Honestly? It’s different every time. There’s no fixed plan. It depends on the band, the venue, the lighting — and what kind of content we need that day. Sometimes I know exactly what I want. Sometimes I figure it out on the fly.
With Imminence, we always talk before the show or before a festival weekend. What songs should I focus on? Are there any important moments? Do we need a certain type of footage?
There are a few moments that always go viral, so I film those every show, but I try to switch up the angle. One night from the stage, the next from the crowd, or maybe the pit. Same song, different perspective. It keeps the content fresh.
When I tour with the band, I usually don’t shoot the first 3 songs from the pit, unless I have to film something specific. I’ll be somewhere else — side stage, balcony, or blending into the crowd.
When I was with Jinjer, their new song was always third. So I filmed it every night. Sometimes from the pit. Sometimes from the stage. Yes, I was walking around with a gimbal. Yes, people hated me. But the shots were worth it 😅
If you’re shooting an early festival slot… You know the struggle. Midday sets are rough. The crowd’s not fully there yet.
From the stage, it can look really empty, so I avoid wide shots unless I can blur the background at f/1.4. Same from the crowd — I try to shoot between people, find smart angles, or focus on tight details. Sometimes I’ll use gear or hands in the foreground to make it feel busier than it actually is.
It’s all about creating the vibe you want with what you’ve got.
Near the end, I usually head back to the stage. If the band wants a crowd photo, I’m ready. If not, I try to catch something else — them interacting with fans, standing in the lights, walking off. Small moments, but they tell the story.
On tour, I shoot this moment from different spots every night so we have options — front, side, pit, back of venue.
A Few Tips That Help:
- Always talk with the team before the set if you can. Knowing what to expect helps.
- Walk the venue before the set. Look for cool angles, platforms, etc.
- Take a photo of the setlist and put it on your lock screen. I do it all the time. Helps me stay ahead, and if there’s pyro — I mark it so I don’t die 😅
- Plans change. Just go with it. It’s part of the job.
There’s no one right way to shoot a show. You just stay present, move smart, and pay attention to what’s happening around you. Some days you’re in sync with the energy. Some days you’re just trying to keep up :)