There's no “school of rock photography” and there are certainly no secrets in this business. I'm a music photographer who has lived and breathed concert photography since I photographed my first concert in 2006. As proud as I am of the images I have made, I'm also very grateful to have the opportunity to share everything that I've learned as a professional music photographer.
I started this site ishootshows.com in 2007 and have written over a thousand posts about music photography, from gear reviews to tutorials and how-to articles on how to photograph live music. Here's a collection of some of the articles I feel would be most helpful to anyone looking to get on the path to becoming a rock photographer.
Start Here — Concert Photography Essentials
- How to Get Started in Photographing Concerts
- My Story: How I Became A Concert Photographer
- 6 Tips for the New Music Photographer
- 5 Essential Live Music Tips
- How To Request A Photo Pass
- Concert Photography Etiquette
- Recommended Earplugs for Music Photographers
Guides:
- Copyright & Concert Photography
- The Photographer's Guide to Music Festivals
- The Photographer's Guide to Warped Tour
- How to Price Your Photography and Image Licensing
- Workflow for Live Music Photography
Camera Settings
- 5 Tips for Better Focus in Low Light
- Camera Settings for Concert Photography
- AF Settings For Live Music Photography
- Metering & Exposure for Concert Photography, Part 1
- Metering & Exposure for Concert Photography, Part 2
Photography Gear
- Music Photography Gear Guide
- The Best Lenses for Live Music Photography
- Best Earplugs for Concerts and Live Music
- 5 Tips for How to Change Lenses Faster in Event Photography
How-To
- How to Deal With Red Lights
- How to Photograph Drummers
- 5 Tips For Better Band Portraits
- How to Capture Killer Facial Expressions of Musicians
General Advice
- 8 Tips for a Great Photography Portfolio
- The Best Live Music Photography Tips
- 5 Tips for Better Concert Photography
- The Timing of Concert Photography
- Concert Photographers: Please, Wear Earplugs
My Camera DSLR and Lenses for Concert Photography
 Nikon D850:I use two Nikon D850 for my live music photography. A true do-it-all DSLR with amazing AF, fast response, and no shortage of resolution. |
 Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8:For most gigs, the 24-70mm is my go-to lens. Exceptional image quality at wide apertures and super-functional range. |
 Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR:A perfect pair to the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, I can basically shoot any job with the midrange and this lens. Superb image quality. |
 Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8:Ultra-wide perspective, ridiculously sharp even wide open at f/2.8. I love using this lens up-close and personal, where it excels. |
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