Shoot Concerts Like a Professional

Just like sporting events, concerts are great events to take noteworthy photographs. And similarly, there is a method to the madness behind such a craft. In this article, we share on how to shoot Concerts Like a Professional.

Yes, there are some technical aspects involved in music photography, which we’ll be discussing in this edition of Photography Hacks 101. These are just some tips to help you get that much-needed boost as you begin this new photography venture.

Hopefully, this short (but sweet) article may of great help to you. So read on and enjoy.

Tip #1: Time your shots

Especially if you love going to concerts or live performances yourself, it’s easy to be trigger happy with that button and shoot away. The upside of that is you’ll have a pile of images to choose from, but the downside is that you’ll be wasting time and energy.

Just like how it is with sports photography, know when to press that button to start shooting. Perhaps focus on the band’s lead singer or guitar player and find their most candid moments. Lighting will also play a significant role, especially since it is an integral part of the overall presentation.

You can count on these artists to free themselves up on stage, so be patient and wait for that perfect moment.

Tip #2: Don’t forget about the crowd

Just like how you would treat the performers on stage, the people in the audience box are equally superb subjects. Their expressions are more worthy of taking a shot of.

Big shows, in particular, have a massive following so that you can count on a lively, rowdy crowd in attendance. A heavy metal show, for example, will have a mosh pit that can get a bit too unruly. But hey, there’s nothing like seeing people crowd surfing, just like how they did in decades’ past.

Just remember not to situate yourself in the middle of all the action, to protect both yourself and your precious gear.

Tip #3: Familiarize yourself with potential dangers

The third tip piggybacks from the previous item, and most applicable when attending a rock and roll show. It is the type of performance where things can get way too rowdy for one’s liking, which can put you and your equipment in danger.

Some bands make use of pyrotechnics, while others have fans that simply don’t care whether or not they end up physically harming the people around them. Being careless about these things may get you burned or trampled, ruining a potentially fun night of shooting.

Never let yourself get carried away with the high energy of the show and always be aware of your surroundings.

Tip #4: Make adjustments according to lighting

As mentioned in a previous tip in this article, lighting plays a big part in a concert’s overall presentation. Therefore, you, as the photographer, will need to make certain adjustments to render the best results.

The best way to do this is by shooting the photo a tad bit underexposed, then just adding the appropriate brightness levels afterward. Doing this gives you more control with the unpredictability of concert lighting.

If anything, you can also make the adjustments in post-processing. But of course, be sure that you’re satisfied with your raw shots.

If you have any other tips on how to shoot concerts Like a professional, please feel free to share them down below.