Ben Weinman of The Dillinger Escape Plan, and the making of a jump shot.
The band just cranked it to eleven, the floor is heaving, lighting designer is doing his best to recreate the finale of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Here are five simple tips for better concert photography.
These tips aren’t your concert photography 101 tips about ISO, shutter speeds, and lenses, but just a few simple, universal pieces of advice for bringing home more dynamic images, whether you’re using a compact P&S or the latest and greatest DSLR.
Underoath’s Spencer Chamberlain was rocking out and letting it fly (all over my lens) with this hair whip, and a little careful timing brought it home.
1) Watch for Patterns
Just as music uses the structures of choruses, verses, and other repeating elements, the physical performance of a song will feature analogous expressions that can translate into compelling images.
Whether these events take the form of a well-coordinated jump kick, a point to the audience from the singer, or a blast of glorious light from back of the stage, an awareness to the flow of the performance translates into being able to better anticipate the most compelling moments of a concert.
What’s in your portfolio? Got drummers?
2) Don’t forget the Drummer
The first piece of concert photography advice I ever received came from a guitarist in a local band. Before their show he casually suggested, “Don’t forget the drummer. Photographer’s always forget the drummer.”
Nevermind that drummers are often poorly lit and trashing about behind a cage of obtrusive metal. When one can get over preening singers and over-socialized guitarists, some of the most dynamic rock images to be made are of a drummer in full swing, arms a-go-go.
Of course, this advice isn’t truly specific to just drummers, but applies to every band member beyond usual suspects. Deep coverage of the band, whether it’s a full-band shot or picking up individual members aside from the obvious targets can result in some of the most rewarding concert images.
A quick bit of research let me plan which side of the catwalk I would shoot from for the Jonas Brothers, putting me in perfect position to pick up the younger bros.
3) Do your Homework
Before any big show, I always make sure to research the bands I’m photographing. Unless one is shooting the first few dates on a tour, there are many resources to draw from when it comes to planning for the show.
Between Flickr and YoutTube, there are many ways to get an edge in knowing what to expect at a concert. Add in browsing images from wire agencies and live reviews, and the concert photographer has even more choices for insight into what to expect.
Even simply listening to the music of the band beforehand will help you anticipate what may translate into key moments of the performance.
Whether it’s a signature move, special lighting effect, the coveted jump shot, or just telling you whether or not the show will have a photo pit, doing your homework will help you come prepared.
?uestlove’s kit was relatively close to the front of the stage, and with a lighting rig three meters back, just a little maneuvering helped line up the perfect rimlight for his signature fro.
4) Work the Angles
For me, composition is one of the most fun parts of photography, and one aspect of your shooting that can set your work apart from the competition in the photo pit.
Working to find the best angle for a given subject and then honing in on a frame that expresses the moment can be one of the most thrilling parts of live music photography. At its best, working the angles to find that killer composition can elevate even a middling subject with unremarkable lighting to something worth looking at.
For any given shot, I try to play with the perspective, focus, and the subject’s placement in the frame to best communicate the compelling essence of that moment. While unpredictable elements and technical difficulties of concert photography make up the challenge, making a beautiful composition is one of the joys for me.
Knowing what to exclude and include in the frame – whether its speakers wedges, cables, or stage lights – can push an image from rote documentation to considered craft.
Critiquing the work of others is an excellent way to understand what you want – and don’t want – in your own photography.
5) Critique
For photographers of all levels looking to improve – from pros to novices – the best advice I can offer is to critique the work of other photographers.
Understanding the dynamics of an image is one of the most essential elements in improving as a photographer, and evaluating the work of others in an analytical manner is one of the best ways to accomplish this process.
Attention to the composition, technical execution, treatment of the subject, and light in the images of others will make you acutely aware of these aspects in your own work. Just like better photography through editing, you don’t even have to pick up your camera to improve in this way.
Recap
End Notes:
These are just a few tips for better concert photography that I think are applicable to shooters of every skill level and gear segment.
I’ll be working on an expanded set in the future as part of my comprehensive tutorial, from basics and gear to tips on workflow and processing. For everyone wondering about the nitty gritty of technique, we’ll be covering that, too.
If you have any of your own tips or suggestions for better concert photography, let ‘em rip!
This entry was posted on Thursday, June 4th, 2009 at 8:49 pm and is filed under Photography Tutorials and tagged with advice, concert photographer, concert photography, lenses, Photography Gear, Photography Tutorials, questions, tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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good advice :)
who is the drummer/band in #2?
Hey Kellan, thanks. That’s the one and only Brian Viglione of the Dresden Dolls – awesome drummer and really nice guy.
These are some handy tips.
On 2)Follow the Drummer – for local bands at least, drummers often offer great access to other bands. I’ve had more introductions (to other bands etc) from drummers I’ve shot than anyone else. The drummer is usually so happy to get photographed they show a lot of gratitude and help open a lot of doors. May not work so well for bigger touring bands though.
Hey Craig,
It’s true, drummers are some of the friendliest members of bands that I’ve met.
For local bands, just about any band member can be hugely helpful in setting up other gigs.
Whenever I try to get permission to shoot from the side of the stage, I always go through the drummer; somehow that always works. I wonder why ;-)
Another part of “Research” is getting to the venue early (or otherwise finding time before the show) and doing a walk-through of the areas you can shoot from (if you’re fortunate enough to have access beyond the photo pit; I get the sense that Japan is maybe a bit more liberal than in the US regarding photog access). Look to see if the security barrier has anything jutting out that you could trip over. Figure out the fastest/easiest ways to get to backstage, to the side, to the balcony, whatever. Note which way the doors open. You never know what you might miss in the 5 seconds it takes you to realize that the door opens out, not in.
Hey Dan, thanks for adding your experience.
In general, I think you’re right about the venues you shoot in granting more freedom to photographers, but it varies in the US as well. There’s one venue here where I shot where the pit basically opens up into the sidestage area that’s just a few feet from the greenroom and door to the tour buses.
This is great and refreshingly new advice. Thank you. You’ve got an awesome thing going on here. Sweet website too!
Hey Niloy, thanks for the comment.
i super agree with number 2. Most photogs do forget the drummer…. or they just have a very hard time photographing them. So most of the time, i dedicate one song on photographing only the drummer… just so he knows i didn’t forget him hehehe!
Well, that’s just me =D
PS
I agree with you guys… drummers are very cool and friendly based on my experience. Plus being friends with the drummer do sometime gets you other great photo angles.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bamboo_live/3378924972/
Gotta remember the drummer! I plan on writing a full post on the “Don’t Forget The Drummer” notion, but I thought I’d include it here as well, since it’s a good thing to keep in mind.
‘Nuff Said!
Great advice, Todd. I’m trained as an architect, and these are very similar to the core design principles we were given in school (except for the drummer bit!) I’m curious, where to you go for critique? I frequent the Concert Photography Score Me Group on flickr, but would love another quality online forum to practice a critical eye.
Hi Paige,
Thanks for the comment. That’s pretty cool to hear that these pieces of advice are similar to the design principles you learned in architecture school!
For critiquing, I try and look at what other concert photographers are doing as much as possible. I think the pools on Flickr that require critique are really great, as it forces one to produce opinions on the work of others.
I often get requests from people to look at their work, and I really do wish I could accommodate those more. I’ve been thinking of starting a critiquing system here and using another system, but we’ll see. Maybe I’ll start an open submission process where people can submit a set of several music images and people can critique via comment. What do you think?
RT @ushareimages RT @michaelhubbard 5 Tips For Better Concert #Photography http://bit.ly/J9SzY #photog #tips I am guilty of #2
Thanks for the advice, Todd!
#2 I’ve found that I do naturally. One of the last shows I shot happened to have better lights pointing towards the drummer. *laughs* – I think he got my best shots that time. Though I tried photographing all members of the band, the lights on the bass and keyboards made it hard to shoot in that zone.
#3 is GREAT advice. I will do so for my next gig ^^
Hey Amy,
You’re welcome, I’m happy to share posts like this.
#3 can be really important, especially when there are shooting limitations like shooting from the crowd or otherwise having to pick one spot to shoot from. Knowing the handedness of performers, or how they hold the mic, can also be key for a successful shoot in these kinds of situations. It’s the little things.
@MiseryXchord Thanks for the retweet on the 5 tips for better concert photos! http://bit.ly/EX0kO
Hi Todd,
Great tips and really great shots!
I’m just starting out with concert photography and am really inspired by your photos.
I took some shots recently and found how difficult it is in just a club setting let alone a major concert.
If I had to think of one suggestion it would be some inside info on the press pass pit. (sorry, don’t know the proper term) What happens in there? What are other Photographers like in that situation? Do you guys co-operate or is it dog eat dog. I know technique is most important but I thought it might make an interesting article.
I’m looking forward to more of your tips, articles, and photos.
Keep up the great work!
Paul
I’ve been doing my homework (http://bit.ly/EX0kO) and I think I’ve got my gameplan down for Aerosmith tonight.
RT @toddowyoung 5 Tips for Better Concert Photography | ishootshows.com http://bit.ly/EX0kO (via @tweetmeme)
if you have any desire to begin/improve concert photo skills, check out @toddowyoung’s latest tips post: http://bit.ly/nLRwk
I’m kind of new to this game,and am looking at how to get away from shooting local talent on really small stages,to something a bit bigger and better.
Some great advice on your site,I will be bookmarking and popping back from time to time.
Any tips on my live pics would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Joe.
RT @toddowyoung 5 Tips for Better Concert Photography | ishootshows.com http://bit.ly/EX0kO (via @tweetmeme)
Some good advice I found about concert photography: http://bit.ly/gNeC8
I am just breaking into the concert photography and I need to get credentials for shows- Who do I approach?
Hi,
I was wondering if you could give any advice about the business side of photographing concerts and shows. How do you get permission to photograph concerts, and once you have (and got some great shots) what sort of places/publications can you then sell your photos. Would some concert venues only give permission under certain criteria, and would they want a slice of the profit, or free prints?
Any comments very gratefully received.
Thanks
Chris
[...] 5 Tips for Better Concert Photography [...]
5 Tips for Better Concert Photography:
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RT 5 Tips for Better Concert Photography: http://bit.ly/77Bmz5 http://ow.ly/16hKNd
5 Tips for Better Concert Photography http://bit.ly/EX0kO by @toddowyoung http://bit.ly/dyc8Z0 Photography.alltop
5 Tips for Better Concert Photography http://bit.ly/EX0kO by @toddowyoung
[...] 5 Tips for Better Concert Photography [...]
Hey Todd,
great tips and great shoot…thanks!
Hey Todd !! I’ve been taking photos at Concerts since 1978..That’s over 3 decades documenting deafening decibels dilligently !! I started shooting pix at concerts so I could remember the show better because as alot of us partied a bit back then (& still do !!)
I was lucky enuff to get in on the ground level w/METALLICA,SLAYER,MEGADETH, etc. & started shootin pix of them early on before they were HUGE …Next thing ya know I’ve got my picture of Cliff Burton on the back of Ride the Lightning & my shots on Slayer’s Hell Awaits albums !! That’s gotta be one of the biggest thrills I’ve ever experienced !! Picking up an album (this was before CD’s even existed mind you!!) & seeing a picture that you took on the back of your favorite band’s newest release is still a great rush !!
Another KILLER aspect of concert photography is seeing the band you’ve shot for years getting the recognition they finally deserve & where you happen to have pix of them when they were so young & different looking !!
Anyway enuff about me….I gotta coupla ???’s for ya !!
1.) what kinda camera & lenses do ya use ??
2.) who or what inspired you to start shooting musical related photos ?
3.) yer point about drummers is soooooo true !!
4.) I play in an old-skool punk metal band called DRI-Dirty Rotten Imbeciles
& we’re currently touring the states…What would I have to do to get you to come out sometime & shoot some pix of US ??
5.) Dude those are some of the most dramatic most AMAZING shots I have ever seen !! Truly SPECTACULAR !! The composition,,the timing !! EVERYTHING dude !
6.) Thanks for sharing yer advice & tips to other aspiring fotogs out there !!
Cheers,Harald O.
(Fellow Music Photog & DRI bass player !!)
Hey Harald,
Thanks very much for the comments – amazing story about getting in early with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. I really appreciate you taking the time to share.
To answer your questions:
1.) what kinda camera & lenses do ya use ??
All the gear I use is listed here: http://ishootshows.com/gear-guide/
My main cameras are the Nikon D3 and D700, and my main lenses are the Nikon 14-24, 24-70, and 70-200mm f/2.8.
2.) who or what inspired you to start shooting musical related photos ?
It all started on a whim, more than anything. Without knowing either band, I brought my camera to a show with the BR-549 and the Avett Brothers, since I had a friend who was going to the show. I figured that I could entertain myself if I didn’t like the music. After that first show, I was hooked.
3.) yer point about drummers is soooooo true !!
Some of the best and earliest advice I ever received.
4.) I play in an old-skool punk metal band called DRI-Dirty Rotten Imbeciles
& we’re currently touring the states…What would I have to do to get you to come out sometime & shoot some pix of US ??
I’ll hit you up via email, happy to talk about shooting you guys.
5.) Dude those are some of the most dramatic most AMAZING shots I have ever seen !! Truly SPECTACULAR !! The composition,,the timing !! EVERYTHING dude !
6.) Thanks for sharing yer advice & tips to other aspiring fotogs out there !!
Thanks for sharing your story – I’m happy to share what I can, and thrilled if it helps.
Great tips for concert photography check it out! http://bit.ly/nLRwk #photography #music