Concert Photography

I’m gonna be super transparent with you: I’m not musical whatsover. I have a love and passion for music and I always have, but I couldn’t tell you the first thing about writing, mixing, publishing, playing instruments, etc.

I rely on music to give me a “feel good” feeling when doing something (driving, running, writing, cleaning, etc) and my absolute favorite thing to do is going to a show either alone or with friends to bang my head to the songs and have a drink.

I was at a Mayday Parade concert in Atlanta, Georgia that I was completely stoked for. This was my first show I ever secured the barricade for, so I had the best view of the bands playing.

I also had the best view of the photographer.

I watched the photographers within the photo pit put their all into getting the best shots and seeing how their creativity blossomed during the band’s set. For whatever reason, this stuck with me.. so I decided I wanted to pursue concert photography.

Unfortunately, concert photography is not a full time job for me, although I would like it to be. It’s just a side hustle and a hobby, and it gives me something to look forward to especially on the weekends. Here are my tips on how to get started in concert photography and succeed within the music scene:

1. Secure your camera

A misconception I have fallen into is that I need the biggest, best, and most expensive camera to capture bands with. In reality, a DSLR camera with at least 16 mega pixels can do the job, and do it well. Quite honestly, when it comes to photography, it’s not always about the camera, it’s more about your lens.

2. Start shooting local bands

You are not going to be able to start your concert photography career shooting the biggest names in the biggest arenas right off the bat. In order to start, reach out to local bands, venues, bars, etc and ask if it’s okay if you shoot them and within their venue. In these situations, you don’t need a press pass to take some photos. I have noticed that local bands are thrilled whenever someone wants to take the time to capture their show!

3. Network with artists

After a show, thank the band/artist for letting them take some pictures. Not only do the pictures benefit them for promotional purposes, they benefit YOU as an aspiring concert photographer. The pictures you take even from the beginning help you to gain experience and build your portfolio up. Who knows, that local band may have connections to your favorite big-time band! I know this to be true because just by taking the time to snap some photos and conversate after the show, a local band connected me to my favorite band EVER!

I have also built some of the best, most fun, and most rewarding friendships within the music scene. We all support each other and help promote each other’s work!

4. Build your portfolio

After shooting some events and having a collection of pictures you call your own, it’s time to build a portfolio! My portfolio is online, since everything is online nowadays. This helps artists, venues, publicists etc to be able to see your work whenever business is being talked about!

5. Press Passes and Publication

You’ve shot local bands… you’ve built your portfolio.. now you’re itching to go to a bigger venue and shoot a big show. It all seems intimidating at first and the thought of having to secure a press pass can be scary. I’m here to assure you.. ITS NOT!

The key to securing a press pass is having a reason to shoot the show. Publicists will not always give you access just because you “want to shoot the band” or “want to build your portfolio”. Once you find a publication/magazine/newspaper to shoot pictures for, all you have to do is email a band’s publicist or the band themselves and ask for a press pass. In a later article, I will include all of the tips and tricks for press pass etiquette in the photo pit!

Now you’ve got the tips and tricks for becoming a music photographer. It’s a rewarding, exciting, creative job especially if you want to be in the music scene… but you’re not musical!

I wish you luck in your aspirations for becoming a music photographer. I hope you get to shoot your favorite band, make some new friends, and jam out while getting to take some pictures to keep as memories forever!