Hi all. In response to all the questions I receive, I thought I'd put together a little FAQ that may help answer some of the recurring inquiries I get. I really hope this helps. – Todd 
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How did you get into photography?
- 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?
- What camera settings (AF, WB, ISO, etc) do you use?
- Can you recommend good lenses for concert photography?
- Do you shoot RAW or JPG?
- What photo editing software do you use?
- Do you think you can give me some advice?
- How do you pronounce your last name?
How did you get into photography?
I've always been visually inclined and drew constantly as a kid. Around my first year at university, I decided that a camera was a good tool for an artist to have, so I saved to buy a manual focus film camera. I enjoyed driving a manual transmission car, so I assumed that I'd prefer a manual camera to one with autofocus. Nikon had just released the Nikon FM3a around this time, which I bought as my first camera.
How did you get started photographing concerts?
The first show I shot was in 2006 at a small club with about a one-foot stage and what felt like four stage lights. I had a friend who was going to see the bands BR-549 and the Avett Brothers. I wasn't familiar with either bands at the time, so, on a whim, I brought my Nikon D70 and 50mm f/1.4. I figured that if I didn't like the music, I could always entertain myself with photography. As it turned out, the bands were fantastic and I loved shooting them.
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 – anywhere that has live music is an opportunity for practice and image making. In addition to being able to bring your camera and shoot without being hassled at these smaller shows, 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.
How do you set up photo passes with bands? Who do you contact?
When shooting on assignment, one's editor at the publication generally sets up photo credentials. 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?
For many of the gigs I shoot, I work exclusively with the stage lighting of the event, for a couple of reasons. First, flash is very rarely allowed. 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. That said, I do use flash when the opportunity and situation lend themselves to it. For larger tours with their own dedicated lighting rigs, flash is often unnecessary. For other situations, flash can be a great asset for creating dynamic images in what might otherwise be flat lighting.
What camera settings do you use?
Check out my advice for Camera Settings for Concert Photography for all my main settings recommendations. To answer a few quick questions:
AF: I use continuous mode (AF-C) most of the time, occasionally changing to single mode (AF-S) if continuous mode is not appropriate for the lighting or subject. I use single-point focusing.
WB: I use auto WB most of the time. I find this setting is quite accurate most of the time, and shooting RAW, I can always make minor tweaks if the WB as-shot isn't appropriate. Very rarely will I pre-set WB.
Camera settings: Really, I keep most of my settings pretty stock, with the default sharpening, color, contrast, etc.
Can you recommend good lenses for concert photography?
I personally use the following gear:
- Nikon Z 9
- Nikon Z 7
- Nikon 35mm f/1.8S
- Nikon 50mm f/1.8S
- Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8S
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8S
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8S
- Nikon 1.4x Z TC
I shoot exclusively in RAW with my cameras for the greatest flexibility and quality of the final files.
What photo software do you use?
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom Classic
- Photo Mechanic
I'm new to music 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, try doing a search on the topic you're trying to get more info about. The Music Photography Quickstart Guide also compiles my best articles into one place.
How do you pronounce your last name?
Oh-Yung — like “O'Young”.
