Frequently Asked Questions:
- How did you get started photographing concerts?
- Do you have any advice on starting out and becoming established?
- How do you set up photo passes with bands? Who do you contact?
- Your shots are really clear, do you ever use flash?
- What camera equipment do you use?
- Can you recommend a good lens for concert photography that won’t break the bank?
- Do you think you can give me some advice?
So, what do you shoot?
Weddings, when they’re in season. Flowers. But mostly? The rock show.
Do you go up to eleven?
Yes. Seven days a week; twice on Sundays.
How did you get started photographing concerts?
My start with concert photography came when I attended a gig with a friend. I wasn’t familiar with the two bands performing, so, on a whim, I brought my Nikon D70 and 50mm f/1.4. At the very least, I figured that I could entertain myself if I wasn’t into the music.
As it turned out, the bands were great and I had a blast shooting the show. A week later, I had tickets to another concert and decided to contact the band’s publicist about photographing the event. She set up credentials and the rest is history; after that first photo pass, I was hooked.
Do you have any advice on starting out and becoming established?
My best advice would be to start out shooting in smaller venues that don’t have a restriction on cameras. These camera-friendly venues might be bars or small clubs, but if you can shoot in those dives, you can shoot anywhere.
In addition to being able to bring your camera and shoot without being hassled, in most instances you’ll be able to photograph the entire performance, which will increase your chances of producing compelling images.
Moreover, I’d recommend digging into a music scene that you love, but also being open to photographing a variety of bands as well. Diversifying your work will show range and the ability to work with different types of musicians.
After building up a collection of work, put together a portfolio and approach publications as a contributing photographer. Contact local magazines, newspapers, blogs, and websites – anything editorial source that covers music in your area. Having a publication backing you is the single best way to secure credentials for concerts, and to graduate to larger bands and bigger venues.
Also, for music photographers of any level, I recommend reading this interview with Rolling Stone photo editor Jodi Peckman posted on aphotoeditor.com.
How do you set up photo passes with bands? Who do you contact?
When shooting on assignment, ideally one’s editor should be setting up the credentials, as they should be receiving the proper releases and have the right contact info to secure access for coverage.
However, if I’m requesting credentials on my own, the band’s publicist is usually my main contact. Depending on the size of the band, the manager or band members themselves may be able to set you up, but a publicist usually handles the list.
Alternatively, in some markets, promoters may control the guestlisting and be able to set you up with the appropriate credentials.
Your shots are really clear, do you ever use flash?
I very rarely use flash, for a couple of reasons. First, flash is almost never allowed for the bands I photograph. Second, I usually prefer to use the available light to capture the look and feel of the concert as closely as possible. Fast lenses, proper technique, and good timing go a long way toward producing crisp shots, even in low light.
Still, I wouldn’t rule out flash if that’s what it takes to create the best images. If you have the opportunity, using flash can be a great option for creating dynamic images in what might otherwise be flat lighting.
I see you use Nikon. I thought all concert photographers use Canon. My grandma uses Canon. What gives?
At the end of the day, it’s only gear. I happen to shoot with Nikon at the moment, but I’m interested in results, not brands.
If you’re curious about the tools I use, check out my Gear Guide for a list of the gear I use and my thoughts on the role each piece serves. I’ve also included some general recommendations on camera equipment for concert photography.
Can you recommend a good lens for concert photography that won’t break the bank?
[coming soon]
I’m new to concert photography and have a few questions. Do you think you can give me some advice?
If neither this page nor the Gear Guide answered your questions, feel free to use my contact page to get in touch. If the questions relate in any way to something I’ve posted, just use the comment fields at the bottom of the appropriate page.
18 Comments Add your own
1. Concert Photography: Freq&hellip | February 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
[…] FAQ […]
2. Mike | February 27th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Hi. I just started shooting concerts and I was wondering: If you’re not able to shoot by the stage, 1. where do you shot from? and 2. what lenses do you use? thanks.
3. Todd | February 27th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Mike,
If I’m not up front, there are usually other restrictions, like shooting from only the sides, front of house, or the sound/mixing board that dictate where I can shoot.
In that case, I’ll use my 70-200mm f/2.8.
4. Mike | February 28th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
thanks…i was just wondering cause i have a couple larger venues coming up and i dont know if ill be right up front or not…again, thanks!!
5. Todd | February 29th, 2008 at 11:42 am
If there isn’t a dedicated photo pit, it might be worth getting there early and just packing in on the floor with everyone else.
It can be a hassle, but you’ll be as close as you can (barring any restrictions).
6. Kent | February 29th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Todd,
Congratulation on such an amazing and informative site.
We can feel you absolutely enjoying your work.
I would like to find out what are your normal procedures in finding out the correct exposure prior to your shoot? I believe the lighting in concerts makes it very hard to
achieve this, but you did a great job in every photos.
7. Todd | March 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Hey Kent,
Thanks for the kind note, I appreciate it. I do love music photography, and I’m glad it shows.
Concert lighting is certainly very variable. Part of the approach is learning how to internalize different settings throughout a set and the intuitively dial this in as the lighting changes. Part of it is certainly a little luck.
I’ll be posting a tutorial on exposure and metering sooner rather than later, so please look out for that.
In the meantime, here’s a response that I recently posted in the Flickr Concert Photography group to a similar question:
8. rachel | March 6th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I wish I could’ve learnt this stuff in school. Your site is like the college course I should’ve taken.
9. Todd | March 6th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Rachel, that might be one of the best endorsements I’ve received yet.
10. Mike | March 10th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
hey todd,
do you have credentials??? if not what do you do to the photo pass??
11. Kenny | March 13th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Big Todd - Looking forward to your A-Z tutorial about concert photography… But, until then, could you address how you approach focus. Spot, Center Weight, Total Avg, Multi AF Points, etc. So many options.. do you typically stick with one and run with it?
Thanks.. keep rockin’ bro!
12. Gabbi | March 14th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Hey todd!
first off, your amazing at what you do, so inspiring!
ive recently been doing a lot of punk rock shows, its so much fun! but coz the movement from the acts are so fast do you recommend that i use a fast shutter speed? but the lighting is always low! im currently using a nikon d80 with a af-s nikkor 12-24 and a VR 18-200. please if you can help, that would be so kind! x
13. Todd | March 18th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Hey Gabbi,
Glad to hear you appreciate the work. Punk, hip hop, and hardcore shows are among the hardest, because there’s always movement on stage.
For really active performers,when you’re using available light, sometimes upwards of 1/250 or faster is necessary. It just depends on how fast everything is moving. And at some point, AF speed becomes an issue, too, even beyond freezing motion.
Do you use flash?
14. Gabbi | March 21st, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Hey Todd,
(thanks for replying to my previous question by the way, really appreciate it)
i don’t use flash, coz it can ruin the atmosphere, but if i have too, i try to bounce the light off the walls. What would you recommend i do?
Also if i shoot at 1/250 or faster in a low light, the image may be pretty dark. Would you then consider, in a editing software, to try and boost the exposure and levels?
I really appreciate your help! love your new photos too! x
15. Todd | March 24th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Punk shows are really tough, just judging from the hardcore shows I’ve done. The singers are all over the place and the lighting is often very low.
One approach would be just to get a little messy with it and let a little motion blur occur in the shots. I know it’s really easy to get caught up in technically perfect execution (I know I do), but given the circumstances, conveying energy, emotion, and nailing composition may serve you best.
But yes, you could try to freeze motion using a higher shutter speed at your max ISO and then bring up in post. This is going to result in more noise — again, a compromise.
Hope this helps, let me know if you have more questions.
16. Davis | March 31st, 2008 at 3:42 am
Dude,
Let me start by saying your shots are Hot!!!! Best I have seen at the Fox…
Ok, now do you do any Photoshop post processing for the images in your Portfolio gallery or when you turn in images to the Magazines or whomever employs you? Do you shoot concerts in RAW?
17. Matt | May 7th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Todd,
I’m constantly amazed by your photos and I feel like I’ve learned a lot from you. But I have a couple of questions.
1. When you were starting out and getting photo passes on your own, what did you say when the promoter (or whoever) asks what outlet(s) you shoot for? I’m running into this problem and sometimes I feel like I can’t get the time of day from them if I’m not shooting for someone. I bought a domain for my music photography and hope to have that up soon but what can I do to seem more legitimate?
2. I’m amazed by how low the noise is in your images at such high ISOs. I’m using a D300 and apparently it’s only supposed to be about a stop noisier than your D3. What level of in camera NR are you using and are you using software for NR in post (like Noise Ninja?) I’d love to hear more about your workflow as that is an area I’m getting hung up on.
Thanks!
18. Todd | May 7th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Hey Matt,
Thanks very much, I’m to hear glad you find ishootshows.com a useful resource!
To answer your questions:
1) The reality is that unless one has a connection to a media outlet by which a publicist can generate press for their client, it is not in the interest for the powers that be to issue a photo pass.
The very best advice I can offer is to join an established publication, or to shoot anything and everything at camera-friendly venues building up a portfolio to do so.
Aside from having the backing of an established media source, I would suggest providing the contact with all the information they need to make the decision upfront. If they have ask you for more information (i.e., “who are you shooting for?”), then that’s already one strike against you.
2) I always shoot RAW and I use the D3’s NR set to “normal.” In addition, during conversion to JPG, I often choose the “better quality” setting for NR in Nikon Capture NX, which eliminates irregular, clumpy grain and introduces a much finer look overall. I rarely use extra NR beyond this unless I am shooting at ISO 12800 or higher, at which point I may turn to Noise Ninja for help.
Hope this helps, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any additional comments!
speak up
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