How to become a concert photographer

So, you dream about wanting to be a concert photographer? Living the dream in front of the stage. Taking amazing snapshots. Friends with the band, the organisation and fans alike? On tour with a band. It's all a dream but if you want to try and become that concert photographer here is a list with the basics.

What gear do you need as a concert photographer?

The exact type of gear you are going to use is dependent on your style. Some photographers love their wide angle lenses, the other works best with zoom.

But if you are just beginning with concert photography you will need to take these things into account:

• Light sentivity - go for gear that can handle low light and fast moving subject. Make sure your f-number (diafragma) can go as low as 1.8. A 2.8 is perfect. For example a 50mm 1.8f works great, but a 70-200mm 2.8f is one of the most loved lenses amongst concert photographer.

• Durability - during concerts you will encounter large crowds, metal barriers, flying beer and even an banging head. Your gear will need to be able to handle that.

• Weight - festivals are long days of work, stages are high. The heavier your gear is the more your arms and back will feel it. If you have the money, go for light as possible.

• Process capabilities - you want to look for SD cards and camera who can process data quickly. If you have an amazing show and are happy taking pictures you don't want your camera to go into error because the backlog of data gets too full.

What knowledge do you need?

In general you need to know all about light. How your camera captures light. How your angles will work with light? How your position captures the light. And most importantly which settings will give you the best image.

Other things you need to know as a concert photographer are:

• People - your network is essential. You will need to start knowing people skills.

• Networking - number one essential for all photographers.

• How to do your work without being noticed - a photographer is not the main subject. do your work well and fast without any fuss. Your photo's will speak for you.

How to get your first shoot?

Start with small local bands and venues. As mentioned before, your network is essential. Go hang out at local music venues and ask if you can bring your camera. if there is a free small festival in your local park, check if you are allowed to bring your camera. If you are at a concert of a local band, go to the merch stand after the show and go talk to the band. The most important thing is to stick your neck out and ask if you can take pictures. With small bands, 95% of the time they will love you for it.

You won't be able to get into the big shows immediately. You need to build a portfolio and network before you get into bigger events.

How to build that reputation?

Building a reputation and portfolio takes time and a lot of networking. Here is a short overview of things you can do:

• Share only your best pictures always - this is the golden rule! While at a concert you photograph maybe 500 pictures, not all will be worth sharing. In general maybe 10% will be good enough for sharing and sending to the band. For your portfolio, maybe 5 will be good enough.

• Deliver on time - if you have agreements on a delivery date, stick to it. If there is no agreement try to deliver within a week. The hype about the concert won't last much longer and you, the band and the venue will miss the momentum of that hype.

• Keep to the rules - Even if the rules are very limiting, stick to them. It will give you a reputation of being trustworthy.

• Stay kind and helpful - Especially bands and venues but also festivals will love you for being kind and helpful. You see an issue, report it. You see something you can fix, do it. If being kind is staying quiet, do so. Unless it is a dangerous or illegal situation.

• Don't gossip! - What happens in a backstage stays in the backstage. Keep to that. You might know a lot about the artist that can be very damaging for their reputation. Maybe that black metal singer loves pink. You know, but nobody else needs to know.

• Stay sober! - While you are at a concert photographing you are working. Yes, it is okay to have a beer or two but don't get drunk. Don't shoot with a beer in your hand. Stay professional and don't get into drugs.

These are all small tips on how to become a concert photographer. It can be hard work, it can be great fun but it also can be the greatest job in the world.