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 good lenses for concert photography?
- 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 good lenses for concert photography?
Sure thing, please see my article on Choosing Lenses for Concert Photography. Also, check out the Gear Guide , which details all the gear that I use and endorse for shooting shows.
For those on a budget, here’s a quick list of popular and affordable lenses that are popular choices for live music shooting:
- 50mmm f/1.4 or f/1.8 (available in all major brands manufacturers)
- Sigma 30mm f/1.4
- Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8
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.
29 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!
19. Sharon | May 21st, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I have had the D3 for a couple of months and everything was going great at first but on the last couple of shoots everything has gone totally wrong and I do not know why. Please can you help!
I shoot (NEF) RAW + JPEG FINE and I use the D3.
The Jpegs are too saturated and the colours almost bleed into each other, it looks terrible. And the Raw images look totally washed out.
20. Todd | May 22nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Hey Sharon,
Have you changed your Picture Mode settings on the D3? It almost sounds like the camera is in Vivid mode now from the way you describe the JPGs.
However, on the RAW files, what are you using to convert the NEFs? Unless you use Nikon Capture NX, the color of the files may look off. I’ve found Nikon’s own software, slow as it is, the best for color fidelity and overall pleasing rendition.
21. Elizabeth | May 23rd, 2008 at 2:30 am
Hey Todd, thank you for posting all of this on your website
I’ve been reading around and it’s been EXTREMELY helpful, and put me on the right track to knowing what I need to about photographing concerts.
I have a question. I’m fairly certain I want to go to local newspapers and websites soon and volunteer to shoot for free in order to gain more experience + hopefully a photo pass after I shoot some weeks of shows to get a hang of it. I’m just curious, when you’re photographing for a newspaper or website, and they set up the credentials, is a photo pass all you need to get in, or do you need a ticket as well? I’m just wondering that if I were to go that route to become established if I would have to pay for a ticket, which I don’t really want to do… costs add up, haha. I have this sinking feeling that this is a really stupid question, but oh well.
22. Todd | May 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am
Hi Elizabeth,
When you are credentialed to photograph a band, whether or not you need a ticket will often depend on the venue and/or band. Some venues require a ticket for entry, while others do not.
Just to be sure, your editor should request a ticket and a photo pass.
If you’re shooting for free, having to pay for a ticket is not a good arrangement, as you’re essentially paying to provide content for a publication that most likely generates ad revenue.
Thanks for the question, I’m very glad to hear you enjoy the site!
23. Elizabeth | May 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Thank you for the answer. That’s what I figured, which is why I felt almost stupid for asking! I just wasn’t sure what the ‘norm’ was : )
24. Todd | May 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Hey Elizabeth, glad to help. I know getting into music photography can be a tricky thing.
As you start shooting for different outlets, always make sure your work is valued. While you may not get paid right away, you’re still providing a service with your concert photography. And one more piece of advice: wear earplugs.
25. Gabbi | May 28th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Hi Todd
just writing regarding the N.E.R.D. contact. I can imagine how difficult it must of been getting a photo pass. But being a fan of their music and seeing your photos of their performance, i am willing to knock on the doors too. if you can email me
the.only.one.ever@hotmail.co.uk just that i don’t have your email add. Thanks so Much for all your help.
Gabbi x
26. Amanda Elliott | June 22nd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Hey Todd,
I found your site via your photos of Ludo (which were awesome btw, they’re one of my favorites!) and you’ve got a lot of great photos here! I just started doing concert photography recently myself and poking around your site I found some really useful info. Keep up the awesome work.
27. Todd | June 22nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Hey Amanda, thanks for the note – I appreciate it! Glad to hear the info here on ISS has been useful.
28. Max | June 29th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Hi,
Been digging your work on flickr.
Just a quick question, what are your tips on watermarking and the correct way of doing it. What do you use or recommend?
Thanks.
29. Scott | July 15th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Hello Todd,
Just wondering what AF mode is best to use when shooting shows ?
Thanks,
Scott
speak up
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