Repost This ArticlePhotographer David Szymanski shares some of the special considerations that should be made when shooting a concert.
FOR THE LAST SIX YEARS, I’ve been working as a freelance photographer specializing in music photography. During that time, I’ve found the following tips help prepare me for shooting at music events and concerts. 
1
Shoot with a "fast" lens.
Concerts are always dark. This shot of rapper Lupe Fiasco at Summerfest (Milwaukee, WI) was achieved by using a fast lens (f/2) and a shutter speed of 1/400. The combination of the shutter speed and f/stop allowed me to shoot in the dark concert while freezing the water as it flew around the stage.
2
Avoid using flash.
Try to avoid using on-camera or external flashes at concerts. Not only can it distract the musicians, but it also blows out the colored stage lights. I made this image of Maze from Chopper Trike Rebels utilizing the red and blue stage lights, which illuminated the crazy contacts he was wearing.
3
Know the venue rules for photography.
Be mindful of the venue rules and know them before you arrive. This live shot of electronic music duo Gabriel & Dresden was possible after I exchanged a few emails with their manager. They were nice enough to set me up with a media pass to photograph at the Spring Awakening festival (Chicago, IL).Intermission
4
Research who you're photographing.
This allows you to get an idea of how the band performs and interacts with the audience. D.A. Wallach of Chester French is known to be energetic and run around the stage. After finding this out through watching videos of the band's performances, I shot in bursts to capture him in mid-air as he jumped. Extra tip: When researching a band, find out if they spray anything that could ruin your equipment. I would recommend always carrying a plastic covering for your camera or a plastic zipper bag. This helps when dodging Faygo soda at an Insane Clown Posse concert.
5
Be nice to security.
Be nice to every security guard that you encounter. After chatting it up with one of the guards at a Chromeo concert, they allowed me to shoot from the second floor, which was closed off. Gaining this access gave me a view point that none of the other photographers had, which resulted in this great shot from above.
6
Step back.
Sometimes you may not be able to photograph from the pit, so try to find other locations in the venue to shoot from. After I became frustrated with not getting close enough to photograph Rusko, I wandered around the venue and discovered a balcony which overlooked the entire crowd. This made for the perfect photo, as it showed the energy of the 4,000+ people that night. Extra tip: Always have extra camera batteries, memory cards, business cards, pens, notebooks, and most importantly, ear plugs!
David Szymanski
David is a Milwaukee-based photographer. When he is not dodging fake blood photographing at a Gwar concert, he is trying to find a way to travel abroad or discover the next best restaurant. Visit his website at www.davidszymanski.com & say hello at davidjszymanski@gmail.com.
I just recently acquired a Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens for my 5DmII. I also own a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Do you think the 100-400mm is too slow? Or does it just depend on how much light I can capture on my subject? Obviously if I can get close enough I use the 24-70mm. Thanks David!
Hi Jason. It all comes down to the lighting situation and how close you are to the subject. The 100-400mm may work great if the stage is well lit and if you crank up the ISO. Personally, I would use the 24-70mm because of the f/2.8 and the fact that I am closer where a 100-400mm is not needed.
Thanks David! That’s pretty much what I figured. Do you ever have issues with a shallow depth of field when using f/2.8?
At f/2.8 or wider, just remember to be more conscious of what your focusing on!
You are very welcome! At f/2.8 and faster, make sure that you pay attention to what the lens is focusing on. In music environments its very crucial and people/things are always moving.
You are very welcome! At f/2.8 and faster, make sure that you pay close attention to what the lens is focusing on. In music environments its very crucial, as people/things are always moving.
Great photos and tips.