Concert Photography : Shoot Preparation

 

Concert and Live Band photography is one of the most challenging and exciting photography jobs you can get. You've got the best seat in the house, right up against the stage. There can be anywhere from 5,000-30,000+ screaming fans behind you, constantly moving, throwing crap towards the stage, crowd surfing, possibly even kicking you in the head. There are bouncers and other photographers to move around. There are no-flash policies and unpredictable stage-lighting conditions to work with. You have to think about a lot of stuff like equipment, exposure, composition, focus, energy, and you have just a few minutes allotted to you to get the shots you need. It's a lot of pressure, and a whole lot of fun.

I'm covering Rock on the Range in Columbus Ohio, May 21-22, 2011, and it's my first large concert photography gig, so in a way, I am what you call a noob. A beginner. However, I have shot live bands at local venues (i.e. bars) and I have prepared for this live shoot to the same extent and attention to detail as any other professional photographer would prepare for the job. I've done a lot of research and figured it would be a good idea to post a list of prep tips for other budding concert photographers. This is a mish-mash of a post. It was written it in much haste as I prepare to leave for the Rock on the Range music fest today.

1. Obtain the Gig/Keep the Gig

Have the necessary information you need in order to pick up your Photo Pass at the Media Will-Call booth. Make sure to print out the confirmation letter/email and bring it with you, and have a list of the managers names. Bring it with you just in case something goes wrong and your name is not on the Media/Photo Pass list. Cover all your bases. There is usually some sort of waiver you must sign in order to finalize your photo pass. Obtain a copy of this waiver ahead of time if you can, and review the terms carefully before you sign it. I received a copy of the waiver a few days before the show. Pay attention and look out for Rights Grabbers. If you don't agree with the terms, you're SOL. When you sign the agreement, honor it! Don't blacklist yourself or get into legal trouble by signing a waiver that says you can't profit from the images by turning around and breaking the agreement anyway.

2. Prep Your Gear/Prep Your Mind/Prep Your Body

Gather your gear. Figure out what you need to take. Pack as light as possible. Charge all of your batteries and make certain everything is functioning properly, from straps to lenses. Clean your glass, blow out your camera body, format all the memory cards, and re-organize your camera bag. Pre-stage your gear by setting your internal and external modes.

Remember, most venues enforce a no-flash policy. This is both a blessing and a curse. I love shooting in low-light conditions, but of course there are a lot of potential frustrations to overcome. Dealing with colored lights, risking potential blow-outs and overexposure; it's a challenge. But don't use flash! It's disrespectful to the band, and you're bound to get yourself kicked out if you break the no-flash policy. 

Also, pack what is necessary, but pack light! Wear comfortable shoes and bring extra socks, because you are going to be on your feet for a long time. Always wear earplugs! If it's an outdoor concert, bring a towel, a super rad poncho, and some sort of waterproof bag to cover yourself and your gear in case it rains. For this, I went the cheap route and brought a see-through 89¢ poncho and couple of black trash bags. It doesn't matter as long as your gear is dry. Also, drink LOTS of water. Bring suntan lotion if it is an outdoor event, and wear it! Bring sunglasses, a wide brim hat, and a small first-aid kit.

Research the venue as much as you can, especially if you've never been there before. Scope out the stage(s) and seating arrangements. Know the line-of-sight to exits, higher grounds, safe zones, and take caution at all times but don't ever forget to have fun! 

If you have some, bring your business cards with a way to contact you and pass them out. 

3. Get the shots! Have fun!

I am a firm believer that how you feel while photographing will come across in your final images. If you're not having fun, you stand the chance of getting crappy shots. So, have fun with it and don't stress out. Be kind and courteous to the staff, you never know what they can do for you if you make friends. Be nice to the other photographers, if you need to get around them, a gentle tap on the shoulder to get their attention will do better than shoving them out of your way. You never know if you're standing next to someone from Rolling Stone, after all. Don't stand in one spot while you are in the photo pit, it makes sense that if you move around, you will get more diverse and interesting images. Pay attention to all the band members and maybe they'll woo the camera for you.

That is all for now, I must now leave for Rock on the Range!