When photographing live music, there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll want to be prepared for fast-paced action, and have your settings ready for low-light conditions. It’s also important to be aware of the stage setup and where the best angles are.
Here are a few tips for getting great shots of your favorite band.
How to Photograph Live Music
Get there early
This will help you scope out the stage and find the best angles for shooting. While professional photographers will get dedicated spots and access, for those starting out, it can be hard to get the right shots. Getting there early not only allows you to get closer to the action but gives you more time to prepare. You can even use supporting acts to check your settings and perfect them ready for the main act.
Use a fast shutter speed
Unless you want to have pictures that are a little blurry, you’ll need to have a camera with a rapid shutter speed and it needs to be on that quickest setting. You’ll need to be able to capture the action, so a fast shutter speed is essential. If you’re taking pictures of an acoustic act then this might be a little different but with a band, be prepared for that high-octane action.
Set your ISO
Since you’ll be shooting in low light, you’ll need to increase your ISO. You can play around with this because if you set it too high, your images may lose a bit of quality. This will help you get clear, sharp images in low light as the huge contrast between the bright stage and the darker audience can product poor images with regular settings.
Use flash sparingly
A flash can help you fill in the shadows and get better photos but just be careful not to blind the performers! In fact, there are many live music photographers who won’t use it at all because of its minimal benefits. With so much lighting going towards the stage, it’s often not needed. There are also plenty of venues that won’t allow the use of flash, so make sure to check.
Be patient
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are great concert photos. Keep shooting and you’ll eventually get that perfect shot. Once you’ve been to a few concerts, you’ll get a better feel for which settings work better in different situations. You’ll also get a feel for different angles and distances. You won’t be perfect straight away, no one is.
Build relationships
If you want to become a professional photographer then it’s a good idea to build good relationships. Getting in a lead singer’s face and using your flash might not go down very well. Taking some stunning shots and tagging the band into your social media posts would be a much better idea. After a while, you may get better access and a great reputation.
Final Thoughts on Live Music Photography
Concert photography can be a lot of fun, but it also takes some preparation. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to capture great shots of your favorite band or musician. Be sure to arrive early to scout out the best angles, and use a fast shutter speed to capture the action. You’ll also want to increase your ISO and use a flash if necessary. And don’t forget to be patient!