Feel Confident Going into Your First Concert Shoot: Simple Tips to Ease the Nerves

Starting concert photography can be intimidating. I remember Googling ‘concert photography tips for beginners’ the night before my first gig. From gear choices to camera settings and pit etiquette, here’s exactly what I’ve learned to help your navigate your first concert as a photographer!

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What to Do Before Your First Concert Photoshoot

1. Know Where You’ll Be Shooting

Before the show, find out where you’ll be allowed to photograph. Some concerts let you shoot from the front of the house, others keep you at the back, and sometimes you get stage access. Knowing this will help you choose the right lenses. You can ask the promoter or the person who issued your media pass. If you’re still unsure, call the venue and ask about their photography policy. You can also look up photos of the venue and make an educated guess. Sometimes this is all you’ll get.

Pro Tip: Don’t overpack. Venues can be crowded, so it’s best to bring just what you need. I usually bring a shoulder sling bag and pack it lightly.

2. Bring an Extra Battery!

If you’re photographing several bands (usually 3 or 4), your camera battery may run low before the main act. Swap in a fresh battery before the headliner to avoid missing any key shots.

3. Dress in All Black Clothing

It’s best to try not to stand out. Wearing all black is crucial for blending in. If you’re in the media pit or close to the stage, the audience and performers don’t want distractions and they’re not there to see you! I typically wear black shoes, jeans, a t-shirt or sweater, and bring a black camera bag.

4. Study the First 3 songs

Concert photographers are often allowed to shoot during the first three songs, so use those wisely. Look up the artist’s setlist and watch live performances of those songs to familiarize yourself with the pacing and key moments.

5. Make a Concert Photography Vision board

Look up the band on Instagram for inspiration. Checking out other photographers’ shots can spark ideas for poses and angles, helping you approach the show with a creative mindset.

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What to Expect When Arriving at the Venue

1. Check in with the Box Office / ask questions

When you arrive, head to the box office and say something like, “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I should be on the guest list for a media pass.” You’ll show your ID and get a pass (usually a lanyard, wristband, or sticker).

Use this time to ask questions: Do you have stage access? Are there any specific rules? Just keep in mind, the person at the box office may not have all the answers.

2. Go Through Security

Wait in the security line and expect to have your camera bag searched. Show them your media pass, let them search your bag, and you’re in!

3. Get there early!

While you only need to shoot the main act, getting there early allows you to photograph other bands and get familiar with the venue. Smaller bands often don’t have photographers, and sending them a few shots can help boost your visibility.

4. Scope out potential photo areas

Take time to explore the venue. Look for interesting lighting, angles, and places where you can stand. This helps you plan out your shots in advance.

5. Get your settings ready!

Don’t wait until the headliner to tweak your camera settings. Take test photos, review them, and adjust as needed. This is especially important for autofocus, ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

Pro Tip: Turn OFF Auto White Balance!!!—concert lighting can throw it off!

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How to Nail the First 3 Songs: Concert Photography Settings & Pit Etiquette

1. Be up by the media pit before the band starts

Arrive at the media pit 5–10 minutes before the band starts. Sometimes shows begin earlier than scheduled, and you don’t want to miss out.

2. Enter the Pit Right Before the Set

I usually enter the pit about 15-30 seconds before the performance starts. This gives me time to finalize my settings before the lights go down. The lights will go down, and then I’ll refine my settings one last time as the performers start walking onto the stage.

3. Be Mindful of Other Photographers and Security Guards

There might be several other photographers in the pit with you. You’ll all only have the first 3 songs, so don’t stay in any shooting locations for too long. Be courteous—rotate spots, don’t linger too long in one place, and respect each other’s space.

4. Check Your Photos Between Songs

Take a moment between songs to review your shots. This ensures you’re not wasting valuable and limited time with out-of-focus or poorly exposed images.

5. Focus on Each Band Member—Especially the Drummer!

During the first 3 songs, get photos of the drummer while you’re up close to the stage. After getting good photos of the drummer, try to get photos of each band member. Then go back and get more photos of the drummer!

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After the Pit: Creative Shots and Capturing the Encore

1. Leave the Pit

Once the first three songs are over, leave the pit and head to the back of the venue. You’re free to photograph the rest of the show from anywhere the crowd is allowed.

2. Get Creative with Angles

Now that you can shoot from anywhere, experiment with different perspectives. Capture wide shots that include the crowd, intimate moments between the band and the audience, and unique angles from balconies or side areas. You can even step into the crowd and try to get unique photos from within the pit.

3. Look Through your Photos, Make Adjustments, and Fill in the Gaps

This is the point when you realize you actually still didn’t get any good pictures of the drummer and panic a little bit. Now try to navigate the venue to get cool photos of the drummer, again. If you missed good shots of a certain band member, now’s your chance to make up for it. Move around and find new opportunities.

4. Enjoy the Show!

Once you’ve gotten the shots you want, take a moment to enjoy the performance. You’ve earned it!

5. Capture the Encore

The energy of the encore is always worth photographing. Crowd surfers, confetti, or the band’s high-energy closing moments can make for epic shots.

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Concert photography can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. From the rush of live music to the challenge of getting the perfect shot, there’s nothing quite like it. Remember, every great photographer started with a first gig just like you. Keep pushing your creativity, trust your instincts, and most importantly—enjoy the music! Keep shooting, and I’ll see you out there in the media pit!

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If you found these tips helpful and are ready to crush your first concert shoot, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, questions, or even your favorite concert shots in the comments below.

Related Read:

How to Build a Concert Photography Portfolio (Without Experience!)

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