A Quick Guide To Gig Photography
By Michael King
29 March 2007
If you've ever tried shooting at a club or music venue, you'll understand how challenging it can be to get the shot you want. Bad crowds, terrible lighting and a strict no-cameras policy can mean you'll be coming home empty handed unless you know how to get around these kinds of obstacles. In light of my own difficulties shooting live music, I have put together a couple pointers for people wishing to get into concert photography.
Helpful Hints:
*Arrive early, even if it means waiting outside. I cannot stress this enough. I'm sure many people consider this a given, but I can't tell you how many times I have been stuck pushing my way through a crowd and I still can't get any closer than the fourth or fifth row. Getting there early will also help you with the next tip.
*Make friends with the band. You can usually meet them outside in the parking lot before the show starts. Ask them if they need help bringing in the equipment. Make small talk. Tell them you are a photographer for some magazine (if you submit it to JPG, you won't be lying). This is especially helpful when the venue is anti-photography. If someone starts hassling you about the camera, say you are friends with the band. If you made a connection before the show, they will back you up on this.
*Scope out places to shoot from. Again, if you showed up early, this will be a much easier task, since the crowd will get in your way and you'll have a harder time getting the spot you want. Ideally, you already have several spots in mind when you start shooting. Start closest to the stage and stay as long as you need. Don't leave until you're sure you've got the shots you want because you will have to fight the crowd to get back up front. Once you've finished shooting there, move to the next farthest spot and so on. You should probably go to the bathroom before you start. You don't want to lose your spot (or the perfect shot) because you couldn't hold it in any longer.
*Know your camera. Being able to adjust quickly to different situations is a necessity. If you don't already shoot in manual, get used to it. You are going to need it eventually.
*A wide aperture is your friend. If you want to make the most of the available light, you are going to want the widest aperture you can get, assuming you don't mind the shallow depth of field. Generally, cheaper lenses don't allow you to stop down (open up as wide) as more expensive ones. However, you can buy a 50mm prime lens (meaning you can't zoom) that stops down to f/1.8. Canon and Nikon both sell their own versions for less than $100 new. Although you may loose the ability to zoom in and out, capturing all the light available will allow you to use a faster shutter speed or lower iso (or both!), which means less camera shake and less grain/noise.
*Be creative! Don't ever be afraid to try something new because you don't think it will turn out, especially if you have a digital. Zoom in or out during the exposure. Time your shot to coincide with changes in the house lights (strobes give especially interesting results).
*Don't get discouraged! It may be hard, but don't let that stop you. Sometimes it takes 1000 tries to get that shot you've been desperate for and sometimes you get it the very first go. Don't be surprised if you take two hundred pictures and you only come away with two or three you genuinely like. If you have a digital camera you shouldn't be worried about conserving space. Just buy a bigger card!
*Remember to have fun. If you can't get the perfect shot, don't let it spoil your night. Sometimes it wasn't meant to be. Relax and enjoy the show.
Hopefully this short guide will get you started shooting live acts in bars and clubs. Remember to get there early and have a good time. Don't worry if things don't turn out the way you planned. There will always be other shows in the future and chances are, you'll do better next time.
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