Capturing the atmosphere of a live concert is a fun experience – and a challenging one – for any photographer.
Concert photography requires a unique blend of technical skill, creativity, and adaptability. You need to be able to think on your feet, have solid mastery of camera settings, and understand how to document the concert’s vibrant atmosphere in a single image, too.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer looking to refine your technique or a newcomer eager to dive into this vibrant field, these six tips will help you elevate your concert photography game. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Essential Gear for Concert Photography
- Camera Settings for Photographing Concerts
- Composition Techniques for Better Concert Photography
- Capturing the Atmosphere of Concerts
- Dealing With the Challenges of Concert Photography
- Etiquette for Photographing Concerts
Essential Gear for Concert Photography
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When it comes to concert photography, having the right gear can make all the difference. Now, this does not mean that having expensive gear automatically makes you more likely to get better shots. Instead, it simply means that having the appropriate gear can help you achieve your vision more easily.
Here’s a rundown of essential equipment to help you capture those unforgettable moments:
Cameras
An interchangeable lens camera is ideal for concert photography due to its superior low-light performance and availability of lenses. These cameras allow for more flexibility in changing settings quickly, which is crucial in dynamic concert environments.
For example, you might opt for something like the Sony a9 (shown above), which features a 24.2-megapixel full frame sensor that offers high-resolution images and excellent low-light capabilities. What’s more, the a9 is a small, lightweight camera that allows you to get the shots you want without being bogged down by a heavy camera body. And since this camera came out in 2017, you can find many excellent used bodies and save some cash.
At MPB, an online platform that buys, sells, and trades used photography gear, you can currently choose from a number of a9’s ranging from “good” condition to “like new” condition. Pricing varies based on condition, of course, and ranges from about $1,350 to just over $1,700. Considering the a9’s original price was $4,000, that’s quite the savings!
Not a Sony fan? No problem! Online platforms like MPB have plenty of choices in the mid-tier full frame mirrorless camera niche:
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- Nikon Z7 II
- Nikon Z6 II
- Panasonic S5 II
Lenses
Fast prime lenses (such as 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4) are excellent for capturing sharp images in low light, thanks to their wide apertures. Zoom lenses (like a 24-70mm f/2.8 – shown above – or 70-200mm f/2.8) offer versatility, allowing you to frame tight shots of performers and wide crowd shots without changing lenses.
Lenses like these are available for every brand, be that Sony, Canon, Nikon, or otherwise. If you already have a camera that performs well in the low-light concert photography environment, but just need some better lenses, you can invest in the same brand you already own.
Here’s a quick warning about buying used photography gear, though…
Not all used camera retailers are made alike. Some, like MPB, offer you all sorts of advantages that give you peace of mind, like a six-month warranty and a seven-day return policy on most items. Others, like eBay and Craigslist, don’t come with those kinds of guarantees.
What’s more, online platforms like MPB take the time to thoroughly inspect and grade the gear they have in stock. When you browse for a concert photography camera or lens, you’ll find the relevant information about the gear right there on the listing page, including its current condition (with photos of the actual gear!).
In other words, buying used can save you a lot of time, effort, and money. However, it’s necessary to go through a trusted source, that way you’re assured that what arrives in the mail is what you actually paid for. So, visit MPB to peruse their selection of cameras and lenses, save a few bucks by trading in or selling your old gear, and invest in high-quality concert photography gear that’ll give you years of service for a budget price!
Accessories
Don’t forget to pack extra batteries and memory cards. Concerts can be long, and you don’t want to miss a shot due to a dead battery or full card. A monopod can also be useful for stabilizing your camera during long shoots. Avoid taking a tripod, though. They’re far too bulky and require too much space in a packed concert venue.
Camera Settings for Photographing Concerts
ISO
Concert venues are typically dimly lit, so a higher ISO setting is necessary to capture enough light. Start with an ISO of 800 or higher, but be mindful of noise – the higher the ISO, the more noise there will be in your shots. Modern cameras handle high ISO better, but it’s always a balance between light and image quality.
Aperture
Use a wide aperture (low f-number) to let in more light and create a shallow depth of field, which helps isolate your subject from the background. An aperture of f/2.8 or wider is usually ideal.
Shutter Speed
To freeze motion, use a shutter speed of at least 1/250th of a second. If the performers are particularly energetic, you may need to increase this. However, slower shutter speeds can also creatively capture the movement of musicians.
White Balance
Concert lighting can be tricky, with various colored lights affecting your shots. Set your white balance to auto initially and adjust in post-processing if necessary.
Composition Techniques for Better Concert Photography
Photo by maxbelchenko via Shutterstock
Great composition can transform a good photo into a stunning one. Here are some techniques to enhance your concert photography:
Framing
Focus on capturing both the performer and the environment. Including elements like the crowd or stage lights can add context and drama to your shots.
Angles
Photo by carlos castilla via Shutterstock
Experiment with different angles to find unique perspectives. Shooting from the side of the stage or getting low to capture the performers from below can result in dynamic images.
Rule of Thirds
Use the rule of thirds to create balanced and engaging compositions. Position your subject off-center to add interest and draw the viewer’s eye.
Leading Lines
Use stage elements, light beams, or instruments to create leading lines that direct attention to the main subject of your photo.
Capturing the Atmosphere of Concerts
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The goal of concert photography is to convey the energy and atmosphere of the performance. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the stage lighting to your advantage. Backlighting can create dramatic silhouettes, while side lighting can add depth and dimension to your shots.
- Incorporate the audience to show the energy and scale of the event. Capturing crowd reactions can add a powerful narrative element to your photos.
- Zoom in on details like the hands of a guitarist, the sweat on a drummer’s face, or a singer’s intense expression. These shots can convey the passion and effort behind the performance.
Dealing With the Challenges of Concert Photography
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Concert photography is not without its challenges, particularly low light. To combat low light, increase your camera’s ISO and use wide apertures on your lens. Consider using a prime lens, which typically performs better in low light situations than a zoom.
Fast-moving performers can be tricky to capture, too. Use continuous autofocus (AF-C) to track the subject and a higher shutter speed to freeze motion.
Lastly, venues often have restrictions on where photographers can shoot from. Respect these rules and use them to your advantage by finding creative angles within your allowed area. Build a rapport with the venue staff and event organizers to gain better access over time.
Etiquette for Photographing Concerts
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Maintaining professionalism is crucial in concert photography. Here’s how to conduct yourself:
- Don’t use a flash. It can be distracting to the band and concertgoers alike.
- Don’t block the view of other fans when you’re taking photos.
- Check for any restrictions regarding photography at the venue or by the performers.
- Ask before you take photos specifically of people in the audience.
- Limit the amount of noise your gear makes, especially if you’re photographing a recital or another concert in a quiet venue. If available, use silent shooting mode on your camera.
Of course, always be respectful of other people’s needs. They’ve paid to see the concert just like you, so try to limit your movements. Constantly standing up, asking to get through the aisle, and so forth can be really distracting for others.
While these tips are just the tip of the iceberg for concert photography, they represent a good start for improving the quality of your photos. Now all that’s left is to invest in the right gear, buy your concert tickets, and go get some practice!
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