Challenging at the best of times, concert photography requires not only skill and a creative eye, but also the right gear to capture the fleeting, high-energy moments that are part of the concert experience, and turn them into stunning photographs.
Concert environments can be and usually are unpredictable and challenging, with low light conditions, fast-moving subjects, and a dynamic atmosphere, which is why having the right gear can really help you to capture the perfect shot!
Essential Gear for Concert Photography
As with all types of photography, the gear you need will depend on your specific needs, but there are some items that are truly necessary for photographing concerts.
First off, you’ll want a camera with strong low-light capabilities, fast autofocus and ideally, some form of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). The combination of these features will make it infinitely easier to capture the action.
Here are some of the camera we think are ideal starting place when looking for a camera to start you concert photography journey with.
Secondly, lenses are arguably the most crucial piece of gear in a concert photographer’s kit, and having the right lens can make the difference between a good shot and a great one.
Depending on the type of concert and the shooting location, different lenses may be required, so you’ll want variety of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, which will help you to capture different perspectives and get close to the action even from a distance.
Fast prime lenses, with wide apertures, (f/1.8 or f/2.8), make ideal choices for concert photography, as the large aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, making them ideal for low light conditions.
Another benefit of wide aperture lenses is that they offer excellent image quality and shallower depth of field, which can help isolate the subject from the background.
Wide angle lenses will allow you to capture a wider view of the action and can be very useful when shooting concerts.
Again, you’ll want to look for fast lenses with wide apertures, a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is an ideal choice.
While not always practical in a crowded concert venue, a tripod (or monopod) can be an invaluable tool.
Both will provide extra stability, helping to reduce the risk of blurred images due to camera shake, and allow you to take long exposure shots, creating interesting effects with light and movement.
In addition to the core gear (cameras, lenses), extra batteries and memory cards are a must, as concerts can be long events and you don’t want to run out of power or storage space in the middle of a performance.
You might also want to look at a high-quality camera bag to protect and keep your gear organized.
Finally, consider investing in a good strap or harness system for your camera as it can help distribute the weight of the camera and lens, helping to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders over long periods.
All Image Credits: Woodrow Walden
