TOP TIPS YOUR FIRST GIG SHOOT

Learn how to approach a photo shoot at a live music venue

01 Know the rules

Ask about the rules of the venue – where you can shoot, how long can you shoot (some venues restrict it to the first three songs). Performers won’t want the audience distracted by a photographer, and neither will the venue. So remain unobtrusive.

02 look to the light

Don’t bother with on-camera flash, it’ll ruin the mood. Instead look to the lighting rig for coloured lights, spots, lasers and smoke machines. It’s the light that creates a sense of atmosphere and separates your subject from often cluttered surroundings.

03 work the angles

Sometimes photos of performers can look static, so look for angles to capture passionate expressions, wild gestures, or interactions between performers. Watch out for obstructions – a side-on view of the singer is often best, as the mic won’t obscure the face.

04 travel light

Don’t bring too much gear. One body and a lens or two is enough. We were unsure how busy the gig would get, but by the end the place was heaving. A huge backpack would have made it harder to move around, and would have annoyed everyone around us.