How to Take Concert Photos

Capturing the right moment during the excitement and action of a live performance can be backbreaking work for concert photographers, but if you love cheering crowds, loud music, and backstage access to famous musicians, then maybe you're cut out to be one. How do you photo-graph a rock concert when most concert halls won't let you bring a camera into the show? And if you get in with your camera, what's the best equipment for the job?

Let's start with some tips on how to get into a concert with a camera. Often, photographs are prohibited except at dress rehearsals. You'll almost cer-tainly need a press pass to take in and use an SLR. Press passes aren't easy to come by unless you're associated with a known publication or local newspaper, or you know someone in the band. Obtaining valid press cre-dentials may take some work. Start by photographing local concerts and similar events. Then offer your photographs to your local paper. Once you've had pictures published, you may be able to get passes to larger events. Follow these guidelines for shooting:

1. Use at least 400 ISO color negative film to take advantage of its wider exposure latitude, suitability in mixed light, and reasonable grain. Use slide film if you're shooting for a publica-tion.

2. Select a camera with a spotmeter, or set your center-weighted meter to overexpose by one or two stops to com-pensate for the predominantly dark backgrounds. Don't expect multi-segment metering to solve all your exposure problems.

3. It's nearly impossible to set up a tripod near a stage. Instead, concentrate on using steady handholding tech-niques, controlled breathing, and adequate shutter speeds (above 1/60 sec). Avoid alco-hol, caffeine, and sugar.

4. Carry a zoom lens with a reasonably wide maximum aperture. Something like a 35-135mm f/3.5 plus a 70-200mm f/2.8 or f/4 would be a good working pair .

5. Flash is rarely permitted during performances but may be needed backstage. A light-weight unit with built-in zoom head is best.

6. Arrive early to show your pass to security guards and bouncers before the concert. Wear something that stands out so they recognize you dur-ing the show. And don't for-get, bring cotton or earplugs for your ears!

7. Wait for that magical moment when the performers are well lit by spotlights and not moving too fast, and snap away. Also, make sure you take pic-tures of everyone in the band (the bass player may buy copies of your photos and get you passes to the next show!)