Expert insight Tracey’s top 10 composition tips

You have to shoot fast in the pit, but you still need to compose your shots properly

1

The pit is cramped, but get back as far as you can and shoot with a longer focal length so that you’re not shooting up the performers’ noses.

2

Shoot from the right: as most guitarists are right-handed, you’ll get more dynamic shots if you shoot them with the guitar neck towards you.

3

Include the instruments; while close-up facial portraits of the frontman are fantastic, there’s no point in showing the guitarist without their guitar.

4

Aim for unobstructed, clean shots, and avoid clutter like microphone stands in front of performers – it looks like they’re ’cutting’ them in half…

5

Knowing the act helps – if the singer leaps in the air at certain points of the performance, frame the shot beforehand and anticipate the action.

6

Between songs, when the singer is bantering with the crowd, is the best time to shoot close-up portraits.

7

When shooting band members interacting, make sure the foremost one is in focus, with the one at the back dropping into a shallow depth of field.

8

Shots of the crowd going wild, or over-the-top fans dressed to the nines or queuing to get into the venue, can help tell the story of the show.

9

Red lights and excessive dry ice are your enemy; the former is hard to make anyone look good while the latter makes for foggy, defocused shots.

10

You’ll undoubtedly end up with plenty of unflattering facial expressions; these should go no further than your hard drive!