This year, I began doing concert photography. I am not sure why I decided to exactly. It may have been that I love photographing people and I simply saw a need for it. Photos beyond those taken on a cellphone are not something many local artists think about, or have to share, at all. And, not just artists, but a lot of us in general. So, when I began to do it and saw what it meant to those I photographed, it was an incredible feeling. I gave them something they did not know they needed in the first place. Along with this, I absolutely fell in love with it!

I began with open mics (Thanks, Rocky, for the OK!) at The Machine Shop in Langley, WA, and still do those from time to time. The local talent is pretty incredible, and everyone is so supportive of one another. It is a joy to photograph, but not without its challenges. It is a small venue (technically challenging to shoot in) and, given the fact that they are open mic events, you never know who is actually going to be there. I approach it like a treasure hunt, finding those between moments that really bring out their personalities and talents.

Photographing open mic events then led to local concerts, also at the Shop. While the talent is still there, talk about a real technical challenge! Between the naturally dark venue, the neon and old-school lighting, the shoulder to shoulder crowds, it really is the perfect storm for a photographer! By the end of the year, I finally figured out how to incorporate off-camera flash to give me a fighting chance. And, just by continuing to shoot event after event, I believe I am able to anticipate moments, and have a feel for what shows off the absolute best in an artist.

Between events at The Machine Shop, I also went to The Oak Harbor Music Festival, which draws a ton of artists from around the state, sometimes further! I spent many hours getting as close as I could to the performers, soaking in everything the festival gave me. The artists, learning my gear, the lighting, everything. Talk about being thrown into the fire! But, because I was/am doing all of this for myself (that is VITAL for any artist), I did not feel the flames at all. I loved every second of it!

Here are a few specific tips I learned along the way, in no particular order:

Ask For Permission. Sometimes, the venue does not allow photography, or at least not “professional” equipment. Other times, bands simply want to know what’s up, and are generally super chill about it. It is simply courteous to let them know what is going on, and I have actually built some connections this way. Or, at the very least, met some cool people along the way! The MOST important piece on asking for permission is because some are underage performers. Usually, they could not care less either way and think it is awesome! This is mainly for guardians/parents. And, if you forget to ask for permission and post something, just be in close contact with every one and super courteous afterwards. If something needs to be taken down, take it down. No questions.
Keep Moving! Look for different angles. Watch your backgrounds. Where is the light coming from? Are the performers moving around a lot? Take note of all the little things, even what shoes they are wearing. Trust me, it sounds weird, but it always pays off! On a related note, sometimes you are literally locked in one place, and that is OK too. Make the most of it, and remember, you are still the only person in that spot. That means every shot is one no one else could have gotten.
Gear Does Not Matter. Until It Does. Go out and start shooting with whatever you have, even if it is your phone! (Check out my previous post featuring my iPhone 11 if you do not believe your phone is enough.) My best advice on gear is never get wrapped into it. It will be a never-ending rabbit hole of buying and selling gear and never truly being comfortable or satisfied with what you have. However, there will be a point, if this is truly what you love, that you will need faster glass (lenses), a better camera, etc. Lighting is rarely ideal, as I touched on earlier. Performers will be jumping around, rocking the crowd. The time to upgrade your equipment will come. What I am telling you is do not search YouTube for lenses for X, and start adding to your cart. Shoot first, feel the moments, and enjoy the ride.
Shoot Out Of Your Comfort Zone. You will not enjoy every performance. Not every venue will be comfortable. But, make the most of it and keep an open mind! Remember, every artist you photograph will reveal what type of artist you are. Here is my most recent example. I photographed a hip-hop/rap artist for the first time a little over a week ago. Now, I enjoy the genre, but I have never been to a concert. Let me tell you, while it was only two performers (the rapper and the DJ), that show was so different from anything else I had photographed previously. And I loved it! What is one thing you have never taken a photo of? Go out and do it, and tell me about your experience!
Do It For Yourself! Whatever it is, whether it be concert photography or your own creative endeavors, never do it for success. For the longest time, I knew I loved photography and tried to make a career out of it. I have made invoices and model releases. While all of that is necessary in some cases, do not get wrapped into the business side of things, or how many followers you have. Love whatever you do first and foremost. Now that I wholeheartedly follow this advice and shoot for myself, the quality of my work has gone through the roof. I have made contacts and shot events I never thought I would, or even thought about! I am enjoying the journey much more than I ever have before. I have fallen in love with the art all over again, and I never would have if I kept doing it for other reasons other than for myself.

I will eventually make a gallery of music photography. Until then, take a look at several I pulled out for this entry.

My 2019 Concert Photography Experience