BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BETTER CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY IN 5 TIPS

[@jkerman5113]

This was super helpful! I may be shooting my first concert soon, thanks for the tips!

[@alexmedia8094]

How did you go? Did you get the gig?

[@audreyn.9394]

Shooting my first concert ever, I'm kind of nervous, but I find your tips really reassuring and useful. Thanks!

[@JesseDeyoung]

Good luck! The first one is where you learn the most!

[@rickitotheoppgd]

How was it??

[@DavePearsonPhotography2000]

Very good advice, especially regarding setup and practice with the opening act (actually, take lots of the opening act, often they will promote your work more than the headline act). One note regarding noise, though. Yes, high ISO can be noisy, especially if you underexpose and have to compensate in post. That said, one way to reduce noise considerably (if shot in RAW) is to adjust luminance (the easy part) and then turn down the shadows as that really removes the noise in the dark areas! Once again, great advice!

[@andreeadobre3190]

I did tip #1 last week for the first time and it went great, me happy, band happy, everyone happy! They're a new local band that I really love and the gig was like a minute away from my home, I was going anyway, but to shoot it too and have this visually stunning band in my portfolio and see my work on their socials? Best fun in ages!! I learned one thing though, if you're already a pro photographer doing a bit of free work to gain experience for a new niche, you might want to mention in the first message that you're offering to do it for free. I was lucky that they were nice and answered me that they don't have the budget and we cleared it up, but who knows, other folks might take it as aggressive self-promotion and not even answer.

[@jazminecarranza2046]

This was so so helpful. I will be shooting my first concert tomorrow!!! Thank you for the helpful tips.

[@JesseDeyoung]

You’re welcome! How’d it go?

[@delexus1]

Great tips! I’m definitely going to try that Spotify trick.

[@alexmedia8094]

Have you tried. It sounds legit!

[@ellensackett]

Thanks so much, Jesse! Figuring out how to set my camera up to begin with is so helpful. I have been all over the place and almost always end up with a blurry mess. I've been disappointed many times. This goes for most indoor, low-light situations for me. Very discouraging. Trying again this evening and hoping I'll get some good shots.

[@danielchan-narcissisticabu6772]

Great video; straight to the point. Often times speakers will only talk about techniques/concepts without any relevant visuals; it's sometimes hard for me to imagine what they are trying to convey. But you provided plenty of awesome pictures that clearly demonstrate what you're talking about, so your words were not lost on me. Thanks a ton; this was very helpful!

[@rocknationac7332]

Jessie DeYoung helped stop me from buying the wrong kind of camera for rock photography -- for what would have been the second time! I thought I was struggling because I was using a low-cost fixed-lens digital "bridge" camera instead of a DSLR, but this video helped make me realize that my camera lacked the 2.8 maximum aperture he mentions. I did some extra homework and secured a trade-in deal for a fixed-lens digital camera with a 2.8 maximum aperture, incremental ISO, incremental flash, and 5-step exposure compensation. I sent back the second camera I'd ordered without even trying it out (3.0 max aperture; 2-step exposure compensation), and have been concert photographing happily ever since!

[@JesseDeyoung]

Love to hear this!! Glad to help!

[@jamiej.tilleyphotographyar5177]

I've shot local shows off and on for years with mixed results. Thanks to youtube I can get some tips and tricks, and this video has been perhaps the most helpful to me so far. Thanks for sharing!

[@rivai01]

Thankss for the deep sight of concert photography. Thank you

[@JesseDeyoung]

You’re welcome!

[@Eyeamsurreal]

Hi, Jesse. Thank you so much for this straight forward and informative video. I've been shooting some shows for a local band and I'm always looking for ways to improve my shots. These are very good suggestions and I cant wait to try them out. Again, THANKS!!

[@dobbsgraphica4988]

Brilliant video Jesse! Normally I shoot motorsport, but like so many other people in the comments, shooting my first gig soon. Genuine helpful advice, and I can tell you love doing this. Much appreciated.🙂

[@JesseDeyoung]

Thank you! I hope it helps! Have a great shoot if it hasn’t happened yet:) I do love it😁

[@meritademelo6500]

Thank you so much Jesse for sharing these important tips. I was very happy to hear that you use only prime lenses. the video is absolutely great, simple and informative. I had the impression that I was having a chat with you. Your photographs in IG look really unique

[@theboulder765]

thank you! im about to shoot a pretty big show and these are great tips

[@demarcykelfora]

this was really helpful thank you i was invited to be a photographer at a concert of a local band which i know the members of and ive been a fan for years and usually i do everything manually except the iso which never caused me problems (cause i sometimes like overexposure) but at this event i realized only after i was back home that everything had so much grain and i knew i could do so much better i also usually do minimal editing its in my style and i sent them so so much photos instead of 20-100 for an example which i realized was a mistake only afterwards thankfully tho because i took A LOT a lot photos i did have some pretty good ones and they invited me to shoot for them again this week so i will definitely have in mind all of your tips :)

[@JesseDeyoung]

Ah congrats on the gig! Glad to help!

[@pllbt2046]

Brother you made it look real easy. Super helpful tips brother ❤️

[@JesseDeyoung]

Just like anything it gets easier the more you practice! Thanks for watching glad you got something out of it🙏🏻🤘🏻

[@Metricnut06]

Great video! Thank you for discussing the preferred lenses. I like the lens distortion of a 24mm lens for the close shots like what you shared for examples.

[@JesseDeyoung]

Thank you and thanks for your feedback! The 24 is one of my favorite lenses because of the distortion:)

[@ncmotorcyclist]

Thanks for sharing the your info Jesse.

[@JesseDeyoung]

You’re welcome!

[@Tyler43Keenan]

Thanks for the advice man really appreciate it, I'm actually driving to a show now and have had youtube just rolling with tips for shooting concerts. The only questions I still have are what is your typical iso setting as well as exposure? I had mine at like a +3 and they turned out super grainy. So if this can be answered in next couple hours that would be so fantastic lol thank you

[@aarondelgado3833]

great information! cant wait to try out some of your tricks

[@austinmessenger8328]

thank you! I’m a landscape photographer but I’m shooting my first show tonight, these are great tips!

[@JesseDeyoung]

Good luck! I hope it goes well! 📸☺️

[@gideoncrowmusic2335]

Great photos man, solid advice too. Good video thanks

[@JesseDeyoung]

Thank you thank you thank you and you’re welcome ☺️ thanks for watching:)

[@franzisunset7979]

These tips are really helpful! I will be shooting my first gig in either february ( the artist is working it out at the moment) or in april and I am really nervous. It´s good knowing what settings other photographers use!

[@devonbiker]

Thanks for the video. I don’t shoot bands but I’ve been asked several times this year to take photos of our church special events and have been disappointed with the grainy or soft focus shots I get using an F4.0 lens in low light without flash. Just bought a canon 70-200 2.8 which has improved my photos but I think I need a faster lens as some photos are still soft in places due to grain/low light.

[@Mr.Frenchy83]

Man great advices, will definitely try that soon! When you send you pictures selections to the band, do you add your artistic/professionl watermark within the jpg images? Thanks again mate.

[@skyscraper5910]

Yea, you said u send 2-5mb, social media only. Could u elucidate more?

[@kurtisca]

Great video and awesome advice - Thanks for sharing.

[@katyandsty1]

great advice man. i'm shooting Stereophonics next week and am very nervous!!

[@drummingspain207]

How did you get on? Great band...!

[@thesampleist]

Shot my first gig last night and this video really helped! Sub earned! :)

[@JesseDeyoung]

Well done!! Glad it helped!

[@TheBoysies]

Awesome video Jesse!

[@JesseDeyoung]

Thanks for watching! Your channel looks great!! Keep it up!

[@woopigfoodie]

Really great content here! Thanks!!!

[@JesseDeyoung]

You’re welcome I hope it helps!

[@iantaylor4115]

Thank you for the tips, I found them all very helpful in understanding how to approach this genre. :)

[@JesseDeyoung]

I’m glad it was helpful!! Concerts is definitely one of the most fun genres to shoot! If you like the music ;)

[@zazek84]

Oh so all I have to do is to get a mirrorless full-frame camera with great low-light capabilities? How insightful! Thanks!

[@argmax11]

Dude such good tips! I am just getting started to shoot concert stuff, currently shooting with a Fuji XE-4 and a few primes. Not totally convinced it is the right system for shows. Do you think a full-frame is a must for concert photography ?

[@ZPaulCenti]

Question man... Whats the best way to use a flash at these shows?? I Found the flash kills the stage lighting! But a lot of times the performers faces are hidden by shadow. I'm a musician and complete novice to this stuff.

[@whatsupchicken]

Don't use flash . Or at least don't use it directly to the musicians face. Rude and they will definitely don't like it. If you must use it directed to the ceiling or the floor or the wall and use the reflected light, looks better, less rude, but still... don't use flash it kills the vibe most of the time. A half faded or completely dark face with nice colorful background is much more alive and 'edgy" "groovy" etc. then a directly lit one by close unfiltered flash. That s just my opinion. One more Tip though! Take as much photo as you can. Try to frame it well and focus it well and then just do it. On a stage a lot things happens very fast and many times you can just catch moments and the more shot you take the more chance you have to do so. Sometimes the little blurry movements are cool but since on a stage they move fast try to limit your lowest shutter speed around 1/125 or so. The wider the angle of the lens the lower it can be theoretically but here it is not just your handshake but the subject movement as well. instagram.com/p/BTtEYjRgr81/

[@laurafoord6259]

I would say avoid flash at all costs. Bands don't like them. The venue likely prohibits them. Use your angle and timing creatively when getting the performers' faces. They won't always be in shadow!

[@ZPaulCenti]

@@laurafoord6259 Thanks for the advice!

[@ZPaulCenti]

@@whatsupchicken Thanks for the advice!

[@Photobomb16]

I usually ask the artist if flash is okay or not just before the concert!

[@dominiqueleblanc2193]

Hope you get this! My only full frame is a d810. High iso noise is usualy a issue. I also have a d500. Noise at higher iso is better. Should I still try with my full frame.

[@JerryRevolution]

This was perfect! I use Google Drive for my clients.

[@alexmedia8094]

Some great tips here. I love using Instagram to contact artists. So far, it has been a great way to get shots for my concert portfolio. Keep up the great work! 🙌

[@MrPunkCesar]

Thanks a lot, I just started shooting bands!

[@nostalgiasadeddin8942]

You’re wearing a hatta I love that it’s our cultural symbol in Palestine 🇵🇸

[@Viciadaable]

thx , I was really nervous for my first one today

[@JesseDeyoung]

How’d the photos turn out? It gets easier the more you shoot!

[@Viciadaable]

@@JesseDeyoung it was hard! but in the end i got some pretty cool shots, the band loved and asked me to come again :)

[@jomynow]

Great tips Jesse!

[@paulgr1984]

Really great info and tips! I've got me first live show/gig coming up at the 100 Club in London. You mentioned using a flash. Is this ok at a live gig? I'm guessing not when the band are on stage but maybe in the audience is ok? Thanks !

[@JesseDeyoung]

How’d it go? Most venues don’t allow flash photography during the performance but some do. I prefer the look of the stage lighting unless the artists are really close to my camera then an on camera flash is clutch.

[@sawhneyjalaj]

I go to mostly house shows, so lighting is often limited and very dark plus my camera has a 1600max iso, so I usually like to use a flash. I use the multiple flash feature on most speedlites, paired with a slightly longer shutter speed to make this cool dual exposure shot but with the same background

[@sawhneyjalaj]

It's an easy way to use a crappy kit lens and boring camera body to get interesting photos

[@saimaosama7564]

Hi I have a concert to cover and I am a photography student and I haved3400 nikon kit lens ( 18-55mm) plus one 50 mm f/1.8g lens .... Will this be enough or I have to go for one bigger lens ( like till 250 or 300mm one ) Please reply Thanks in advance

[@alexvelasco3706]

Useful information, thank you!

[@kvstrickland]

Thanks for this ✌️❤️🤘📸

[@sofiaa5651]

Usually when I'm given a photo pass I'm only allowed to photograph for the first three songs and that's it. Any tips on how to make the most of that or ways to sneak some pics from the audience afterwards?

[@alexandrameister4148]

They do that with almost everyone, except if you are huge.

[@p.p696]

Once you get the photo pass look around for the manager or the artist most of the time if you ask them they’ll be glad to let you take more photos and sometimes even go on stage! Worst thing they can say is no, and manager is a great contact to get your photos to the artist !

[@xMiiDNiTe]

great vid!

[@JesseDeyoung]

Thank you!

[@jeanpierre3061]

I only have an entry-level camera I got after University when I started my first full-time job. Love my 50MM 1.8 but my cameras ISO only goes up to 12800 for Photography and 6400 for video (i'm also a videographer). I don't have the money to upgrade my gear as of yet since it's inflated in my country, but I'm hoping to save a little more to get a new body. Is this okay? Shooting at small bars & clubs? Would it be wise to offer my services for free at first just to build a portfolio and get recommendations? All these bars and clubs are walking distance for me and host multiple shows every week.

[@sunshinemunuphotography6457]

Very useful information, thank you. The only thing is I use auto ISO as light changes every second and it works for me

[@alexmedia8094]

Timing your shots will help you set a constant ISO. Watch the lights and see if you notice any patterns

[@hermanlopez2945]

Great tips, thank you

[@JesseDeyoung]

You’re welcome! And thanks 🙏🏻

[@madisontaylorz]

Thanks for this video.

[@mikebaltierra]

nice...just shot Dreamers this past weekend with 311

[@DavidStella]

Jesse, come back to KZbin. It seems like you have a small audience ready to watch new content from you. I just subscribed, looking forward to seeing more videos, if you so desire to post more 😀

[@vasco1983]

I felt some sort of relief when I heard you saying that sometimes you shoot 1000 pictures. Last photo session of local bands I took about 600 photos from 3 bands that played that night and then selected about 20 from each. I felt like 600 was way too many pictures taken. Apparently not.

[@patrickelliott-brennan8960]

Hi Vasco. Same here :) Two bands. I took about 1000 each. About 45 photos worth sharing from each. www.flickr.com/photos/patrickeb/albums Send a link. Love to see what other people are doing.

[@germaux3187]

Good video :) more like this !

[@joshray101]

Just so everyone knows, I ABSOLUTELY do not recommend messaging a band on instagram/Facebook/DM unless they are locals (like punk shows or something at a local bar). 99% of bands (ESPECIALLY touring bands/major acts) WILL NOT respond this way. You’re gonna want to find their PR and email them, as the PR are the ones who approve who is on a list and who is not. You can usually find this with a Google search, or through the bands official Facebook page in the “About” section. You have MUCH MUCH MORE of a chance this way, rather than messaging a band through their social media, and it’s not even close. Not only do you have a better chance, but it is much more professional. And with that, always sound professional when emailing a PR company. They aren’t going to give a photo pass to someone who seems like they don’t know how to handle themselves or who they think are just trying to get a better seat for a show and will take up a space in the photo pit. More than likely, you’re gonna have to pay for a ticket as well, unless you are with a publication. The PR’s job is to make sure that the band is getting exposure with your photos, so unless you have a huge following, you’re gonna have to pay for a ticket so they at least can make money off you if they give you a photo pass. Yes it sucks, but that’s the business side of things. Also, you do not need a full-frame or mirrorless camera. Yes, they are nice, but they are not required. I’ve shot some great shows with a Nikon D3400 and a f/1.8 35mm lens (Which is like $300 total for this set up nowadays). If you’re on a budget, you are not gonna be able to afford the amount of equipment recommend in this video as it’s gonna cost you $2,000+ minimum.

[@sennah2138]

I do think he is talking about small local bands in the video! But you're not wrong though, that's absolutely the best way to go about things if you can!

[@manatag7]

man, why did you stop recording? this is so helpful, thank you!

[@johnalee5047]

Thank you!

[@justinmcq78]

Not sure if you’ll actually see this because it’s an older video. The primes I have are a 35mm 1.4 and. 105mm 1.4. Other then that I have a 24-70mm 2.8 art lens and a 70-180mm 2.8. What would you bring to shoot a band in an smaller club?

[@JesseDeyoung]

What camera body are you using? If it’s full frame I’d go with the 24-70 and the 105. I’ve found that most smaller clubs have good lighting and I’m rarely dropping below 2.8

[@TheMancityno1fan]

thanks - great tips

[@JesseDeyoung]

You’re welcome:)

[@Truecolorsjoshua]

I need a lot of practice taking pictures of concerts. I’m mostly a landscape photographer.

[@heathenwolf4997]

What DSLR would you suggest to someone who is on a budget??

[@Dkess_media]

it’s really about the photographer more than the camera. i started on a canon rebel t6

[@rockmusicvideoreviewer896]

@@Dkess_media true, but if you have no idea what camera to get, then it's a good idea to ask for recommendations.

[@gonzalowassermann2353]

Would you ever recommend using a flash?

[@JesseDeyoung]

I guess it depends on the venue and how skilled you are with your flash. Most venues have lighting setups that look great on their own. If this isn’t the case and the venue is super dark I’ll use a flash. Some venues don’t allow flash and will let you know right away after you take a few shots 😬

[@FlyingJackalope]

How do you carry and manage the lenses on the run?

[@JesseDeyoung]

I use a think tank retrospective 10 shoulder bag. I usually swing it to the front so I have easy access to my lenses

[@watchmoto7739]

1/25 of a sec to start seems really low. Is this to get blur on purpose? 1/150 seems to be as low as I can go without blur. Depending on how much the band moves around.

[@bobceffo]

it's like hunting. at that speed you really need some luck. but sometimes it works and you might get one great shot, where everybody else is getting grainy pics also... you really need to lean on something to hold the camera very steady, with long lenses. hard stuff!

[@peterwheeler1782]

He said 1/125. 1/25 is too slow if you have any sort of movement.

[@sketoots]

oh man, i love you suggestions, but i only hav one lense to keep everything going on my shit....i have a wide 24. i spent most of the time on editing, cropping the f out to look like it was taken by a diff lense....lmao

[@alexmedia8094]

Master what you have and make a style out of it! 📸

[@sketoots]

@@alexmedia8094 thank you - i needed that today.

[@sagefi1]

What is that photo of the woman in the background? Looks familiar but not sure why.

[@anthonybeach9888]

awesome thank you.

[@JesseDeyoung]

You’re welcome

[@argmax11]

Do you have some tips on editing the photos ? Would be awesome to see !

[@JesseDeyoung]

That’s a good idea! I’ll see what I can do:)

[@noasiti-eliyahu1883]

Did you at some point offer your service as a paid position ?

[@JesseDeyoung]

Yes for a few years I was paid to shoot shows. Mainly from the artists both locally and on tour

[@undergroundsounds332]

Can you or do you sell your concert photos? I've personally boughten tickets and taken very high quality photos from the pit of major artists and can't really find a direct answer anywhere.

[@rockmusicvideoreviewer896]

of course you can.

[@chrispysaid]

I don't think it's gonna work very well for me to message a band and tell them my name is Jesse DeYoung

[@JesseDeyoung]

Hahahahaha well it worked for me and that’s my name

[@nicolebenavides926]

Did you ever have to link your portfolio to these bands? Or show your work?

[@choister1043]

Yes, when you get in contact. The managers of the bands and artists are going to appeal to what you show them before they give you access to their show. Link them your portfolio or works you've done in the past, when you send the e-mail.

[@michalstrazevic3443]

Dreamers, fuck yeah

[@JesseDeyoung]

They’re amazing!

[@Lucas-vj8rr]

Try auto iso in manual mode

[@JesseDeyoung]

that's what you use? I haven't had much luck with auto ISO in the past. Especially at shows! I could give it another shot though:)

[@elsapito66]

What to do if the venue doesn't allow digital cameras on site?

[@SilentKahn]

That's pretty outrageous. Expecially if you have permission to shoot

[@rockmusicvideoreviewer896]

then get an analog camera

[@dariokocirov8910]

I think contacting by email is the best option rather than on Instagram

[@mellowguy3505]

Not in 2019 lmao

[@alexisc1]

a lot of smaller bands’ managements manage a lot of bands and they a lot of times wont answer LMAO just in my experience tho. usually the band itself cares more

[@Galaga4044]

Tips 6.... don't drink while shooting the show!

[@JesseDeyoung]

Even if it’s free 😜

[@jirkadolezal8127]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JesseDeyoung]

Thanks:)

[@IMhakanaky]

What are your editing secret?

[@JesseDeyoung]

Cutting the amount down or color grading? I use Lightroom classic for both!

[@michaelturlej512]

0

[@koparkowy7654]

Not realy begginers guide if ur listing expensive lenses (apart from 50 thats cheap)

[@severgun]

WTF. "i prefer fixes for big aperture but use F4" ???

[@rockmusicvideoreviewer896]

primes are usually sharper

[@peterwheeler1782]

Sadly though, your “hobby” of shooting shows for free makes it harder for those trying to make a living from photography, to get paid.

[@samchuks3925]

Question. I love doing concert photography as a hobby outside of my day to day work (IT Analyst), are you saying people who enjoy doing this for the pure joy and fun of it are ruining it for professionals? How?

[@peterwheeler1782]

@@samchuks3925 Do you not think flooding the industry with free content dilutes the available market for professionals?

[@samchuks3925]

@@peterwheeler1782 So we force those who just wanna have a nice hobby to start doing paid work?

[@lisdoreto8232]

He does not do it for free. If he gets a free pass to take the photos then he is not paying to be there, it is a trade. So he does get paid...

[@peterwheeler1782]

@@lisdoreto8232 Oh ok. So not working for free then. Just valuing his time and talents at just a couple of dollars an hour. Silly me.

[@rwkoss85]

Thanks for the info very helpful!

[@DonMPhotography]

Great Video Jesse!