By Kyle Barry (I possess the sole rights to all of the photos in this post and do not permit any use what so ever with out my sole consent)
Concert photography is one of my favourite forms of photography as each concert, song and second is unique and can never be captured again! It is exciting but at the same time extremely difficult, there are so many things going on at once, changing lights, subjects that keep moving around, small spaces, crowds and limitations in time and what you are and are not aloud to use and do.
You only have a few seconds to capture the moment (if that much) and you better make it count! Here are some tips that I find useful when shooting concerts:
Tip #1 - Shoot in manual mode
Manual mode can be quite daunting but once you get used to it, Auto will be a thing of the past! the freedom of choosing your own shutter speed, aperture etc. allows for more accurate shots. Practice using manual at small concerts and don't charge the band as you will be doing it to get to know the setting and be fiddling around quite a lot ending up with blurred, over-exposed or under-exposed shots. Just remember Auto is the enemy!
Tip #2 - Grip the camera properly
Cradle the lens in your hand and tuck your elbows into your torso for a good sturdy grip! refrain from holding the lens with your thumb and index finger as this will result in blur (and it won't be the artistic type). Tripods wont work in concert environments as you don't have the space or time to make adjustments.
Tip #3 - Use single-point AF
Use a single point instead of multiple focus points as this will give you more control over your shots. In most instances multiple focus points leads to focusing on unwanted areas such as the microphone or guitar instead of the singers face. You need to be fast when using single-point AF as you don't have a lot of time to wonder about where the focus should be, so take the time to get to know your camera inside out.
Tip #4 - Know what you are dealing with
Get to the venue early and look at your environment! Find out what space you have and where the lights are, this will help you preconceive shots and prepare before hand. Talk to the band ask them if they mind having you onstage (But remember you are not in the band so don't be in their set, get the shot and get out), ask if they mind flash, chances are the answer will be no and you have to make due with available light. If you are there for the main band use the supporting acts to practice for the main event! Listen to the music before hand this might indicate key moments in a song where the guitarist strikes a pose or the vocalist interacts with the crowd!
Tip #5 - Release your artistic side
Don't be afraid to experiment with shots! Use slower shutter speeds or zoom bursts to get great effects that might end up surprising you! this is the way you develop your style so use it its what make you unique from other photographers! be aware of whats going on on stage to ensure that every shot counts and that you capture and portray what you saw when you where there!
So there you go, find out when the local bar has its next gig and get to practice sooner or later you'll master it and get the shots you envision! Goodluck!
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