Concert Photographer Todd Owyoung

About

My name is Todd Owyoung, and I love the rock show.

I’m a photographer specializing in live music coverage, and I write ishootshows.com, a site dedicated to professional concert photography.

After bringing my camera to a concert on a whim several years ago, I found myself at the intersection of two life-long passions: image making and music.

In my time behind the lens, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph talents such as The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Nine Inch Nails.

My work has appeared in publications such as Rolling Stone, the New York Times, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, Alternative Press, The Boston Globe, Metal Hammer, Harper’s Bazaar, and SPIN. Clients include Atlantic Records, Universal Music, Live Nation, Dave Matthews Band, the Dresden Dolls, and Semi Precious Weapons.

I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis magna cum laude with a BA in Visual Communications.

Throughout the year, on average, I photograph four to six bands a week. I drink tea everyday.

I am available for national and international assignments.

Artist’s Statement:

As an avid music lover and visual artist, concert photography is a natural extension of my passions. With every performance, my goal is to push past strict documentation to create images that speak to the iconic power of music and its makers.

Beyond the lasting memory of even the performance itself, I want my images to remain long after the music has faded.

Show after show, I strive to realize a unique style emphasizing exacting composition, attention to gesture, and a keen consideration for lighting. Driving each of these core elements is desire to create definitive images that are backed by a highly technical execution.

I work almost exclusively with the available stage lighting in my live music photography, preferring to capture the unique look and feel of each event as closely as possible.

While I ultimately seek to transcend the events I photograph, creating the images is an effort born entirely out of attention to the moments, big and small, that make up every performance.

Whether it’s a quiet moment of zen in a singer’s pause between songs or a guitarist going big with a solo over the top, I search for the defining moments of a performance to reveal the expressive core of the individual.

70 Comments Add your own

1. Scott | July 11th, 2007 at 8:12 pm

hey mate just wondering if u sell your photos if so how much
2. Todd | July 11th, 2007 at 10:06 pm

Hi Scott, Prices and availability depend on the artist and image, as well as the print size, but let me know what you’re thinking.
3. Liv | July 21st, 2007 at 6:45 am

Nice shots you got there! I was wondering if you might allow them to be used for graphics? Like say banners, avatars, wallpapers…not for profit, of course!

– Liv
4. Todd | July 21st, 2007 at 2:27 pm

Hi Liv, glad you enjoy the images. Which images are you interested in using? It’s not possible to do this with all images, given certain permissions for various performers. Feel free to e-mail me to discuss.
5. Anand Sankaran | August 6th, 2007 at 10:53 am

Todd

This is Anand, from dpr. I saw your site through your “status” in gchat :).

Great site you have here. Subscribing to your blog.

anand
6. Todd | August 6th, 2007 at 1:05 pm

Hey Anand, thanks for dropping me the note, it’s good to hear from you. I’m new to this blog-style site, but it’s been fun developing the content. Hope you enjoy the future features — while concert photography is a very specific topic, let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see as a photographer.
7. Knitty Couture - Website &hellip | November 5th, 2007 at 10:26 pm

[...] theme for Knitty Couture for the last few weeks. The graphics and layout design was done by Todd Owyoung’s coworkers at Kiku Obata & Company. I did all of the coding of the design and WordPress [...]
8. kenny | November 15th, 2007 at 10:25 pm

huge fan of your work! talked to ya on flickr before…but i was wondering, do you use noiseninja or anything? looks like the skin tones are smooth…great stuff man!
9. Todd | November 16th, 2007 at 2:29 pm

Hey Kenny, I do use Noise Ninja on some images, but it depends on the type of lighting, ISO used, and other factors. Thanks for the comment.
10. Paul | November 19th, 2007 at 2:35 pm

Hey Todd,

nice meeting you at the VHS or Beta show ! Speak soon

Paul
11. Todd | November 21st, 2007 at 9:48 am

Paul, good to meet you too. I’ll have the VHS or Beta shots up shortly.
12. Sarah | November 27th, 2007 at 10:27 pm

Sites like yours are very beneficial to the photographing community. Everything is written very clearly and you’ve made the technical details easy to understand. I will make sure I check out your fantastic portfolio!
13. John | January 14th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

Nice site. Great work. I’ve also read your posts on DPR and I appreciate the time you spend to help others. Good luck to you.
14. Sharon | January 15th, 2008 at 2:00 am

Hi Todd,

Do you license you photographs to mag’s, newspapers, record co. etc., and obviously the size and useage comes into it but could you give me an example of what you charge?
15. Todd | January 15th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

Hey Sharon,

Fees depend on usage, but if you want to get a ballpark for what to charge, I would look at the rates of photo agencies like Getty and Retna for their licensing fees. Web-resolution images might start at $50/image, while royalty-free licensing for higher resolution images would be substantially higher.

Feel free to send me an e-mail if you need any more specific advice.
16. Nick Ohlman | January 16th, 2008 at 9:12 am

Todd,

This may be a little personal but I was the registrar at the St. Louis Art Museum and the curator of Asian Art was Steven Owyoung. I was wondering if you are related to him as he had the best eye for arranging art work in an exhibition space of anyone I ever worked with. I met his wife Di on several occasions and his sons who were much younger as I left the museum in 1999. I found your name as my daughter (junior at Nerinx Hall) is into photography and music (follows the group Ludo) and she is planning to go your show at the Pagent and shared your card with me. Thanks for the time,

Nick Ohoman
17. Todd | January 16th, 2008 at 9:10 pm

Hi Nick,

Yes, I’m Steven’s son, so we must have met years ago. I’d be happy to stop by to meet you at the Pageant when you see the show, just send me an email if you’d like.

Best,
Todd
18. Doug | January 24th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

How in the heck are the rest of us going to get a shot in edge wise with you out there taking these shots. Stop hogging all the good pictures dude!
Todd,
I have told 100 other people about your site here. I keep comming back for the latest shoot you have done and find something more amazing every time. But really man leave some crumbs for the rest of us starving artists!

Cheers

Doug
19. Todd | January 24th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

Hey Doug! Good to hear from you. Thanks very much for spreading the word about the site, I hope to make it as much for other concert photographers and music lovers as anyone.

In the six months that I’ve been writing ishootshows.com, I think it’s gotten better and better, I’m excited to write some other tutorials and how-to features for the site. Stay tuned!

Todd
20. tinaho | April 9th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

Love your site and it is very inspiring. These are the two interest of mine I would love to combine and you have mastered it. Very informative.
21. Todd | April 17th, 2008 at 11:11 am

Thanks, Tina! Glad to hear you enjoy the site, let me know if you have any requests for articles or anything you’d like to see here.
22. Nick | April 18th, 2008 at 1:33 pm

Hey todd….i met you at the chevelle concert not too long ago….if you could, let me know when you get those photos up….nice meeting you.
23. Woody | April 24th, 2008 at 9:44 am

Just discovered your website, and it’s a godsend for the technique tips and inspiring as well. Looking forward to seeing you around the Lou.

W.
24. Ryan | April 27th, 2008 at 5:40 pm

Hi Todd…an absolute pleasure meeting you last night! I’ve been having a lot of fun looking through all your great photos. Hopefully our paths will cross once again in the near future!
25. Todd | April 27th, 2008 at 6:05 pm

Hey Ryan, thanks for stopping by. It was great meeting you and Chris at the show. See you in the pit!
26. layla | April 27th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

What kind of tea do you drink? :) With or without sugar?
27. Todd | May 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Hi Layla, I’ve been drinking a lot of high mountain oolong lately. I also drink a lot of Dragon Well.

I’ll add sugar to black tea – in the mornings sometimes I’ll have a cup of “first flush” darjeeling with a bit of sugar.
28. Ollie Millington | May 3rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm

Hi Todd… been looking at your work on flickr on and off for some time, just thought I would drop a note to say how constantly inspired I am by your work. Its still early days for me and music photography but your works deffinately inspiring me on a regular basis. Hope everythings good on your end :) Ollie
29. Todd | May 3rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm

Hey Ollie. If any of my work inspires you, that’s a huge compliment to me, so thank you. Everything with me is good, just a bit busy. Two shows this weekend!
30. Neetu | May 3rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm

Hello, favorite person ever.
31. Ollie | May 4th, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Everythings cool thanks. Gave horse race photography a go today… went quite well but realy exausting (the winners enclosure was about 1/2 a mile uphill and going back and forth for 5 hours takes its toll) Being buys always good. Towards the end of last year I had an awards show and three gigs in 5 days… don’t realy fancy that again in a hurry. Im trying to get some photo passes for a few festival this summer, any ideas as to what I should mention in e-mails to press organisers? Thanks , Ollie
32. Ollie | May 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pm

Busy*
33. angie | June 8th, 2008 at 12:13 am

Hey! I’ll be at the Chaifetz Arena on June 13th and would love to meet you!
34. Paul | June 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am

Hi Todd,
Spent an idle hour browsing your site via Flickr. Fantastic images, but the most important thing , is that you spend time to share and explain your art. Loved the gear run down. All the very best
Paul
35. Todd | June 30th, 2008 at 10:28 am

Hey Paul, thanks very much for the comment. I really appreciate it.
36. trina | July 4th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

hi stranger, haven’t checked up on this site awhile. but your pics are AMAZING as usual! i remember the days when you were contemplating using a camera for the first time… please update me on life when you get the chance
37. Marcelo Di Grigoli | July 4th, 2008 at 5:11 pm

Hey Todd, nice work. I have’t seen any of your work in person (i live in south-america), but judging by the posts people left you seems like you are very good on what you do. I ran into your blog because a friend of mine, who is also a photographer, is looking to show his work throught a blog too, and i wondered if you developed the blog or if this was a blog people could register to create their own throught templates, etc.

Again, great work.

All the best.

Marcelo.
38. Todd | July 6th, 2008 at 11:04 am

Hey Marcelo, thanks for the kind words, I’m glad you found this site.

I developed this site based on a template by Will Wilkins, whose link you’ll find below (IAMWW). I did make some modifications to the original template to get the kind of functionality that I wanted, but this will most likely be the case with any template you choose.

Hope this helps.
39. Kathy | July 7th, 2008 at 1:59 pm

Love your website and your work.

someday, I want to be just like you.
40. Todd | July 7th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

Thanks for the note, Kathy!
41. Marcelo Di Grigoli | July 8th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

Hey Todd,

Thanx for the reply… it does helps.

I’ll let you know once my friends blog is online.

BTW, this is his web site http://www.alfredopierantoni.com (my bad, it’s in spanish)… check out the photos.

All the best.

Marcelo.
42. Keith | July 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

Props to the shots of Academy Is … and Anberlin / Cobra Starship with the Guitar Center backdrop. Maybe add the backdrop to the gear guide huh?!
43. Todd | July 11th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

Hey Keith, thanks, those three shots you mention were some of my favorites. I didn’t use the Guitar Center backdrop at first, but I definitely warmed up to it later, as it provided a lot of pop.
44. Julia | July 30th, 2008 at 8:22 am

Hey Todd, i was wondering if you got this job after you graduated college
45. Norma | August 12th, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Hi Todd! I love your work. Any advice for a girl who want to go into the same business as you?
46. Viet T. | September 16th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

Hey Todd,

I just discovered your site recently because a friend recommended it and when I saw that you shot for Projekt Revolution I was sucked in.Linkin Park is my favorite band!I was even more surprised to hear that there is field in “Concert Photography”

I just started a photography job taking portraits and I find myself falling in love with photography(wildlife especially) and I am considering getting a degree in photography but I’m kinda struggling financially right now.Should I just take a few non-credit courses and build up a portfolio and work my way up the ladder or go for a degree? If so what photography schools do you recommend?

Lastly what do you think about the new Nikon D90?

Love the work you have done! Especially the shots from Projekt Revolution! You ROCK!

Viet.
47. Todd | September 23rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm

Hey all, with regard to university, I studied graphic design and did not major or minor in photography.

Strictly speaking, I don’t think it’s necessary to study photo to do concert photography. If anything, I think the studio training would be of value for promo work and similar, music-related portraits.

For live performance, my advice is just to get into the pit at any chance you can!

That said, studying photography in school can be a great way to establish skills and explore the medium.
48. Ed | October 13th, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Todd,
Your works are some of the most stunning images I have ever seen.

Bravo!

Ed
49. Todd | October 14th, 2008 at 9:54 pm

Thank you, Ed. Glad to hear you appreciate the work.
50. Thomas | October 17th, 2008 at 4:09 pm

Hello todd it’s a real pleasure to see every week end your great photo, i have one question did you take photo only on US or you travel around the world ?

Continue like this ^^
Bonne chance Thomas
51. Todd | October 17th, 2008 at 4:43 pm

Hey Thomas, thanks very much. I travels abroad as much as I can, but so far my gig photography work has only been in the domestic US. I’d love to take on an assignment in Europe or Asia, though. We’ll have to see what the next year brings!

Thanks again.
52. Alex | November 8th, 2008 at 11:04 am

First, just wanted to say that your work is amazing! Second, something like this is pretty much my dream job, so thanks so much for the section on your gear and the tips in the FAQ. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position right now to even think about buying equipment, and most of the shows I go to either don’t allow cameras to be brought in or I’m too worried about having a nice camera in the pit with me to bring one. But anyway, thanks again for all the info-I’m sure I can make good use of it someday :)
53. lih | November 15th, 2008 at 1:09 pm

Hey Todd!
You take really GREAT pictures :D
(okay, everyone knows that)

can you recommend me a camera ou tell me what one do you use?
54. lih | November 15th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

OH!
sorry, i didnt see the GEAR GUIDE :(

you can delete that comment!
55. Heather | December 14th, 2008 at 9:55 am

I’m very impressed by your work! I do some concert photography myself but I’m not as good as you! What equipment do you use? I’m considering in investing in a better camera soon and I’m looking around for opinions. Would be very grateful if I could get yours :)

Heather x
56. Erin Suggett | December 25th, 2008 at 4:04 am

That totally rocks that you drink tea everyday! Love it! ;)
57. Todd | December 25th, 2008 at 9:26 am

Heather: Thanks for the kind words. Please see the “Gear Guide” for the equipment I use, it’s all listed there!

Erin: High mountain oolong!
58. Mariana | January 8th, 2009 at 10:15 am

Holy Moly?! Todd is that you?! I just stumbled across this website, and couldn’t believe my eyes! How long have you been doing this? Everything looks amazing!
-Mariana
59. Todd | January 8th, 2009 at 10:35 am

Hi Mariana, thanks for taking the time to comment, I’m glad to hear you enjoy the work. In March, I’ll be celebrating the third anniversary of when I first shot a concert.
60. Pamela | January 29th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

hi there!! I really love your work. Like yourself I’ve had 2 passions collide, music and photography. I’ve had some training in both fields. I’ve recently been taking photos of some Canadian classic rock acts and it’s become something I really enjoy. Most bands members are friends. I haven’t done any professional stuff ..yet! I’d really like to continue in this direction but really don’t know where to begin. My question is “How do I get permission If I do choose to publish any photos?”
61. Bringing the mottled ligh&hellip | February 5th, 2009 at 10:02 pm

[...] and rock-show lover Todd Owyoung has posted a series of pictures from the November 26 Smashing Pumpkins concert in St. [...]
62. Emily | February 16th, 2009 at 11:10 pm

Hey Todd!

I ADORE your work. I was wondering if i could use the Gym Class Hero’s Pics and the AC/DC Pics. This would be for a non-profit, personal signature thing i do.

Please get back to me.
63. David Bailey | February 26th, 2009 at 10:05 pm

I love you’re work, you truly inspire me. When I have to go out and take another f’ing picture of Princess Diana, I’m always lifted from my sense of depression about the daily grind when I read your profile page that I have printed out and stored safely in my camera bag.

Yours,

Sir Davey B
64. Lewis Cooper | March 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm

Todd

When you say “I developed this site based on a template by Will Wilkins, whose link you’ll find below (IAMWW).” can you elaborate, if I wanted to create a site simular to yours using WordPress then I could choose a template, ie Will Wilkins? Is this a WordPress template or do you buy it from Will?

Thanks
65. Todd | March 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm

Hi Lewis,

Will Wilkins is a WordPress developer, and I have modified a theme that he coded. ishootshows.com is based on an older, public theme that Will designed, but his current theme with similar functionality is the IAMWW W2 DnD.

There are actually quite a few concert photography blogs that use the DnD theme now, interestingly enough.
66. Sam | April 6th, 2009 at 9:55 am

Hey,

I was just wondering if you ever let people ghost you?

-SAM
67. Lewis Cooper | April 6th, 2009 at 10:24 am

Todd

I just shot a series bands at a small venue that had intense red lighting.Do you use any special filters when shooting live or special applications in the editing phase to help reduce or offset too much red lighting issue? I read where you use Noise Ninja and wondered if tehre was some magic app, like Red Reducer, haha!
68. Todd | April 6th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

Hey Sam,

I’m not taking interns at this time, but I will let you know if that changes. Thanks for the interest!
69. Todd | April 6th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

Lewis,

I received your Q&A submission, thanks.
70. Anthony D'Angio | May 14th, 2009 at 3:40 am

Hi there Todd – I stumbled across your site and am very pleased I did so. Absolutely pristine work! I too have found my niche in complementing the love for music and photography. I hesitate to say you are very lucky doing what you’re doing because that would downplay your eye for creativity and your skills – so I’ll just say fantastic photos and I will be bookmarking this site. If you can give me any tips in order to head in the right direction, that would be muchly appreciated! – See my website above and let me know what you think. Take care. Ant (from London)

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