6 Tips for Photographing Drummers

Drummer Lars Ulrich of pioneering heavy metal band Metallica photographed on November 17, 2008. (Todd Owyoung)

Drummers are one of the most challenging subjects in live music. They're often at the back of the stage, dimly lit, surrounded by a wall of kit and in constant motion. If you struggle with photographing drummers, you're not alone.

However, for all their challenges, drummers are also some of the most rewarding subjects on stage and one of my very favorite subjects in concert. Here are a few key approaches I use to make great images of drummers.

DON'T FORGET THE DRUMMER

As I've mentioned before, one of the very first pieces of music photography advice I ever received was simply this: “Don't forget the drummer.”

I was hanging out with local band backstage before their gig. The guitarist was noodling around on his guitar. Without looking up, he casually said to me, completely unprompted, “Don't forget the drummer. Photographers always forget the drummer.”

This piece of advice has always stuck with me, and to a certain extent, it's become a small mantra of mine, as I think it can apply to any kind of situation. For me, it means not taking the easy way out — focusing on the less obvious solutions to a problem.

To lean into the difficult subjects. To this end, I try my best to never forget the drummer when I photograph concerts.

How to Photograph Drummers in Concert

Here are 6-tips for how to photograph drummers, one of the most challenging subjects on any stage.

6-Tips for Photographing Drummers:

  1. Use The Right Lenses
  2. Pick Your Angles Carefully
  3. High Shutter Speeds
  4. Compose for Movement
  5. Shoot The Drummer in Context
  6. Be Patient

Now let's drive into the details.

1) Use The Right Lenses

With most drummers set up at the back of the stage, they are often the most distant subjects you'll encounter as a music photographer. A telephoto lens is my number one recommendation for closing the distance and creating compelling images of drummers.

70-200mm f/2.8 lens is the industry standard for concert photography of drummers, particularly in larger venues like theaters, arenas and amphitheaters.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are in a position to have stage access, an ultra wide lens like a 14-24mm f/2.8 is ideal for creating high impact images of drummers. In addition, a fisheye lens can similarly create dramatic images.

2) Pick Your Angles Carefully

With often massive drum kits in front of them, finding clean and clear angles can be a huge challenge in photographing drummers. Factor in other band members, mic stands, and monitors in between drummers and photographers, and the literal windows of opportunity are even more narrow.

Making successful photos of drummers often comes down to finding the right position and angle that gives a clear shot of their face, even if it means scoping out several spots. One trick I use is to use my time in the photo pit after the stage is set but before the band comes out to scope out sight lines for the band for all members, but especially for drummers.

 (Todd Owyoung)

3) High Shutter Speeds

With drummers often trashing away, arms a go-go, high shutter speeds are your best bet for clean drummer shots. At shutter speeds that are enough to freeze the action on other band members, the swinging arm and speeding drumsticks of percussionists need even faster shutter speeds to prevent blur, not to mention their often bobbing heads.

I prefer to shoot at 1/200 as a minimum, but 1/250 or even faster is preferable for the cleanest shots in my book. For big arena shows when you have the light, 1/500 or 1/1000 may be appropriate.

4) Compose for Movement

One thing that's different with drummers is that their range of motion is often greater than that of guitarists and singers. Sure, they're seated, but playing and musical style can dictate a huge range arm motion for drummers. Add in drum sticks, and the arc of motion extends even farther.

Just as you need to choose your angles carefully for clear sight lines through a drum kit, lining up a frame with consideration for the full range of movement will help you plan for the kind of epic gestures and movements that can convey the power of percussion.

 (Todd Owyoung)

5) Shoot The Drummer in Context

One quick tip? Photograph the drummer in the context of the kit, band, and stage. While tight framing can often be the best show of the energy of a drummer, a wider shot that shows their entire kit can be just as impressive, especially for artists who have obviously designed their kit and lighting for visual impact.

The Dillinger Escape Plan performing at the Blue Note in Columbia, MO on March 16, 2010 in support of their fourth studio release, Option Paralysis. (TODD OWYOUNG)

6) Be Patient

The best advice I can give for photographing drummers is simply to have patience. Even with the right angle and technical details dialed in, nailing a killer drummer shot simply comes down to capturing a decisive moment. While this is really no different than any music photography, the myriad shooting issues surrounding drummers make having patience even more important.

 (Todd Owyoung)

SUMMARY

  1. Use The Right Lenses
  2. Pick Your Angles Carefully
  3. High Shutter Speeds
  4. Compose for Movement
  5. Shoot The Drummer in Context
  6. Be Patient

There you go. 6-tips for shooting drummers. I'll throw in a 7th tip for free: wear earplugs.