Gigs are a notoriously challenging genre of photography. It's a battle against low-light, fast moving subjects and time. Nailing live music shots is a unique challenge and true dark art, but it's one that so many of us wish to master and one that can be incredibly rewarding.
The Swing Commanders
Getting the opportunity
Getting photo access will be one of the largest hurdles you face and it can feel like a bit of a catch 22: you can't get the opportunity to shoot a gig without a smashing portfolio but you can't create a portfolio without getting chance to shoot.
When you’re starting out, contact smaller bands, music PR companies and venues and ask if you can take some shots their event. Lesser-known bands are usually keen to let you photograph them for their own promotion materials, which is great for a budding photographer, as the more gigs you shoot, the more developed your portfolio will become.
These bands may also allow you to shoot for longer throughout the set in the pit, whereas the norm given to you is the first three songs, to get those all-important close-up shots – that's only 10-15 minutes at the front with the band. This extra time can give you chance to explore different techniques and begin to create your own unique photographic style.
To get access to shoot larger, more popular bands, you usually need a really strong body of previous work and a good list of contacts. Association with a magazine can really help this at first, as giving the gigs coverage from a publication can be great justification of why you should be given the chance to shoot.
Don't be disheartened if you get turned down, keep persevering and you'll eventually get that all-important 'yes'!
The Concept
Pick the right gear
Packing light is pretty essential when shooting live music. Carrying a huge bag full of gear on your back is far from ideal, plus switching out lenses will eat into your shooting time.
You'll probably want to pick a lens that will give you the most scope in terms of aperture. Wide angle lenses can allow for some striking perspective effects, but may make you sacrifice in terms of your aperture. A prime lens will enable to you use a wide aperture and let in as much light as possible, meaning you can keep shutter speeds higher for less motion blur and ISO lower for reduced digital noise.
Flashes aren't usually permitted so it's a good idea to choose your kit with this in mind, and leave any superfluous gear at home.
It’s important that any equipment you take will be durable. It's likely you'll have a drink or two spilled on you at some point, and you may get knocked or pushed while you’re shooting. A robust camera with some weather sealing won’t go amiss at a concert.
Keep an eye on your settings
Gigs aren't the most forgiving when it comes to getting your exposure right. The lighting is changing almost constantly and it's pretty dark intermittent extreme, bright light.
Aperture priority is the most common go-to setting for many photographers. Using an automatic mode means you don’t have to designate as much time on changing exposures and it gives you the headspace to just think about your image as a whole. It also reduces the chance of you missing a shot, because your settings were incorrect for that moment, as the lighting conditions change so rapidly and frequently.
Use spot metering to ensure that your camera calculates your exposure based on the area that's most important to be exposed correctly.
Daniel Mccarthy
Shoot RAW
You probably read this sub-heading and thought 'er, yeah, we get told this piece of advice over and over' but with this genre – it's more important than ever.
Light’s very sparse, so there's a big risk of information being lost in shadows or an overexposed spotlight or strobe. Multi-coloured lights can also cast unusual colours over musicians' skin, and as a result, making your white balance incorrect. It’s important that you allow yourself wiggle-room to edit and correct these after shooting. It can make all the difference when it comes to losing a shot or saving it with post-processing.
Choose your spot wisely
Many things can get in your way, such as microphones, cables, people in the crowd or even other photographers. Also remember, the band are playing for their audience - not for you - so even if you do get the best spot you can, it might not last when they're moving around the stage.
You can also use the struggle for space, obstacles or even the crowd to your advantage. Look for unusual angles or use the unique views to get some striking shots.
Husk
Market your work
Social media is an incredible tool that's become so valuable for all photographers. It can help to build your name as a photographer and get your work out to bands, promoters and fans almost immediately. Plus, if you get enough followers, you can land work off the back of your online presence.
Creating a portfolio using a website is also a really effective way to market yourself. It offers you a platform to act as a hub for your work. You can showcase your best images and it gives you something to show off to potential clients. There are so many great services that can get your website up and running for free, or for very little cost. However, remember that your portfolio is only as good as your worst image – so think carefully about what you share on there and make sure that it's the absolute best collection it can be.
Beware though, with the ease of sharing online, also comes the ease of using images without permission. You're perfectly within your rights to ask someone to take down one of your images, if they have posted it themselves without your permission.
The Swing Commanders
. digitalrev.com2017-5-8 03:00
