If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist the electrifying atmosphere of a live concert. The roaring crowd, the pulsating beats, and those magical moments on stage that make your heart skip a beat – it’s a photographer’s paradise!
But let’s face it: Capturing the energy and essence of a concert isn’t so easy. From low-light conditions to fast-paced action, every gig presents its own unique challenges, and that’s why it’s essential to arm yourself with the right knowledge and techniques.
In this article, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of photographing concerts and unlock plenty of secrets to capture those mind-blowing moments. I’ll share the best gear and camera settings, explain how to anticipate the action, and reveal ways to navigate the chaotic dance of light and shadow. So grab some memory cards, make sure your camera batteries are charged, and get ready to rock the concert photography world!
1. Use a fast lens and shoot wide open
Using a fast lens (i.e., a lens with a wide maximum aperture) is crucial when it comes to concert photography. Most concerts take place in the evening or indoors with low lighting conditions, which means you need to allow as much light as possible through the lens to ensure a detailed exposure. Additionally, since performers are constantly moving on stage, you’ll want to use faster shutter speeds to freeze their motion – and boosting the shutter speed without also widening the aperture will result in subpar results.
Good fast lenses include the 50mm f/1.8, 135mm f/1.8, and the 24-70mm f/2.8. These models are all offered by a variety of major camera manufacturers, and they do a great job of letting plenty of light into your camera.
Note that it’s not enough to simply use a fast lens. You need to make sure you dial in the lens’s widest aperture; that way, you can effectively capture sharp, well-exposed shots, assuming you also adjust your ISO (more on that in a later section!).
By the way, using a fast lens at its widest aperture can also create a beautiful shallow depth of field effect. This means that your main subject will be in sharp focus while the background fades into a soft blur, and it’s a fantastic way to make your subject stand out and add a touch of artistic flair to your shots.
2. Shoot in Aperture Priority mode
Many beginners rely on Auto mode, but it often results in blurry or grainy photos without any control over camera settings. That’s why I encourage you to choose Aperture Priority mode instead.
In Aperture Priority, you set the aperture you want while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to match the changing lighting conditions. (Wondering about the ideal aperture? As mentioned earlier, go as wide as possible, like f/2.8 or even f/1.8, for sharp, well-exposed shots with stunning background bokeh.)
While some photographers advocate for Manual mode, I personally prefer Aperture Priority. By letting the camera handle the exposure, you can focus your mind on the artists, the crowd, and the overall atmosphere. It frees you up to capture those spontaneous and creative shots without getting bogged down in technical details.
3. Crank up the ISO
Concerts often unfold in dimly lit environments, and using a tripod just isn’t an option for a whole host of reasons. So what can you do to ensure your shots come out sharp and well-exposed? Boost the one setting that gives you control in these challenging conditions: ISO.
Now, here’s the deal with cranking up the ISO: It does introduce a bit of noise into your images. But in my experience, it’s a tradeoff you have to make to capture those epic concert moments. Even if you have a fast lens with an ultra-wide aperture, it can only get you so far. That’s why you need to rely on a higher ISO to push you the rest of the way.
Keep in mind that different cameras produce varying levels of noise based on their sensor quality. If you have the means, consider investing in a model with solid high-ISO capabilities. Then, before you head to your first concert photography gig, take a series of test shots at different ISO values. Pay attention to the point where the noise becomes too much for your liking. Remember that value and strive to stay below it whenever possible.
That said, a bit of noise can actually add a creative touch to your shots, especially if you’re open to converting them to black and white. A monochrome image with noise can give off a cool film-grain feel, adding character to your work.
And if you happen to end up with a memory card full of ultra-noisy shots, don’t fret too much; in post-processing, you can apply noise reduction to improve the image quality. However, keep in mind that noise-reduction algorithms do have their limitations, so it’s best to get things right in the field as much as possible.
4. Avoid using your flash
When you’re shooting at a concert, resist the temptation to whip out that flash. Imagine you’re on stage, pouring your heart out, and suddenly you’re blinded by a burst of light. Annoying, right? That’s how performers feel, and you do not want to get on their bad side.
But it’s not just about the artists. Part of concert photography is capturing the audience, too. You don’t want to be that photographer who distracts everyone from the incredible show, so save your flash for another occasion.
And here’s the thing: Even if you could use your flash, it wouldn’t make much of a difference. The stage is usually too far away for the light to reach the subject. So why bother? Instead, focus on mastering the art of working with available light. Embrace the challenge of capturing the dimly lit atmosphere and the dynamic play of shadows. It’ll result in much better photos!
5. Move around constantly
When it comes to concert photography, staying glued to one spot and snapping the same shot repeatedly just won’t cut it. As a photographer, it’s essential to keep on the move, flowing with the artists and following the ever-changing lighting dynamics. This way, you’ll be able to capture those electrifying moments that truly stand out. Of course, remember to respect any venue or artist restrictions regarding movement.
If your view gets blocked by enthusiastic fans, quickly reposition yourself. (Whatever you do, don’t ask them to move or get in their way. After all, they’ve paid to witness their favorite artists in action!) When the lead singer ventures to one side of the stage, it’s your cue to hustle over there and capture the moment.
Bottom line: Moving around opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to compose shots that are as diverse and vibrant as the music itself. So get your groove on, embrace the hustle, and capture the frenetic essence of the performance.
6. Wait and anticipate
Concerts are a whirlwind of action, but when it comes to concert photography, patience is key. It’s all about playing the waiting game to capture those decisive moments that others might miss.
Now, I’m not saying you should spend your entire time waiting for a fleeting moment that may never come. No, it’s about developing the skill to anticipate those golden opportunities. And the good news is that it’s a skill that can be honed with practice and experience.
One effective way to improve your ability to predict good shots is to immerse yourself in the concert experience. Attend as many shows as you can and pay close attention. Notice patterns and recurring moments that unfold onstage. This could be a guitarist dramatically arching backward, a DJ energetically waving their arms, or a singer gripping the mic with passion. These are the moments that beg to be captured, and they tend to happen multiple times throughout a concert, giving you several opportunities to grab photos.
Another strategy is to observe the artists once the performance starts. Look for their unique habits and signature moves. By familiarizing yourself with their style, you can be prepared when those picture-perfect moments occur.
If you’re truly dedicated to getting stellar shots and the artist has live videos available online, take advantage of them! Watch performances beforehand to give yourself a head start.
Remember, mastering the art of waiting and anticipating will elevate your concert photography game and ensure you don’t miss a beat when it comes to capturing those stunning images.
Concert photography tips: final words
And that wraps up our epic journey through the wild world of concert photography! I’ve covered everything from nailing your camera settings to capturing set-defining moments, which means that you’re ready to create some gorgeous concert shots of your own.
So remember the tips I’ve shared, and go forth and conquer the concert scene with your newfound knowledge and skills. Let your images tell the stories of epic performances, unforgettable melodies, and the soul-stirring power of music!
Now over to you:
Do you have any concert photography tips we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
