Get the riGht Gear

Make sure that you use the ideal cameras and lenses

carefully considering the kit that you take to a gig is very important – you don’t want to be caught short and forget something essential, but it is also just as important to avoid taking an unnecessary amount of stuff with you.

professional music photographer Matthew higgs (MATTHIGGSPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK) explains that, “Fast lenses and a camera that can handle high isO levels and low-light focusing competently are the essentials. currently, my main go-to optics are nikon’s 24-70mm f2.8 or the 70-200mm f2.8 depending on the size of the venue, which i then match with the full-frame D750. nifty fifties (50mm f1.8 primes) are a great early purchase when you first start shooting, as they let in lots of light, offer a versatile focal length and are cheap. spare batteries, fast memory cards and a comfortable strap should also be towards the top of any aspiring music photographer’s shopping list.”

You’ll likely have to carry your gear for the whole gig, so keeping the weight as low as possible is key. Making sure your kit is safe and secure should also be a consideration. higgs says, “i don’t ever take more gear to an event than i can carry in a camera bag, and the only time that leaves my back is when i’m in the photo pit. At this point, i’ll place my bag somewhere beyond the barriers, outside the reach of fans and near to the venue’s security while i’m taking my images. At smaller non-pit venues, i either leave it with a friend or keep it with me at all times.”

Although a lot of concerts have low and changeable lighting conditions many venues and artists won’t allow flash, so we’d recommend that you ask the rules for flash beforehand so that you don’t unnecessarily carry your flashgun with you.

Most importantly, make sure you know your kit like the back of your hand and get used to how the camera performs in certain light, because when the concert starts the lighting will be changeable and unpredictable.