FAQ

A: Music was always a big part of my life. I went to music school and played the violin. Then I started playing the guitar. I also played in a band for a while and often went to see concerts as a fan. I remember watching the photographers, capturing the live shows.

I became more and more interested in concert photography. I saved up and purchased my first camera (Canon 60D + 18-135 Kit) and next day attended my first concert where photographers were allowed. From that moment on, I was hooked :)

Over time, I continued to attend concerts and improve my skills. I started to develop my own unique style and eventually found myself as a professional concert photographer. I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing artists and capture some truly incredible moments.
One year ago(January 2022) I quit my office job to become a full-time concert-tour photographer. It was the best decision :)

Looking back, I'm so grateful for the journey I've had. I couldn't have imagined where I'd be today if I hadn't taken that first step and bought that camera.

A: Here are some tips for shooting concerts:

Plan ahead: Research the venue and the performers, and familiarize yourself with their music, the lighting conditions and the rules and restrictions set by the venue.
Arrive early: Get to the venue early to scout out good shooting locations and get a feel for the lighting conditions.
Equipment: Bring a camera with fast autofocus and image stabilization, a fast lens, and extra batteries and memory cards.
Settings: Experiment with different camera settings to capture the energy of the performance, such as using a fast shutter speed to freeze the action, a wide aperture for shallow depth of field, and a high ISO to handle low light.
Movement: Follow the movement of the performers and pan your camera as they move, this can add a sense of energy to the photo.
Performer: Focus on the performer and capture their expressions, movements, and energy.
Audience: Be mindful of the audience and try not to obstruct their view or cause a distraction.
Be respectful: Be respectful of the performers and the audience, and follow any rules or guidelines set by the venue.

A: Here are the steps to get photo accreditation for a concert:

Prepare a portfolio: Prepare a portfolio of your best concert photos to showcase your photography skills and experience.
Make a request: Contact the event organizers or the performers' management and make a request for photo accreditation. Include your portfolio and explain your intentions and plans for covering the event.
Follow guidelines: If your request for photo accreditation is approved, be sure to follow any guidelines or restrictions set by the event organizers or the performers' management, such as not obstructing the view of the audience or using flash light.
Be professional: Be professional and respectful at all times, and follow the rules and guidelines of the event to ensure a positive experience for the performers, the audience, and yourself.

A: Here are some tips to help you capture the energy of a live performance in a photo:

Freeze the action: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the performers, capturing their energy in the moment.
Get low: Get down low to the stage and shoot upward, this can give a more dynamic and energetic feel to the shot.
Use panning: Pan your camera as the performer moves, this will give the photo a sense of motion and convey the energy of the performance.
Experiment with blur: Use a slower shutter speed and pan your camera to capture the movement of the performer in a blur, which can add a sense of energy to the photo.
Focus on facial expressions: Focus on the performer's face and capture their expressions, as they can often convey the energy of the performance.
Get up close: Zoom in or move as close as possible to the stage to get a better shot of the performers.
Use the flash: Ask before the show if it's allowed. I prefer to use flash with long exposure.
Experiment with angles: Try taking photos from different angles to add variety to your shots and capture unique perspectives.
Use backlighting: Position the performer in front of a bright light source, such as a window or stage lights, to create a silhouette effect.
Get abstract: Experiment with different angles and perspectives, such as shooting from the ground up or shooting through objects like fence or crowd.
Experiment with black and white: Convert your photos to black and white to create a timeless and classic feel, while still capturing the energy of the performance.
Use reflections: Look for reflective surfaces like mirrors or windows, and experiment with shooting through them to create unique and creative photos of the performers.
Edit your photos: After taking the photos, use editing tools to enhance the colors, brightness, and contrast to make the photos pop.
Remember to be respectful of the performers and the audience and to follow any rules or guidelines set by the venue.

A: Concert photography etiquette refers to the unwritten rules and expectations that photographers should follow while shooting live music events. Here are some key considerations:

Be professional: Wear black! :) Dress appropriately and act professionally when working with event organizers, performers, and fans.
Avoid distracting the performers: Don't use flash unless it is allowed or try to minimize it.
Respect the other photographers: Avoid getting in the way of other photographers and be mindful of who was there first. If you need to move, ask other photographers first.
Respect the artists: Be mindful of the performer's privacy and personal space. Avoid taking photos of private moments or situations.
Be considerate of the audience: Avoid obstructing the view of other concert-goers.

A: The best program to edit concert photos depends on individual needs and preferences, as well as the type and quality of the photos. I use Lightroom.

However, here are some popular options that many concert photographers use:

Adobe Lightroom: A comprehensive photo editing software with powerful tools for organizing, editing, and enhancing photos.
Adobe Photoshop: A widely-used image editing program that offers extensive editing capabilities, including advanced color correction, retouching, and compositing.
Capture One: A high-end image editing software that is particularly popular among professional photographers for its color correction and image management tools.
Skylum Luminar: A user-friendly photo editing software that offers a range of tools for enhancing concert photos, including filters, adjustments, and effects.
GIMP: A free, open-source image editing program that offers many of the features of commercial software, making it a good option for those on a budget.

Ultimately, the best program to edit concert photos is the one that you feel most comfortable using and that provides the tools you need to get the results you want. It may be helpful to try out a few different programs to see which one works best for you.

A: Finding your unique style in photography editing can be a process of exploration and experimentation. Here are some steps that can help you get started:

Study the work of other photographers: Look at the work of photographers you admire, both in your genre and outside of it, and study the techniques and styles they use.
Experiment with different editing techniques: Don't be afraid to try out new editing techniques, even if they don't initially seem like a good fit for your style. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn about what works for you and what doesn't.
Be consistent: Try to maintain a consistent editing style across your work, even as you continue to experiment and evolve.
Stay true to your vision: Remember that your unique style is a reflection of your personal vision and perspective. Don't let the work of others dictate how you edit your photos.
Take your time: Finding your unique style takes time, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen overnight. Keep practicing, experimenting, and refining your technique until you feel like you've found your voice as an editor.

By following these steps and staying true to your own vision and perspective, you can develop a unique editing style that sets your work apart and helps you create images that are truly your own.

A: Don't use flash unless it is allowed or try to minimize it.

Shooting concerts with flash lighting and long exposures can be a fun and creative way to capture the energy and movement of live performances. Here's how to get started:
Set up your camera: Put your camera in manual mode and set the shutter speed to a slow value, such as 1/4 or even a few seconds.
Control flash power: Experiment with different flash power settings to find the right balance between lighting the subject and avoiding harsh shadows. I recommend using 1/16 - 1/4.
Aperture: change the aperture value to 3,5-5,6. Play around with different aperture values to see how they affect the look and feel of your photos.
ISO: You don't need to use a high ISO when you shoot long exposure. 100- 500 is enough.
Test your flash: Take test shots before the concert starts.
Position your flash: Experiment with different flash positions to find the best angle for lighting the subject. You can try mounting the flash on your camera or using an off-camera flash with remote control

This may take some practice, so don't be afraid to take multiple shots to get it right.