Capturing the Energy: Starting Your Concert Photographer Journey
As a concert photographer, diving into your gigs requires much more than just a passion for music and a camera.
The industry is awash with skilled people who have a wealth of experience shooting festivals, concerts, gigs of all sizes and music award ceremonies.
To make your mark in what is becoming a difficult industry to make living from.
Before you jump in, there’s a few things you’re going to need to be prepared with, including the right gear, a solid portfolio, and strategic steps to get through the doors into your first gigs.
We’ve put together some essential tips to kickstart your career as a concert photographer:
Star small and build up. Check out the local shows in your area.
Focusing on small, local concerts is a fantastic way to build your portfolio as a concert photographer.
Check the websites local music events, both inside and outside, because shooting these different environments will soon give you an idea of challenging conditions and how conditions change the way you need to shoot.
Reach out to venues or event organisers to offer your photography services. Smaller shows often have less competition, providing a great opportunity to make a name for yourself.
If you start in very intimate environments, working as the only photographer is a great way to build confidence and to ensure that you’re not feeling intimidated in the presence of an experienced concert photographer.
Turning up at Isle of Wight Festival, Download or Glastonbury, is a sure fire way to be eaten alive by the competition and fall foul of pit protocol if you don’t know about it.
Getting concert photographer experience at these small gigs also allow you to capture numerous images, which are invaluable for your online portfolio. By showcasing your work from local events, you increase your visibility and set the stage for securing larger opportunities.
Secure a Photo Pass
Gaining access to larger concerts requires a photo pass, which is typically issued by a publicist or event organiser or obtained through a press agency booker you’ll need to be on their books to get one of the passes).
A photo pass grants photographers access to prime shooting locations, such as the photo pit, or lighting desk or ensuring you get the best shots.
Working with a publication, such a a local magazine, local newspaper or online digital publication can make it easier to obtain a photo pass, as publicists prefer to issue passes to photographers whose work will be published.
Photo bases are usually confirmed a few days before the event, giving you time to prepare for the shoot.
Network with Publications
Working with a publication, such a a local magazine, local newspaper or online digital publication can make it easier to obtain a photo pass, as publicists prefer to issue passes to photographers whose work will be published.
These passes are usually confirmed a few days before the event, giving you time to prepare for the shoot, although these can also be very last minute.
Build your platform and showcase your skills as a concert photographer.
Maintaining an online presence through a simple website, social media platforms and even a photo blog are great ways to share your concert photography journey.
Regularly post your best shots along with short write-ups and reviews about the concerts.
Diversify and grab the odd interview with local talent who may be on the cusp of getting signed and even shoot band portraits off stage to focus on a separate set of concert photographer skills.
Standing in the pit is great because you’re left to your own devices, but if you’re ever lucky enough to become a professional concert photographer, eventually, you may start interacting with celebrities off stage.
There’s no space to be standing there like a rabbit in the headlights just because your music hero is in front of you and having a conversation with you.
You need to learn how to talk to people, how to request photography and act in a professional, confident manner, all around getting the best shots that will sell and earn you money.
George Ezra Backstage at Isle of Wight Festival
John Giddings, founder of Isle of Wight Festival poses for a photograph
Backstage shooting for Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats
Understand Image Rights and Copyrights
Concert photography, especially of popular artists, can be highly valuable. It’s crucial to understand the copyright and licensing of your images.
As a concert photographer, you should discuss the usage rights with any publications or bands you work with. They could blow up and be the next global sensation.
An early photograph of Award Winning Becky Hill, in 2014 at Sundown Festival in Norwich
So if you secure rights on your terms, then you can be sure that there won’t be any problems further down the line Ensure any agreements protect your rights and provide fair compensation for your work.
Unfortunately, shooting concerts and festivals with established bands and international artists is a different story.
Contracts are common place and play more and more of a role in what where and who gets to use the images you should.
It’s not uncommon for photographers to walk away from concerts rather than sign their image rights away and have onerous conditions on where your images can be used.
An agency photographer selling to press outlets will almost never sign a contract if there’s no syndication and no editorial usage.
Taylor Swift Radio One Big Weekend 2015
Mark Owen – Heritage Live 2023
The Who perform Live on stage at Sandrinbgham House for Heritage Live in 2023
I hope that if you’re about to embark on a new journey into the world of being a concert photographer, that these tips will help steadily build your career
Remember, persistence and networking are key in this competitive field. Keep shooting, stay connected, and let your passion for music and photography drive your success.
If you like this article, you may be interested in our other music and concert photographer posts, so head over to the ‘More than Just Music’ home page to see our latest articles from the world of festivals and concerts.
