How to Photograph a Rock Concert

If you attend rock concerts regularly, you've probably snapped a few quick pics with your cell phone camera. If some of the photos captured the action in a striking way, consider taking your expertise to the next level. You don't have to be on the staff of a magazine to photograph a rock concert, you just need enthusiasm, a bit of luck and the tips covered in this article.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check out the venue before the show. To get the best photos later, scope out the best vantage point and study the location of lighting rigs. Even if you're photographing a band in a bar, decent light makes the difference between a great photo and a barely discernible one.

2. Adjust your camera to a higher ISO. Even though most stages have good lighting, many areas of the stage will be dark and light distribution changes throughout the show. Avoid using flash. This is annoying to fans and performers and might even temporarily blind a performer for a few seconds while they play.

3. Use manual mode instead of automatic. Between variations in stage lighting and performer movement, your camera meter won't adjust in time and your photos will be too dark or too light. Set your camera to a wider aperture. This will help you to blur out the background and focus on the shot's subject.

4. Invest in a sizable memory card. You'll need to take hundreds of shots at any gig to get a handful of excellent ones, so make sure you don't run out of space. You'll want to photograph the crowd's reaction a few times in addition to close-ups of the rock performers.

5. Utilize your zoom lenses. Even if you stand close to the stage or on the stage, you'll need a variety of medium and long distance shots for your portfolio. Switch lenses several times during the show to get different perspectives.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a lower ISO when you photograph outdoor concerts during the day.
• Do a little research on the rock band's stage performance before the show, so you'll know when to photograph costume changes, guitar solos or other highlights.
• You may need a photo or media pass for major concerts or festivals. Check with the event publicist for details.

Resources

• Read about rock concert photography

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