Equipment for Beginner Concert Photographers

As a beginner concert photographer, it's important to have the right equipment to capture the energy and excitement of live music performances. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the essential gear you'll need to get started.

First and foremost, you'll need a camera that is capable of shooting fast action and capturing high-quality images in low light conditions. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is a good choice for concert photography, as they offer a wide range of features and flexibility. Some popular options for beginner concert photographers include the Canon EOS Rebel T7i, the Nikon D3500, and the Sony Alpha a6000.

In addition to a camera, you'll need a fast lens that is capable of gathering as much light as possible. A lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) is ideal, as it will allow you to shoot in low light conditions without having to bump up your ISO too much. Some good options for concert photography include the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G, and the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS.

Other gear you may want to consider include:

• Extra batteries and memory cards: It's always a good idea to have backup power and storage when shooting concerts, as you never know how long the performance will go or how many shots you'll take.

• A flash: If allowed by the venue, a flash can help fill in the shadows and add some extra light to your shots. Some good options for concert photography include the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT and the Nikon SB-910.

• A camera bag: Keeping your gear organized and protected is important, especially when shooting in crowded and potentially chaotic environments like concerts. The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW Camera Backpack and the Tamrac Anvil 27 Camera Backpack are both well-suited for concert photography.

As a beginner concert photographer, it's important to start with the essentials and gradually add to your gear as you learn and grow. By investing in quality equipment, you'll be well-equipped to capture stunning images that capture the energy and excitement of live music performances.

Tips for Beginner Concert Photographers

As a beginner concert photographer, it can be overwhelming to navigate the fast-paced and often chaotic environment of live music performances. However, with a bit of preparation and practice, you can capture stunning images that capture the energy and excitement of the show. Here are some tips for beginner concert photographers to help you get started:

Tory Lanez at Royale in Boston, MA - 2019

1. Know your gear: Make sure you are comfortable with your camera and lens before heading out to shoot a concert. Practice using different settings and techniques in different lighting conditions to get a feel for how your gear performs.

2. Get close to the action: Don't be afraid to get up close and personal with your shots. Telephoto lenses are great for capturing detail, but don't be afraid to use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire stage and atmosphere of the show.

3. Use a fast shutter speed: Concert can be fast-paced, so you'll want to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action and avoid blur. Aim for a shutter speed of at least 1/500th of a second or higher.

4. Bump up the ISO: In low light conditions, you'll need to bump up your ISO to get a good exposure. This will introduce noise into your images, but it's better to have a slightly noisy image than a blurry one.

5. Pay attention to the lighting: The stage lighting can change quickly at a concert, so be ready to adjust your settings as needed. Experiment with different white balance settings to see how it impacts the overall mood and tone of your shots.

6. Use a flash sparingly: If allowed by the venue, a flash can help fill in the shadows and add some extra light to your shots. However, be aware that using a flash can also create harsh shadows and flatten the overall look of your images. Use it sparingly and try to balance it with the ambient light as much as possible.

7. Shoot in burst mode: Concert can be fast-paced and unpredictable, so it's a good idea to shoot in burst mode to increase your chances of getting a good shot. This will allow you to take a series of images in quick succession, increasing your chances of getting a sharp, in-focus image.

8. Be respectful of the performers and the venue: Always check with the venue and the artist's team before shooting, and be mindful of your position in the crowd so as not to block the view of other fans.

Tory Lanez at Royale in Boston, MA - 2019

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to capturing stunning images that capture the energy and excitement of live music performances. With practice and patience, you'll find your own style and techniques that work best for you.

The Basics of Concert Photography

Concert photography can be a thrilling and rewarding pursuit for any photographer, whether you're a professional or an amateur. Capturing the energy and excitement of a live music performance is a unique challenge, and one that requires a different set of skills and techniques than other types of photography. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the basics of concert photography, including gear, composition, and lighting.

Lil Tjay at The Palladium in Worcester, MA - 2019

One of the most important considerations for concert photography is your gear. You'll need a camera that is capable of shooting fast action and capturing high-quality images in low light conditions. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a fast lens (f/2.8 or faster) and a high ISO range is ideal. You'll also want to bring a sturdy tripod or monopod to help steady your shots, as well as plenty of extra batteries and memory cards.

Composition is also key when it comes to concert photography. You'll want to capture the energy and emotion of the performance, as well as the musicians themselves. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as shooting from different angles, using wide-angle lenses to capture the entire stage, or getting up close and personal with telephoto lenses. Experimenting with different compositions will help you find the style that works best for you.

Lighting is another important factor in concert photography. Most concerts take place in low light conditions, which can make it difficult to get good exposures. To combat this, you'll need to use a fast lens and bump up your ISO as needed. It's also a good idea to use a flash to help fill in the shadows, but be sure to check with the venue's rules and regulations before doing so.

In addition to the technical considerations, it's also important to be respectful of the performers and the venue. Always check with the venue and the artist's team before shooting, and be mindful of your position in the crowd so as not to block the view of other fans.

Jack Harlow at Great Scott in Boston, MA - 2019

Concert photography can be a challenging and rewarding pursuit, but with a bit of practice and the right gear and techniques, you can capture stunning images that capture the energy and excitement of a live music performance.