Category: Concert & Live Music Photography
Concert Photography Tips for those who want to be a Concert Photog
I smile at posts made by those who publicly share their strong desire to become “Concert Photographers”. Time for that person to re-evaluate their business plan, but I’m getting a bit ahead of myself..
Simply take the minimum wage in your area. Multiple that hourly minimum wage by 2,000, which is approx the number of hours one would work in one year.
The result is the minimum amount of money that you should earn as a Concert Photographer. Anything less than that total amount and you would be way better off finding a minimum wage job, in say the Fast Food Industry.
What are Photo Credits really worth?
Photographers often get asked for their images. Rarely do such requests include any mention of payment of “money”, to acquire a license to use said image or images.
More often then not, such requests will inform the Photographer (ie the copyright owner) that they will receive a “Photo Credit” for the use of an image or images.
Top Tip to dramatically improve your concert photos
Chilliwack. Photo credit ccvic.zenfolio.com
Concert photography is for those who have a day job. An income stream from shooting concerts, can be a figment of your imagination. Yet, many folks are drawn to it.
The Sheepdogs. Photo credit ccvic.zenfolio.com
The Cell Phone has enabled more and more people to shoot concerts. Stage lighting has also improved, which allows for better cell phone and Point & Shoot camera shots. Digital cameras and zoom lens open up even more possibilities. Finally the high-end DSLRs keep getting better and better at Hi ISO shooting.
Elisapie Isaac. Photo credit ccvic.zenfolio.com
I’ve seen amazing concert pics taken with cell phones and point and shoots. Remember, the camera is just the tool. It’s the human, that makes the photo.
Mudmen. Photo credit ccvic.zenfolio.com
Having said that, there is one thing that can dramatically change your concert pics. My suggestion to you, is to get closer to your subject. Use your feet to get closer to the stage. Use longer zooms to also get you closer.
Suzie McNeil. Photo credit ccvic.zenfolio.com
The one thing these photos have in common, is that I got in close to the subjects. Being rather tight shots, they stand out from typical concert pics. It is also something that I have to constantly remind myself about, when I’m actually out shooting.
Platinum Blonde. Photo credit ccvic.zenfolio.com
When you get close, watch where the microphone is. Better to shoot from the side, to help reduce potential for “microphone mouth”. Drummers are the hardest to get close shots of.
When you get in close, you also instantly get rid of any distractions, in the background of the shot.
Try my suggestion at the next concert that you shoot…
Unique F-Stop 