People often ask me for advice on photographing concerts. I get questions ranging from which lenses to use, how to get published, and how to improve technique, among others. All good, fair solicitations.
But, the single best piece of advice I can give to any concert photographer? Please: wear earplugs.
If the bass speakers up at the front of the pit are already shaking the floor, jiggling your bones, and otherwise helping you digest dinner with their sonic vibrations, imagine what they’re doing to your ears.
According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), sound levels for rock concerts reach an average rating of 112 dB, to which safe exposure is measured in minutes. Not like 20 or 30 minutes, but one or two. That won’t even get you through the a full song in the pit, let alone the full set.
With repeated exposure, all those unchecked decibels translate into permanent hearing loss. That ringing in your ears is not a badge of honor, it’s tinnitus.
I’ve tried all manner of earplugs, but I recommend two products in particular: the ER-20 and the Hearos Ultimate Softness Ear Plugs.
Etymotic Research ER-20:
The ER-20 are made by Etymotic Research, which made its name in audiophile-quality ear-canal headphones. Just like their earphone offerings, the ER-20s are positioned as a high-fidelity product that allow for natural sound at lower, safer levels, making them well-suited for concerts.
Unlike conventional earplugs, which can produce a muffled hearing experience, the ER-20s lower noise levels more evenly, rendering more clarity at safer sound levels.
Pros: Great clarity without the muffled sound of conventional earplugs; they’re easy to wash for repeated use.
Cons: The effective 20-dB rating isn’t as effective for very regular or extended gigging.
Hearos Ultimate Softness Ear Plugs:
They look like most any other cheap, foam earplugs, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Hearos Ultimate Softness Ear Plugs. Not only do they live up to their name, but you’ll wonder where the ringing in your ears went after a few shows.
While the polyurethane Hearos can’t claim the hi-fi pedigree of the ER-20s, what they lack in finesse these earplugs make up for in stopping power with their 32-dB rating.
Thanks to the comfy fit, these easy-wearing ‘plugs are especially nice for long bills and extended sets.
Pros: They’re dirt cheap, super comfy, and do a great job at blocking ear-killing squeals.
Cons: More muffled sound than the ER-20s; slower, more finicky insertion
The above two earplugs are just products I’ve tried and recommend, but whatever you use, just stick something in those holes. Your ears will thank you for it.
47 Comments Add your own
1. xavier | May 29th, 2008 at 10:09 am
I always wear earplugs now. After you do 3 or 4 shows at night in a weeke you start to realise that these sweet tunes really do you arm.
I use foam earpllugs but i will look into these ER : i feel that sometimes i’m really to isolated with foam ep especially when the sound level lowers.
Anybody knows about other products?
I saw a soundtech guy once wering molded ep with a filter that “closes” above a certain (dangerous) amount of noise.
Good post though it’s so important to remind people that ears never fully recover from a sound injury (parts of the internal ear just die and can’t grow back)
2. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Hey Xavier,
Wearing earplugs can be a bittersweet thing, as I think most all concert photographers get into the scene for a love of music and want to hear it at its best.
The Etyplugs (ER-20s) are a nice balance between nothing at all and more robust protection. The protection rating is modest, but certainly better than nothing at all.
The soundtech you know might be wearing custom molded plugs that use this technology:
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/honobr.html
I’ve been interested in trying these plugs and will probably order a pair. Sounds great in theory.
3. chris | May 29th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I love my ER-20s but they just aren’t good enough for hip-hop or metal shows!
4. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Chris, I felt the same way. The ER-20s are great, since they are much more transparent with regard to the music and listening experience, but sometimes they’re just not strong enough.
I paid all of $1.99 for four pairs of the Hearos; I’d give them a try next time you go to photograph the crushing metal.
5. Marc | May 29th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Hey. Great advice. Since I was the one who (kinda) inspired you for this post, I’d like to share my experience too. I used the ER-20 before and it did a good job. But when I lost my pair, I choose to try another one and found those: Music Safe III.
I cannot compare the sound of those two because I never owned them at the same time. The Music Safe is a little smaller than the ER-20 and much more comfortable. The plug is softer and feels better in my ears. I even sometimes use it when sleeping at a loud location or on a plane/bus. I barely ever did this with the ER-20. The Music Safe also has a much bigger versatility, because it comes with a bunch of different filters that allow you to choose one with the right amount of filtering for whatever show you are going to. It’s sold in a nice box with some extra stuff. If I remember correctly the price was about the same as the ER-20, but you get more for your money. I highly recommend those.
6. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Hey Marc,
Thanks again for the feature recommendation, I’m going to incorporate a mention of earplugs into the Gear Guide for ISS, too.
I’ve seen those Music Safe earplugs online and was thinking about trying them out, so it’s nice to hear the positive endorsement and info.
The ability to put in different filters for various sound levels is a great option. One thing I dislike about the Hearos above is that, while they offer a lot of protection, it’s all or nothing. Thanks again for the recommendation.
7. João Pinheiro | May 29th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Hey Todd,
If you ask me, earplugs are THE most important piece of gear for concert photography (and attendance). It’s nice to see that you, too, have found Hearos. I’ve tried a lot of different foam earplugs over the years (no pun intended) and Hearos seem to be the best around in their category. They don’t quite live up to custom earplugs or ER-20s in terms of sound transparency, but they’re extremely comfortable, have a high rating and come in a nice inconspicuous colour. Most foam earplugs seem to have a horrible penchant for flashy neon colours.
One thing I’d like to add is that Etymotic Research also have a variation of the ER-20 model called “BabyBlues”, which is made for people who, like myself, have smaller ear canals. The regular ER-20s are way too large and rough for my ears, but the ER-20 BabyBlues fit in rather nicely. I’m still considering the option of getting custom made Musicians earplugs, but Hearos and ER-20 BabyBlues fill in the spot quite nicely at the moment.
Earplugs aside, I just have to tell you how much I love your work as a concert photographer. I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I’m always amazed at your photos. Hmm, have you tried using the Tokina ATX Macro for concert photography yet?
8. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
João! It’s great to hear from you! I was just thinking about you the other day, as I almost photographed Nightwish. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, but perhaps another time.
The Hearos are a recent discovery. I’ve worn earplugs to every single concert I’ve attended over the last several years, and even then, I’m sure I have minor hearing damage. I simply go to too many shows.
My brother uses the Baby Blues and recommends them. I haven’t tried them myself, but I should check them out.
I’ve also been considering some custom-molded earplugs, but haven’t had the time to look into getting a pair made.
I haven’t used the Tokina for any concert shots – maybe some day!
Again, it’s great to hear from you, it’s been a while. I’m glad you found ISS, as I know you’re a huge music fan.
Are you shooting concerts now as well?
9. xavier | May 29th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
About the “better than nothing” : i once lost an earplug in a crowd and then just stuck a piece of clean paper tissue in my ear : not as effective but definitely better than nothing !
Keep it in mind : it’s a long time investment to protect our ears.
10. João Pinheiro | May 29th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Hello Mr. T. (hope you caught the Sweeney Todd reference there xD)
It’s a pity that you didn’t manage to shoot Nightwish. I’ve seen them live with their previous singer and they put on a truly fantastic show. They played here in Lisbon about a month ago but I didn’t manage to catch them either. Queensrÿche are also playing here in Lisbon this weekend but I won’t be able to attend the show because of my university exams. :/
The BabyBlues are quite nice, but not nearly as comfortable as Hearos. I use Hearos when attending most loud concerts and the BabyBlues when playing an instrument myself or attending a rather quiet concert or show. The thing I don’t like about the ER-20s are the two sticks protruding out of my ears.
I recently caught a Cirque du Soleil show here in Lisbon and forgot to take my earplugs along. Damn, the crowd clapping was loud; it’s a good thing that it only went on for a few minutes at a time.
Custom Musicians earplugs are really enticing because they’re supposed to be really comfortable and you can go as low as 9db or as high as 25db of quite transparent noise suppression.
It’s been quite a while since we last talked. I stopped going to the dpreview.com forums since I couldn’t stand the environment and the usual topics there, but I recently went back, checked your profile and noticed that you had new website. I now track this blow through my RSS feeds.
I haven’t been shooting concerts myself, but it’s something that I’d really like to get into. There are a few minor barriers to it though. First, it’s difficult to start when you don’t have any contacts who might be able to get you a photo pass. Secondly, my digital camera is still a D70—not particularly known for its high ISO performance—and my fastest auto-focus lens is the 50mm f/1.8. I’ve been considering some faster lenses and I’m long due for a camera upgrade, but getting a use Hasselblad kit is really tempting as well. Ah, priorities…
While on this subject, is it realistic to try shooting concerts with manual focus lenses or do you generally rely on autofocus for this type of photography?
11. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Hey João,
I actually didn’t find out about the Nightwish show until just before tthe event. Perhaps next time they tour, or on a later date.
For custom plugs, I think that I’ll go as high as possible with the attenuation. 25dB sounds like a nice compromise to me.
I haven’t been on DPR very much lately, though I have kept in touch with just a few people. I still get e-mails about the Tokina 90mm f/2.5, if you can believe it. Anyway, nice to have your comments now on ishootshows!
You should give concert photography a chance, I think you’d really enjoy it.
I know some people who shoot shows using manual focus. It all depends on the type of music/band and how long you have. Personally, I always use autofocus. The first gig I shot was with the D70 and 50/1.4 , so I wouldn’t write off that kit for this kind of photography.
12. frota | May 29th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
earplugs are a must. I started to wear them about a half a year ago and it’s a pitty I didn’t earlier. It’s really a must and many people forget about them..
I really don’t understand people who don’t wear them..especially at hardcore gigs. Man, the noise made there is sometimes louder than on a stadium….
13. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Anything with the -core suffix, metal, and hip hop are some of the loudest shows, I’ve found. Especially the latter.
It was after being front row for a performance by the Roots that I decided I needed something more than the 20dB attenuation of the EtyPlugs.
14. Peter | May 29th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Yes, earplugs are the most important thing in your bag. After checking out a dozen of different plugs i now use the Music Safe III. Reusable, compact and very comfortable. Another thing for hardcore gigs: Wear some additional ear muffs like the Elastocaps, they are excellent and worth every cent.
Greets from Germany,
Peter.
15. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Hey Peter, nice to hear from you. Another vote for the Music Safe plugs – I’ll have to check them out.
I’ve seen quite a few security managers in the pit wearing similar earcups to those Elastocaps you linked, so they must be good.
By the way, is your blog still up?
16. rachel | May 29th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I’m a lot happier now that I wear earplugs at every show. I wish I’d realised how great they are earlier — could’ve saved myself 12 years of damage.
17. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Better late than never, Rachel!
18. Peter | May 29th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Hi Todd,
no, the blog is down - and probably will stay down due to time limitations. But i hope i will manage to relaunch my personal website in a few days with zenphoto which makes it more comfortable to update. So my pictures will be up the next day after the show and not just once every two months, hopefully
Greets,
Peter.
19. Laura | May 29th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I have the ER-20s too and love them. The same company makes earphones that are basically the same. They block out so much noise you can keep your iPod volume on super low. They’re fantastic!
20. Todd | May 29th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Hey Laura, thanks for the comment. I have noticed that the flanged tips for the Ety earphones are very similar to the earplug tips.
I also have some canalphones, and the isolation is great. I agree, in addition to great sound, being able to listen at lower volumes is a definite plus.
21. Keith | May 29th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I didn’t sift through all the these responses, but I recommend Docs Pro Plugs.
http://www.proplugs.com/
Their reusable plastic that really contour to you ear / inner ear. Comfortable. Work really well.
I had to get these because I started dj’ing. I have a pair with a “vent” and a pair completely closed. The vent lets me talk to people and hear certain music sounds while the vent provides more protection. I like them cuase they are fully reusable and functional. Something people might try.
22. Todd | May 30th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Hey Keith, thanks for the recommendation for the ProPlugs. I hadn’t seen those before, but they look like an interesting option.
23. Chris | May 30th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Picked up 10 pairs today! I’m never going through another concert without them again!
24. Todd | May 30th, 2008 at 3:49 am
Chris, nice to hear you’ve learned your lesson after just your first gig. Your ears will be happier for it, trust me.
25. Marc | May 30th, 2008 at 7:06 am
@ Peter: Do you wear those Elastocups together with the Music Safe?
Also: Zenphoto is great! I have been using for a bunch of months now and it really makes managing my gallery a lot easier. And the pages load fast too.
26. Peter | May 30th, 2008 at 7:29 am
@Marc, yes both Music Safe and Elastocups if the show is reallyreallyreally loud
Sometimes i wear the elastocups only, because i don’t like it too much having things in my ear 
27. G | May 30th, 2008 at 10:46 am
i’ve got my own since al ot of times now.
i cannot going to a gig without that :&
28. jason | May 30th, 2008 at 11:26 am
I’ve been wearing plugs for years (much to the amusement of my friends) but I would seriously be screwed without them. I always have a pack of the 33db Hearos on me and love them. Sure they sound muffled, but for the price ($5 for a set of 7) and their effectiveness, you can’t beat them.
29. João Pinheiro | May 30th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Laura: do they have a model of those earphones for smaller ear canals, kind of like the ER-20 BabyBlues?
30. Bryan | May 30th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I usually forget to put ear plugs in. But I was at Gwar last Thursday (photos on my site *cough* ha) and the music was really loud. I tried to put these long earplugs in my ears but they always pop back out and I look like Frankenstein. So I use tissues more, at least it’s something
31. João Pinheiro | May 30th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Bryan: are you using foam earplugs? You’re probably forgetting to pull the ear up while inserting the earplugs. Pulling the ear up, is a very important step as it expands the ear canal and allows you to put the earplugs much deeper.
32. Bryan | May 30th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I try to twist the foam ones, and try to jam it in there. But for some reason I can’t get them in there good enough. my ears are big but for some reason I can’t wear ear plugs and I can’t wear those headsets that you stick in your ears as well. They always fall out. Maybe my ears are deformed haha.
33. Todd | May 30th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Hey Bryan, regarding the foam ones you’ve tried, how soft is the foam? The Hearos that I use are compress down to about 15-20% of their expanded volume.
I roll the plug between my fingers until it’s a narrow cylinder and then insert them into the ear canal. As João suggested, you can pull up on your ear with your other hand while inserting for a deeper fit. Lastly, I hold the plug in my ear while it expands, ensuring that it doesn’t push out of the ear canal.
The foam of the Hearos is, as advertised, super soft; I’d give them a try, they’re only $2!
34. Bryan | May 30th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Yeah I try to hold them in there as it gels into my ear, but it pops out. maybe i got too much wax lol. i’ll check out those other ear plugs tho.
hey todd, who would have thought you’d get 30 something comments on ear plugs
35. Todd | May 30th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
What can I say, people love earplugs. But really, I think it’s great to have so much discussion from different concert photographers. This is the sort of interaction I’d like to foster with ishootshows.
36. Laura | May 30th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
João- Yes. You buy the same earphones and you can get baby blue eartips for them separately.
37. ww | May 31st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Todd, Bryan, the way I get a better fit from using the Hearos is that when I insert them I raise my eyebrows and open my mouth (moves the jawbone down). Then its quite snug.
Between the music on stage and crowd noise a little muffle doesn’t bother me. cheers!
38. Todd | June 1st, 2008 at 12:08 am
Hey ww, thanks for the tip about lowering the jaw while fitting earplugs. Just tried that trick with the Hearos tonight at a show and it produced a great fit. Thanks!
39. ww | June 1st, 2008 at 12:59 am
Todd, I’m glad that helps.
40. Martha Retallick | June 1st, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I’m in my rookie season as a concert shooter. Lemme tell you, your advice is right on.
Last night’s shoot was at a punk rock house party, and oh, were those earplugs a nice thing to have. In fact, one of the partygoers saw the plugs and said, “You’re smart.”
Oh, one more thing. If you ever find yourself at a punk rock house party with a camera, be warned that slam-dancing can break out at any time. It did during the final set, and I had to yield my photo-spot to the slammers. It was either that or get pummeled.
41. Todd | June 2nd, 2008 at 9:30 am
Hey Martha, glad to hear your experience. I think smaller shows can be the hardest on the ears, because the acoustics are already primed for ear-damage. That, and they’re loud!
I keep swearing my shows of shooting in a rowdy crowd are behind me, but who knows…
42. Greg | July 7th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Great post! And, indeed, you’re right: wear earplugs!
43. Stephen McLeod | July 24th, 2008 at 4:04 am
Definitely. If you’re bang at the front, especially at a festival, you’re going to be thundered with the bass bins for a start.
I always wear earplugs - Elain moulded ear plugs with ER15 inserts. You can replace them with different filters depending on the decibel level you want.
44. Amateur Photographer | July 24th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
ER-20’s for the win. Not only do I photograph bands, but I sing in two of them. And the practice spaces are tiny and the alternative, psychadelic, jam band is VERY loud…
The ER-20’s don’t muffle the sound or distort it… it just picks it up like a puppy and sets it farther away.
45. Cameron | July 27th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Those Z II Elastocaps look slick. If you are interested in Er-20s and are not sure whether to get the smaller baby blues or the standard fit then maybe consider http://www.er-20.com (the unofficial blog). There is comparisons and fitting information among other goodies.
46. Michael Zampelli | August 14th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
What?? I can’t hear you?
Seriously, this will help me out big time at Warped on Sunday. I just went to Rite-Aid and got some Hearos and I’m ready for battle. They are sure a pain to get in there but with a little practice and making some funny facesthink I’ve got it.
Thanks for the heads up, I’d never have thought of this till I got there and then it would be too late.
47. Todd | August 15th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Hey Michael, have fun at Warped. For all-day festival shoots like that, I think earplugs are even more essential. Your ears are getting pounded for hours on end, so ‘plugs are a must-have.
Shoot me a link to your Warped shots, especially the backstage stuff, I’d like to see what you come back with.
speak up
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