If you have a passion for photography and music, you might be wondering if you have what it takes to photograph live concerts.
The truth is that being a music photographer is not for everyone and that it might be difficult even for a great photographer to gain access to the photo pit and take photos of famous rockstars. But just because it isn’t an easy career path doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
If you are serious about wanting to photograph bands and artists, let your passion guide you out of your comfort zone. Let’s learn how to be a rockstar photographer:
1. Make sure you have good equipment
If you already have a great camera and all the accessories that come with it, you only have to learn how to shoot photos during a concert, which isn’t the same as shooting outdoors or in a well-lit studio.
If you don’t have a good camera and don’t have the budget to buy one just yet, you should consider a camera rental. Renting a camera allows you to use great equipment for a fraction of the price of purchasing it.
2. Take photos in your local music venues
Rockstars didn’t become rockstars overnight. They had to start somewhere, which is true for rockstar photographers. Start by taking photos in small, local music venues. There should be no restrictions for photographers, which is not the case for bigger shows.
Don’t hesitate to speak with the artists you have photographed at the night’s end. They will surely be happy to see the photos you took, and this conversation could lead to a friendship and opportunities to photograph them again in the future.
3. Build your photography portfolio
Taking photos in local venues is a great way to know bands and even network with other rockstar photographers. But it’s also how you will practise your craft, learn some tips and tricks, acquire skills, and develop your unique style.
Local bands could even ask you to shoot their portraits or follow them on a small tour. All the photos you take will help you build your portfolio.
4. Surround yourself with professionals and learn from them
You will need to learn many things to become a rockstar photographer. Consider taking classes or workshops on taking great photos during a concert, and try to surround yourself with professionals who have a lot to teach you.
Networking with bands is also important and could open many doors for you. Plus, your network could help you find someone who will help you design a website or could get your photos featured in your local newspapers.
5. Get in touch with the editor of a publication
If your goal is to eventually photograph famous artists and bands, you should consider getting your photos featured in a publication. It could be local newspapers, a magazine, a website covering events in your community, or a blog about music and art.
If you want to get featured in a publication, get in touch with the editor, and show them your portfolio so they can see examples of your work.
6. Consider starting your own photography publication
If you are passionate about music, you could even start your publication. It could simply be a blog where you cover live concerts, publish your photos, and share news about bands, tours, and new albums.
7. Request a photo pass so you can photograph bigger bands
When you have a solid portfolio, you will be in a good position to apply for a photo pass, which will allow you to photograph bigger bands in bigger venues. Each band’s publicist provides photo passes, so you are more likely to get approved for one if you are working for an important publication.
There is usually a very limited amount of photo passes available for each show, and some publicists will wait until the day of the show to approve requests. So go ahead and try, as you have nothing to lose. You could get denied, but you could get approved.
Just keep in mind that photo passes come with rules. You will probably only be allowed to photograph the first three songs of a show without using your camera’s flash, of course. You might get to work from the photo pit, but photographers must shoot their photos from the soundboard in some situations.
8. Be authentic and don’t take yourself too seriously
It could take some time before you can find success as a rockstar photographer. Remember to have fun, be authentic, and not take yourself too seriously.
People will enjoy working with you if you are yourself and humble and positive, even when things don’t work out the way you thought they would.