on how great your site is. Ive been little bits of live photography for awhile and just started getting the right equipment to do it well. Great helpful hints to really get started and focused on the right stuff, since concert stuff is so much improve, you really have to have to fundamentals down. Thanks
Gotta love it!
Nice article…
One thing I do differently.. I think autofocus works fine if you’re close enough to the action and it’s light assisted. Without auto, accurate focus must be a nightmare with those wide aperture lenses.
Check out my results a http://www.gigshot.co.uk and feel free to drop me a line via the site
Cheers
Martin
Just found this by accident while surfing. I am glad to read that pretty much all that I experienced in the 70’s and 80’s still applies. Very straightforward information and exactly how I shot all my work on my concert photography website. Of course mine was film, long before digital and autofocus,but still, no flash, three songs ( you hope) road managers from hell, crowd jealous, get credentials, work the light, manual exposure, shoot with the music, shoot tight and watch for them to find the lens. I would only add that for bigger shows, arrive well before the lights go down, make friends with the T-shirt security so they aren’t wasting your three songs checking to see if you belong.
grateful for anyone to check out my site.
Okay so I have been invited by a local band to be put onto their guest lists’ so that I can photograph them. I think I do an alright job at getting the shots but I have a Canon P.S A630 and it doesn’t work very well under the conditions of concert lighting and such. It’s almost impossible to get a good shot without it looking super amature. Is there something i’m missing? Help?
Enjoying all these stories and tips very much I must say, I keep learning. My concert photo’s are all collected on my website http://www.kamerado.nl
Joep
Nice article…I can relate well. I took hundreds of concert photos of rock bands in the 80’s and it was always a challenge.
I tried fast films, slide films, even had some 3D pics too. After all these years I finally made some of my collection available for viewing.
My concert photo website is evolving and will have more as time goes on.
Thank you
http://www.liveloudphotos.com
Great tips – I already practice many of these and am glad to see someone is willing to say it!
Great, this is going into my photo Bible. Thankfully I live some where where the first two rules have not been introduced yet so it is free hunting season for amateur and pro shooters and been a great platform for me to go and get pics of bands and then show them how I can get great candid moments of them and many hire me next time and it is paying for itself now and hope to take some of your print advice too and give them some big prints too and sell them to the band members or for their fan clubs.
The hardest thing is getting good moments to the lighting, moments come regardless if the lighting techy gives you the best or worst lighting possibilities for that moment but you got to take your shot anyway or up or down your ISO or other aids to get the shot in a split second, it grows on you though and I’m getting to where it’s a “junky” rush, I hate portrait set shoots, give me rock and roll baby!
Just wanted to drop a line and say thanks ever so much for the insight, inspiration and technical as well as the common-sense-we-often-forget knowledge.
this was helpful-
i’ve been do 5 shows now where i’ve had a photo pass and i love the opening of this article haha. thats exactly how it’s described, and its one of the most nervewrecking nights you will ever have. ive gotten stuck in between the security guards legs while they were pushing off the stage to push a crowd surfer back, while the other security guard was yelling at me to ‘get the f*ck out of there’. also, at my last show, there was a kid in the photo pit with his little digital camera, just shooting away, with flash, and actually for the most of the show was kneeling on the floor so i pretty much tripped on him every time i needed to get by him.
Interesting stuff.
I like the photo tips for concerts.
Cool blog site you got going on.
Keep it up!
Good tips.
I’ve found just as a music fan going to concerts, my trusty point-and-shoot has been great. Granted you haven’t got the advantage of using an DSLR with a bright lens, but then to get permission to use these cameras, your only allowed in the pit for 3 songs. (I’ve heard reports of people only being allowed in the pit for mere seconds!) I find getting to the venue early, so you can get as close to the front as possible is the biggest advantage. Once you’ve done that, everything else is easy. You have the WHOLE concert to take photos. Like you say, you tend to dump 90% of the shots, but if you have a full 90 minutes – 2 hours to take your photos, your bound to get some good ones right?
Fantastic article. I’ve been shooting concert photography for about 6 months now and keep coming back to this article.
At the level I am at, I can usually shoot for the whole show. It’s a great way to practice: go to small local shows. The challenges are the same and it makes you get to know the surroundings and the camera.
I wrote a short guide as well: http://tinyurl.com/mtxa2n
Hi:
I have been added to a credential list for a particular concert in a couple of weeks. The woman is the media coordinator of the venue, and she emailed me back, after I emailed her requesting this. I gave her all the proper info. I have a canon 40d and have a 28-200mm 3.5-5.6 lens and a 50-250mm 4.5-5.6 lens. I am thinking of getting a 70-200mm 2.8 lens as I know I need a very fast lens. I need to know if after taking the pictures if I am in a pit, do I get to sit in my seat, as I was invited to the concert also. I have contacted the venue and they said that cameras are allowed. I would take more pictures in my seat, but my flash won’t reach even though it is powerful. I have a point and shoot fuji s7000 with a telephoto attachment, and have taken photos indoors in a concert and I was in the 25th row and then in the 14th row in another one and got great shots with it, and I used an external flash unit. Do you think I would be able to sit down after taking the pictures since I was given a ticket. I don’t want the person to lose a lot of money. I would rather sit down then have to leave after taking the photos up front, and take my chances by shooting from my seat.
Thanks
Mary
THANK YOU for any help you can supply me with.
Mary
really very interesting post!concert photography is great…love this article.thanks for sharing..
digitalpicturezone
great photos, and great writeup! just starting out a photo blog so i’m happy to have come across this site..
can you post pictures of bands on your professional portfolio website without a signed release form?
As long as you’re not making money of the photos; yes. You can’t use band photos for commercial purposes anyway (unless you pay the band a fortune, and then it’s usually done in an advertising context), so use the photos for news, features, and your portfolio, and nothing else :)
I heard about this photo contest Billboard and PDN are having…basically you could either be an amateur or a professional and all you need to do is submit your photos from a concert or of an artist. The winner gets a completely free trip for 2 to a Billboard star-studded event plus your photos published in Billboard magazine and on Billboard.com. The link is http://www.billboardphotocontest.com/ and the deadline is Sept 8th…check it out!!
Hi Haje, I’d like to use a photo you took from Sonisphere (August 1,2) in my article. This photo is also featured on Wikipedia. I just want to obtain your permission to be sure I’m being compliant with copyrights, etc. I’d be happy to credit you as photographer, of course and put a link to your article here. Please e-mail me and let me know a.s.a.p. Thanks in advance.
First of, I’m going to try my best to staying civil here. You’re making it hard for some of us Pro Photogs, that make a living on concert photography. Your insight on how to obtain a photo pass is not something that should be done, even less suggested.
The industry doesn’t need to be saturated with “wannabe” concert photographers that are prostituting the market with free services. What the heck are you thinking?? Some of us do this for more than a hobby, and need to put food on our tables. Work is work, and should be compensated!
Now on a more technical side, your comment on ISO settings is no very coherent. Buy decent equipment, and you’ll be able to set your ISO value to 6400, without the slightest amount of noise whatsoever.
Hi Patrick – can you post a couple of links to concert photos taken at 6400 ISO which have no noise in them?
I have been doing concert photography for some time now. The advice i can give is that you should move a lot (except when i am not allowed by the venue, or musicians agent). Fast lenses are something photographers should consider also.
Other than that is just a question of having your eyes open and “read” the moves the musicians make.
Every concert is a challenge, most of our photos will be “average”, but sometimes we can get some real good ones!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/retorta/sets/
Speaking of concert photography,Billboard and PDN just extended the deadline on the ultimate music moment photo contest to Sept 18th. Billboard and PDN are gonna give out a bunch of cool stuff and publish the images of whoever can capture the best pic of an artist, crowd, or music moment on their magazines and websites. They’re taking both amateurs and professional, more details at http://www.billboardphotocontest.com/.
I shoot every show with a Nikon D40 with f/3.5-5.6 55mm-200mm and a 18mm-55mmf/3.5-5.6. and use a Manual Flash I get rude looks from some Big Lens Photographers but My work proves I just have to work a little harder. I have photographed Bachman Cummings Band, Kim Mitchell, and Shoot for The Carpet Frogs (Backing Band for Bachman Cummings. Have Shot Rik Emmett of Triumph and Many local acts.
I bust my ass and enjoy all of it.
Thanks for posting the Inspiring article
Great article. Concert photography is an especially rewarding form of photography. It’s hard work and you have to battle bad lights, lots of movement and everything else.
I always plan for the unexpected. My quick words to someone starting in concert photography would be: know your surroundings, know your settings and trust your instincts.
Great article, I would love to start doing concert photography. This article is very helpful.
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