Top 10 Tips for Capturing the Best Concert Photos

Welcome to Jon's Creative Space! If you're a beginner photographer or someone looking to break into the exciting world of live music photography, you're in the right place. Here are my top 10 tips for capturing the best concert photos.

1. Know Your Gear

Understanding your camera and lenses is crucial. I use a Sony A7R3, which has been a fantastic companion over the years. For concert photography, a versatile 20-70mm f/2.8 lens is a great start. For festivals, a 70-140mm f/2.8 works wonders. In low light, I switch to an 85mm f/1.4 to let in more light, despite sacrificing some versatility.

2. Master Camera Settings

Concerts often have challenging lighting conditions. Start with a wide aperture (like f/2.8 or f/1.4) to let in as much light as possible. Use a fast shutter speed (around 1/250 or higher) to freeze motion. Set your ISO high enough to get a good exposure, but not so high that you introduce too much noise – balancing ISO I try not to go above 1200 if possible but don’t be afraid to push to 3400 if necessary.

3. Adapt to Different Venues

Every venue in your city (Seattle for me), from intimate clubs to sprawling arenas, has unique lighting and setups. Shoot in as many different types of venues as possible to prepare for any situation. This experience will teach you how to adapt quickly to various lighting conditions and environments.

4. Take Risks

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Start small and reach out to local bands or openers who might not have a media team. The more you shoot, the more you learn. Experiment with different angles, compositions, and techniques to find your style.

5. Use the Right Lenses

While versatility is key, sometimes you need to prioritize light. My go-to lens for low-light situations is an 85mm f/1.4. It’s a prime lens, meaning no zoom, but it performs exceptionally well in dim lighting. For more creativity, try using filters like star, halo, or prism filters to add a unique flair to your photos.

6. Focus on the Performers

Capturing the emotion and energy of the performers is essential. Focus on their faces, expressions, and movements. Anticipate their actions to catch those perfect, candid moments that truly capture the essence of the concert.

7. Work the Crowd

Don’t forget the crowd! Audience reactions can add a powerful dimension to your concert photos. Look for moments where the crowd is fully engaged – hands in the air, singing along, or lost in the music.

8. Learn Post-Processing

Post-processing is just as important as taking the photo. Learn Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance your images. In Lightroom, focus on adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance. In Photoshop, experiment with more advanced techniques. Build a database of editing styles to improve your workflow and consistency.

9. Manage Your Expectations

Not every shot will be perfect. Concert photography is challenging, with constant movement and changing lights. Manage your expectations and be prepared to take a lot of shots to get a few keepers. Persistence and practice will pay off.

10. Network and Collaborate

Build relationships with other photographers, bands, and venues. Networking can open up opportunities for you to shoot at different events and improve your skills. Collaborate with openers, who might be more approachable and willing to work with you than headliners.

Conclusion

Concert photography is an exciting and rewarding field. By knowing your gear, mastering camera settings, adapting to different venues, and continually learning and experimenting, you can capture stunning concert photos. Take risks, shoot as much as possible, and enjoy the process. Happy shooting!