I'm Bailey, Like the Liquor.
I started out in weddings, snuck my camera into my very first concert, and FELL IN LOVE with shooting shows.
Here's a few tips that I wish someone had given me when I was starting out. Please remember, this is all my personal opinion. This is an art form, and every photographer will have their own way of doing things. Here's what's worked for me.
Equipment
Choosing lenses
MY GO-TO LENSES:
- 24-70mm f/2.8
- 14mm f/1.8
- 70-200mm f/2.8
The most important thing is looking for lenses that will do well in low light. Low aperture lenses are the ones to look for.
settings
APERTURE/SHUTTER SPEED/ ISO
- Aperture - under f/2.8
- Shutter speed - faster than 1/250
- ISO/Sensitivity - adjust as needed
Adjust your aperture and shutter speed FIRST, then adjust your ISO as needed. You want your ISO as low as possible to avoid noise, unless noise is your thing.
MOST VENUES DON'T ALLOW FLASH! So getting it right in the camera is super important.
edit & deliver
In my opinion, editing quickly is important, or your photos will become yesterday's news.
An online gallery is the easiest, most attractive way to deliver photos. However, Google Drive or Dropbox works just fine too. I use Pixieset.
I POST SNEAK PEEKS ON MY INSTAGRAM STORY AND TAG THE BANDS SO THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE WHILE THEY WAIT.
This helps bands that may not know me find my page, and also helps the crowd members find my page and possibly get photos of themselves from the show. It's a great way to get exposure and to boost your following. You can also tag the venue, promoter, etc.
My camera has wifi capabilities so I just send it over through the Sony app and quick edit in Lightroom!
building your portfolio
FInding artists to shoot
Some things that I did when I was starting out:
- go to small venues and shoot local (many don't require a pass)
- reach out to local bands in your area on social media!
TARGET BANDS THAT NEED PHOTOS.
You WILL most likely have to do low rate/free work to get your portfolio started.
website/ social media
- Post a lot of "portfolio worthy" content. A lot of times, your socials are what will get you hired.
- Create a website! Pixieset, Weebly, Squarespace, etc.
- Gear your website and socials towards the work you want.
If your main focus is concert photography, make a portfolio specifically for that kind of work.
FIND YOUR STYLE AND STAND OUT.
practice makes perfect
a few of my first ever shots.
These are from 2018. They look nothing like my work now, huh?
gaining access to shows
ARTIST/ MANAGEMENT
SOMETIMES, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK.
- DM them on social media
- email their management/pr
- post in Facebook groups looking for photo work
- reach out to artists you've shot before
You can find most contact info by googling "(band name) pr contact."
AGAIN, TARGET SMALLER BANDS THAT NEED PHOTOS. YOU'RE MORE LIKELY TO GET PAID THAT WAY.
You WILL be told no. Keep trying until you get a yes.
PUBLICATION
You may need to be with a Publication to get to shoot bigger shows.
- reach out to local music blogs, magazines, etc. and offer to shoot. Keep an eye out for job postings on instagram from publications!
- most bigger names will require an outlet to get a photo pass
ex. Spliced, Do214, Voyage Dallas, Alternative Press, Poptized, Musaholic, CaliberTV, etc. to name a few.
making connections
pit etiquette
- be courteous of fellow photographers.
- get your shot, get out of the way.
- follow the rules.
Many opportunities I've been given have been on the recommendation of a fellow photographer. Relationships matter!
RESPECT. RESPECT. RESPECT.
Be a good human. It does matter.
make friends
Make conversation. Make connections. Be yourself.
Talk to the merch table. Talk to the opening acts.
SHOOT THE OPENING ACTS.
Most relationships I've made have been from shooting the openers.
Talk to other photographers at the show. Talk to the crowd.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU WILL MEET AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES WILL COME FROM IT.
A lot of how far you go with concert photography is who you know.
