10 Tips for Better CONCERT Photography (with photos)
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- Looking for tips to become a better concert photographer or how to get started in music photography?
In this video, I focus on how to get started with concert photography and some tips and techniques to put into practice when shooting live music.
PHOTO PASSES for CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY - How to photograph your favourite bands - • How to get a PHOTO PAS...
Check out my concert photos here: www.stevegerrard.com/music-ph...
If you got any value from this video and are feeling kind, you can "Buy Me A Coffee" here - www.buymeacoffee.com/steveger...
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00:00 Intro
00:39 Concert photography is challenging
01:14 Start small
03:33 Concert photography gear
05:12 Check videos on RUclips
05:57 Be respectful to artists, fans and other concert photographers
06:46 Shoot the support bands
08:20 Like & subscribe
08:42 Focus
09:21 RAW or jpeg
09:45 Keep movin'
11:06 Earplugs
11:50 Sharing the images
12:48 Have fun!
13:22 Outro
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Website: www.stevegerrard.com/
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Thank you so much for your time and knowledge creating this tutorial. This is by far the best video I have watched so far, a true resource to newbies like myself! Thank you again!
Cheers Ian. Glad it was helpful. Enjoy the ride.
“Be respectful in the photo pit, you might make some friends along the way.” Steve definitely practices what he preaches, exactly how we became buddies!
Some of my absolute best friends were people I got chatting to in the pit waiting for a band to come on :)
He does seem like a nice chap... Ignore my rant.. Lol
It must be my magnetic personality!... OK.. I'll get me coat.. 😐
This worked wonders for me in Brisbane, Australia when I caught Joey bada$$ at fortitude music hall
I totally agree about shooting the support bands, as well as the musicians for the lead act. Sometimes local musicians get a chance to play with an act, and they appreciate the photos too.
Absolutely. Great advice.
I know this is an old video, I was looking for tips when photographing a festival I'll be going to later in the year.
You're so right about sharing pictures and video with the bands. I shared some with Chris Shifflet (Foo Fighters) when he was solo touring, and he used them in a music video. I am still chuffed to this day
Just wanted to throw you a quick thanks. Watched your stuff when I was still relatively new to concert photography and I’ve been going at it steadily for about a year now. I’ve done promotion for a few different groups and management companies, have a regular gig shooting for a venue, a cover for an EP and sometimes I’m even lucky enough to make some money off it!
Appreciate the videos!
Sounds like you're killin' it bud. If my videos helped in some small way that's really cool. New video on editing concert photos coming soon if that's of any interest.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography I'll certainly watch! Appreciate the heads up
That was one of my questions. We all want to get paid for our time even though we enjoy that time. How do you get paid?
@@GeneMoretti there is absolutely no money in concert photography. Be happy with anything you get cause it'll be a criminally low amount.
Beyonce, U2, Metallica. Great insight.
Thanks a lot. I do enjoy shooting those smaller intimate gigs just as much.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography of course - but I bet getting a pass for Beyonce isn't going to anyone!
@@DarrenMostyn This is true.
Pierre and his shoes !!! I laughed out loud when u mentioned it ! 🤣 great tips Steve ! Agree with it all . Great little video ! Keep er comin !
@@danieldonovan9090 :) I was glad I had a shoe shot of my own to demonstrate but Pierre is the master of the art.
I have mild tinnitus, had it most of my adult life, does seem to fade in and out a bit - I think it started when I had a car crash in my teens. Most of the time i don't notice it (it's worse when i'm tired), but i totally agree with wearing ear plugs! Luckily it doesn't impact my enjoyment of music :)
Same here. Wish I’d used those earplugs earlier!
Another great video Steve! 100% agree with the tips and the one about the earplugs a such an important one, that so many people neglect.
And gosh, I miss concert photography (and concerts...) soo much!
Yeah, earplugs are something I wish I'd used more over the years to be honest! Thanks for the kind comments. :)
Just found your channel Steve, and absolutely love your photos! thanks for the helpful info since I just shot my first show yesterday. I am so excited for the journey 🤘🏽
Thanks a lot Joshua. Hope you had a great show. More concert photography videos coming soon.
Great Tips, I did concerts professional from 1987 - 1993, Had a blast and I used all of your tips back then... I still love getting a good shot, basically just cellphone shoots but some of the bands I shot back in the 80's have asked me to start up again... Digital photography is a whole new world for me - but I'm learning that the manual settings I used back then still applies today. The biggest difference is today's lighting is so much better usually... Time to start having fun again!
Enjoy the ride!
Doing my first festival gig in December, of all the videos I've binge watched today, this was the best.. Thank you 🙌🏻
Glad it was useful. Enjoy the festival :)
Fab video, Steve, and great shots! Thanks for the tips. 😊🙏
Thanks a lot 😁
Excellent video Steve. Really miss photographing gigs.
Cheers mate. Yeah I do see the irony in posting this video when there are no shows to shoot but hopefully we will all be back in the pit again soon.
Thank you so much for this video, Steve! Learning a lot as I rekindle my passion for concert photography :)
Glad you liked it Charmaine. Enjoy the shows :)
Thanks for sharing. I learned something and will test it out shortly.
Brilliant video, thank you, eagerly learning my way around togging, my new job gives me a AAA on a 6 month stadium tour with a very big artist, gonna watch this video over and over til I have it verbatim. Thanks again
Thnks Gary. Glad it helped. Good luck with the new job. Sounds exciting.
Excellent info!! Don't forget to share your photos with the venue!!
Good point. I always tag venues where I can.
Your sample pics and settings captions are very helpful, thank you.
Thanks a lot. Glad you found them useful.
Really appreciate this video, thanks!!! Great information and tips!
Cheers Lee. Glad you enjoyed it
The most helpful video so far!
Thank you so much fo all these useful tips and motivation :)
Good to hear you found it useful Polina 😊
Great video Steve 👌🏻. I’m Shooting my first festival in a few weeks time, and found your video really helpful 👊🏻
Good to hear you found it useful. Enjoy the festival.
Just starting out and got my first three gigs lined up. This was VERY helpful. Thanks man!
Glad it helped. Enjoy the shows.
Great tips!!! Thanks!!!
You're very welcome ☺️
Just found this channel and this is amazing information. Looking forward to connects opening up again to try these out.
Thanks Benjamin. It's gonna be such a thrill to be back shooting concerts again whenever that happens. Keeping fingers crossed!
The tip with earplugs was really useful for my first band photography I just had recently. Thank a lot for this video and your work! 😃
Thanks Oleg. Hope you enjoyed the concert.
Some excellent photos in this video Steve.
That Kiss shot is just perfect!
Thanks a lot bud. Appreciate it. Shooting Kiss is always a dream.
Great advices! Thanks a lot! :)
I'm actually here because I want to do better for my teens, my 14 year old son can play DragonForce's guitar pretty much perfectly and plays at small venues for a rock school. But I'd like to help this small business and take good photos of all the teen bands. Thank you so much for this tutorial, I'm small potatoes but I only hope to nail some great shots in these dark atmospheres and lighting! You are a class act!
I can't think of a better reason for getting out there with your camera. Capturing your kid's passion and helping small businesses. You're a class act!
Best tips video. At least one of them thanks dude
Cheers Gerald.
Great advice.
Thanks a lot Andrew.
I have my first live gig tonight and this was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. And your right on with the payment. Lol. Gas money and drinks are more than enough for me.
Really helpful info and well presented Steve. Thanks 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Best Video with best Tips for Concert Pics. Thx a lot.
Cheers Peter. Appreciate the comment.
Thanks for your advice Steve; great content - another 'like' for your channel 🙂
Cheers Gavin.
Some great pictures
Thank you!! Super helpful! I am taking photos for a band called max creek next weekend and this is exactly what I needed to hear
Glad it was helpful. Enjoy the show.
shooting my first non basement gig tomorrow, this is helpful, thank you!
Have fun. Hope the opening band is great 😜
this was really helpful, thankyou.
im doing my first gig in Birmingham this weekend so will take all these tips onboard
I'm in Birmingham right now! What gig are you shooting?
@@SteveGerrardPhotography Jack Banting at Nortons Digbeth.
I've shot quite a few boxing shows before but excited to try my first gig. thanks again for the tips
@@gerardmurphy1396 Nice. My photography studio used to be at the Custard Factory. Enjoy!
I was at a metal show recently and made friends with the security. Later they asked me if I wanted to take photos from the stage! Heck yeah make friends. Great tips. Beautiful photos and gorgeous colors. Subscribed! Glad I found your channel.
:) Cool story. And thanks!
useful suggestions
Thanks for watching.
Love Sea Shepherd :D and Pearl Jam :)
the kind of video, and person I like very much.
Very kind. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing. I'm just getting started with a cheap bridge camera. Picking up photography just as a fun- casual hobby. Great video and great work. Btw, is that Defeater there @4:30?
Well spotted! Yes it is Defeater. Great band.
Hi, thank you for your useful tips, but, most of all, many compliment for showing such a great t-shirt!! 🙂🙂
😊
Great Video steve
Cheers Andy. Been too long eh?
@@SteveGerrardPhotography way to long mate , it will be a year in march since my last gig
@@aprw075 The last gig I shot was Refused on Feb 24 2020 but I did go to a gig in March too. And I shot in the room when Kathleen Edwards did a live stream in August. Not sure that counts.
Fantastic guide Steve. Do you have or plan to do a video on tips to break past shooting at pubs and get into bigger venues?
Thaks Matthew. Did you see this video yet? ruclips.net/video/0z6Lc89lwOg/видео.html
Love the video, definitely dont want to miss out on those earplugs. Do you recommend a company that does the molded ones?
It’s been 15 years since I bought mine and I don’t remember the make but I bought them via a hearing clinic in the UK 🇬🇧
I know this video is 3 years old but I'm shooting my first show this month (Modest Mouse) and this was super helpful. 🤘🏻 Great vid.
Thanks Jordan. Modest Mouse is very cool for your first show. Enjoy!
@@SteveGerrardPhotography Yeah, I’m real excited. Thanks man!
Great video 👍
Gonna give it a go in a few weeks,haven't Done any concerts yet hope I'll get a few decent shots.
Thx for the tips
Enjoy it!
@SteveGerrardPhotography did a few gigs sinds last year and it was fun,but still don't shoot raw(just don't like it)and thx again for the tips. 👍
great video. your photography is really good!!!! i have a 3 Nikon 2.8 zoom lenses and as we move around i need zooms not prime lenses.
I was enjoying this video until Papa Emeritus II from Ghost came up at 9:56 and I was enjoying it EVEN MORE from then, thank you for the video, Steve!
Bless you my child :)
Hi Steve! Thank you so much for this video and so much great information! I have been two years in (not the best timing) working on photography with an emphasis on concert/club photography. I do struggle most with getting the focus on the eyes. Would you have any tips on the best settings to choose for this type of environment perchance?
Hi Melanie. Typically I try to focus on the eyes using the centre focus point on the camera and then quickly recompose the shot but I know that's not always easy when the subject is moving fast. Trying not to shoot at a super-shallow depth of field helps if you can still get enough light. If not, try using a higher ISO. A good grainy shot is better than no shot at all. Good luck!
@@SteveGerrardPhotographyThis is exactly the type of information I was hoping for. I definitely need to work more with the center focus point function and reframe tactic, but looking forward to it now! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so readily!! Cheers!!
@@melanie6442 Absolutely my pleasure
Speakers can erase your card in camera, too! I had this happen one night taking snaps at karaoke. I can't remember if I was simply close to the speaker, or if i briefly put my camera on the speaker, but the images were gone when I checked later.
Brilliant!
How do you get away with such good shots at 1/15 and 1/60 sec with no flash?!
I'm having all kinds of issues getting quality photos.
Hi !!! I just discover your channel and this video helped me a lot, a lot !!! I just followed what you said and i had so much and dammm so greats pictures im proud to share with the band !! I wonder… how long its takes you to share the photos ?? Im feeling that i have to hurry, like max 2 days after the show to still be in the momentum… what do you think ?? Thank for your tips !
It really depends who you're shooting for and it's always good to set expectations in advance. If they just want 10-12 good shots, then a couple of days is fine (sometimes less) but if the want a lot more final photos, I'd tell them to expect it to be a week or two.
Love the tips! Quick question, do you always get to edit the pics you take or do they sometimes give you an SD card then take it from you at the end so they can filter/edit them?
I've never heard of that happening and I'd never agree to it. Hopefully others wouldn't either.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography sadly it happened to a friend of mine shooting for WWE, wanted to know if it has happened for concerts photography as well!! I’ve been sending lots of emails out with portfolio in hopes of getting my 1st photo pass, ur channel is very helpful
@@gabrielperalta6496 Seems very disrectful to the photographer, for sure. Good luck. Glad you found the video useful. I'm planning a video about editing concert photos soon too.
5:57... and be respectful of all technicians and roadies, who work their asses off to set up and operate that bloody huge machine of a stage/sound/light/grandstands/entrance.
These guys and girls are crucial : without them there is no sound, no light, no make-up, no audience, no stage, no... nothing, of what you came here for doing your own job !
As all manual workers are. 🤗
aaamazing video! thank you so much
may a ask one thing?
flash . Do you use or is a big no?
cause i saw some people using and some dont...im a wildlife amateur photographer and wanting to try some night shoots and concerts....and since i never use flash i have this big doubt haha
thanks
It really depends on the situation. For 90% of the shows I shoot, flash is not allowed. Smaller shows might not care too much, but it's wise to check if you're not sure. Flash can help in tricky lighting situations but can also kill the vibe of the shot and lose some of the ambiance that represents the concert lighting. If you're allowed to shoot with flash, maybe keep it on a low power and experiment til you get results you like.
thank you!
@@SteveGerrardPhotography
Great tips Steve! The world of concert photography is a diverse and challenging place, especially for a beginner and when you find yourself in the pit with the snarling and sometimes off the planet.. 'must get that shot.. Get outa my way gig photographer! I'm not being horrible.. But the newcomer does need to have a certain amount of thick skin to begin with! But hey.. Yea there's some friendly ones.. You know they r ok if they r not lookin down
Their big hooters at your gear and sniggering to themselves.. Lol.. God I sound bitter.. Haha.. But it has been my experience on too many occasions... But hey.. When the promotor or band management use your photo taken with bell N whistle less camera it has a certain satisfaction... I think you covered everything.. I just saved you the indignity of warning about the beasty boys... Lol.. no seriously ..all the best JT
Haha. Life is tough sometimes but most gig photographers I've met have been supercool and many are now my friends.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography of course! I wouldn't say all photographers are a sandwich short of a picnic! Although it does help on occasion! Lol.. I think when I started out I was a bit green behind the earholes.. And maybe unlucky at the gigs I was given.. But when a photographer.. Literally just walks in front of you.. And shoves u out the way, (and not just the one instance) .. it tends to spoil ya world view.. 😉.. Does nt happen nowadays tho.. Said idiot would have a telephoto rammed where the sun doesn't shine! 🌞😘
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
do you usually use a clip-on strobe for live concert shooting?
99% of my shoots I use no flash. Often it's not allowed. I'll only use it when it's allowed and when it's absolutely necessary.
Are using a flash
Almost never. Most shows I shoot , flash isn't allowed, and even if it was, it often kills the vibe of the photo. Occasionally I'll use flash if a) it's allowed and b) the light is SO bad I'm struggling to get anything useable. I honestly can't remember the last time I used flash at a concert.
What are you seeing in your in-camera light meter (in addition to the shutter speed, ISO and aperture)? Is the light meter at zero (in the middle)?
I keep my light meter just to the left of centre (maybe 1 stop) as usually, the scene is darker than what the camera will try to say is correct exposure.
Thankyou for this, doing my first festival very soon and it's a smaller festival in the city so it will likely be smaller venue's dotted around I believe, i only have a 50mm Prime and a 24-70mm 2.8 Zoom, will this be okay do you think? What focus settings would you recommend, I have a Canon 5D Mark iv. I am super Nervous so anything will be helpful, Thanks again! x
Sounds like you have great gear for the festival. I'd use auto focus and try to keep your shutter about 1/125s if you can. Wide aperture but not so wide that it misses focus too much. Maybe 2.8-f4 range. High ISO is better than blurry or out of focus images usually. Have fun!
@@SteveGerrardPhotography thankyou so much! What about focus point, I currently shoot with single focus point AF but I have to move it manually and I'm not very quick with it, is there a better option to make sure images are sharp when changing angles and following a subject quickly ? Xx
@@xlilcourttney My cameras have eye tracking which is great (when it works well!) but otherwise I always used centre focus and recomposed.
How do you get a photo pass? Who do you connect with for that?
Video on that very subject coming soon :)
3:44 - Wait, ISO of only 400 with f/5.0 and 1/250 shutter speed? Wish I always had that kind of lighting when shooting a concert. 😋
Shooting Kiss means you have all the light you need. They're so much fun to photograph.
Would you recommend a nikon afs 50mm 1.4 lens for concerts? Thanks for the tips, they were bloody awesome.
I don't have any experience with Nikon but would recommend a zoom lens if it's your first decent lens. I would look at a 24-70 to begin with. A 50 is a great lens to have in the bag though.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography Thanks mate, i'll look around and see what there is.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography And you would recommend raw over jpg? and what editing program is best for raw? And can i save as jpg or just leave them as is?
@@ozgreeny Definitely. RAW gives you more latitude to edit without losing detail in the file. Once you're done editing, you save it as a jpeg.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography Fantastic.. I did not know you could save it as jpg... Thanks so much for your help.. I'm sure i'll have another question sometime, lol.
im a montreal concert photographer as well quick question what do you think of flash in concert photography?
Salut :) I think flash in the right context is perfectly fine and can create a really cool effect or save you when the lighting is truly awful, however for almost every show I shoot in Montreal, flash is not allowed. Say hi if you see me in the pit.
Hi, i see most of these picture you took using relatively fast shutter speed and have a good pic, are you using flash? and do i still need monopod (like you did) even if i using fast shutter speed (over 1/100) ? I never get good pic when it comes indoor and low light, I would appreciate your suggestion.
Thank you
Hi Ismana. I hardly ever use flash, and most of the shows it's not allowed. And I only ever shot with a monopod that one time. I just rented it for that huge 600mm lens. Usually it's just two cameras and 3 or 4 lenses. For indoor, low light I just bump up the ISO but still keep it as low as I can get away with.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography Thank you for replying, im still learning and this will be new tricks
@@SteveGerrardPhotography i am on the older side and i never use a mono pod except with a 300 2.8 there is no way you can move around fast enough
on aps-c Sony is top for higher iso
this is not like full frame I now
wat is best lens buget lens for concert
on aps-c
85mm 1.8 or 70-200mm f4
1 have a 18-135mm 3.5.-5.6 and 30mm1.4 ....wil now a nieuw lens
van jou say wat is best
maybe is f4 zoom lens nog light strong for dark concert light ????
wat jou tink ???
You will only need a 70-200 if you're doing arenas/festivals really otherwise I'd get the 85mm. Lenses that stop at f4 might struggle in low light situations.
How do you get a pass?
I have a video all about that very subject :) ruclips.net/video/0z6Lc89lwOg/видео.htmlsi=tNpi8HPZPxoGzhpZ
Shooting my first gig this weekend, I'm friends with the band so have access to the pit for the entire gig, my biggest worry is getting in the way of the crowd, I'm 6ft2 😂 should I crouch down to keep out their way?
It's great you're even thinking of the crowd! 👍 I wouldn't bother crouching but would try to keep moving so you're not blocking anyone's view for too long. Have fun!
@@SteveGerrardPhotography thanks Steve, I'm looking forward to it!!
Steve, when you have a moment, can you please answer my follow-up question below?
I think I answered it already. I keep my light meter just to the left of centre (maybe 1 stop) as usually, the scene is darker than what the camera will try to say is correct exposure.
Hi Steve! Do you recommend using a flash for concerts or is it not necessary?
I'd say only if it's absolutely necessary as it can often kill the vibe of the image in my opinion. Many shows won't allow flash at all anyway so best to get used to not relying on it.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography ok thanks! And I also have another question I wanted to ask you - in many shows I’ve photographed, I’ve seen the other photographs using the digital screen to shoot photos other than the viewfinder. I’m usually using the viewfinder, but I would like to know what would you recommend to use?
Thanks!
@@amith4r I've never used the screen; always the viewfinder, but maybe experiment at smaller shows when you have more time and see what you personally prefer.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography ok, thank you very much!🙏
Is it essential to have a photo pass? As a hobbyist photographer I was hoping to be able to take my camera with a 50mm lens as a paying audience member to an upcoming gig, the venue is standing. The venue allow cameras but advise no long lenses or professional cameras. Would my canon R6 be classed as a professional camera?
If it's a very small venue your R6 might be ok but most venues would not allow a camera with a detachable lens. I'd say the R6 would be seen as a pro camera at most venues I'm afraid. Could you try applying for a photo pass anyway?
@@SteveGerrardPhotography It’s the O2 academy in Bristol. Probably won’t get one
@@stevied653 I used to run a club night there called Ramshackle. You know it? What's the band you wanna shoot?
@@SteveGerrardPhotography sorry I’ve not heard of that. I’m going to see James Bay but the warm up act Kevin Garrett is really good, we’ve seen them both before. There was a sea of camera phones and I hadn’t taken my camera that night as I was unsure if I could or not. I only have dslr and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Would they look at my film slr as a “professional” camera? Maybe I could shoot film potentially
@@stevied653 That'll be a great gig. I've seen both too. Honestly, I think you're unlikely to get either camera in without a pass. Maybe contact Kevin Garrett's PR person to ask them rather than going through the headliner. Good luck!
it seems that there are lights that destroy the sensors I thought you would talk about that
Can't say I have any experience with that in my almost 20-year career, and have never heard of anyone having problems. Maybe lasers could do some damage if they catch the sensor for too long but I'm no expert.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography Thank you for your answer. I wanted to get into concert photography but I was always scared because I heard that lasers damage the sensor especially if the photographer is not careful enough....so yeah I'm glad to know that I can try
@@DeoMasterProduction Usually the lasers shoot well over the crowd and well away from any cameras. You'll be fine.
@@SteveGerrardPhotography Thank you very much. You sure are experimented. And a great RUclipsr as well. I subscribe now!
Well, I am not here to learn the trade of concert photography... I am here as a fan of an artist and want to improve my own dinky pictures. 😅 A lot of things work for me as well of course... 🤔Well, not the move around bit. 😐 And it will be a gamble to try and get my camera in to the venue (🙄 last time I didn't bring my full frame camera only to see three girls in the audience with huge Canon cameras... So clearly they let anyone with a camera in at that time. 😑)
Yeah most of these tips would be useful if you are just in the crowd too but like you say, you need to know what cameras they allow fans to bring in. Often they will allow small cameras with a fixed lens but not bigger cameras with detachable lenses. Good luck!
I'm genuinely surprised you shoot with such a wide shutter opening (even f/1.6). I expected to need a wide opening, but not too much, as I needed to have the whole person in focus. Interesting finding, although it may be obvious to others.
It definitely depends on the lighting as well as the artist and the kind of images you hope to produce. But often the available light (or lack thereof) makes shooting wife open more necessary. Also, I don't really mind if the whole person is in focus but usually I want the eyes in focus if I can.
The thing about selling photos for fans, you shouldn't, because band management will kick your ass
Unless you've signed a release saying otherwise, you are more than entitled to sell prints of your photos.
he just dropped the lana bomb like it was nothing lmao. oh you might know her lol- Lana Del Rey…
Gaga, too!
I’d give you a like but it was on 666 so couldn’t ruin that
😈 📷
@@SteveGerrardPhotography of course had to follow to make up for this 😉
Got my first concert shoot Lil Durk found this video really helpful thanks Steve
So you're ignoring the part about starting small?! 😄
Have fun. Should be a great show.