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Drew Stewart captures some of the most unforgettable, thrilling, live music events for others to experience

Pro music photog Drew talks magical gig photography

I just took a leap and applied for a photo pass at a small gig in London and after that night, things just got better

Mission: Photograph the dramatic moments at live music events

Photographer: Drew Stewart Location: London, United Kingdom Kit used: Nikon D600, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Website: www.drewstewartphotography.com

Luckily for me I get to shoot some of the most thrilling music events on earth. From the incredible lighting and production to the bass that shakes you to your core and the on-stage theatrics leaving you in awe, I want to capture those moments and make sure everybody gets a taste of that experience.

I got my start in street photography when I was very young– I was lucky enough to live close to London where there was always something going on. I loved capturing candid moments and still do, and being a huge fan of concerts I thought I’d try to marry the two. I decided then that I wanted to get into music photography – I wanted to be part of the action. I read a load of books and articles and understood how to get photo passes. I just took a leap and applied for a photo pass at a small gig in London and after that night, things just got better.

When starting out, I was using a Nikon D5100. Knowing I’d struggle in low light, I upgraded to a D600, and I now use a Nikon D4S and D3S. I can shoot in almost any situation and shoot with a frame rate that matches the intensity and action on stage.

Musical moments

Linkin Park was such a great gig to shoot and it was definitely one of those shots where you ask for permission later [1].

I’d brought a stool with me because I knew the stage would be high. I feel a bit weird standing on it, but when the singer ran out into the extended bit of the stage I jumped up. I stuck out like a sore thumb but had a good 10 seconds to get this shot of him and the entire arena. I got shouted at to get down, but I got the shot I wanted.

Macklemore suddenly got huge and I was lucky enough to photograph him at the O2 Academy Brixton [2]. This was back in the days before I had an online portfolio, so I was lucky. We weren’t allowed in the photo pit so we were positioned up in one of the

bays to the side of the stage. I didn’t have a fast telephoto at the time but I managed to capture a shot of him jumping. It’s great when you capture kinetic moments like this.

This shot is a highlight for me [3]. It’s a culmination of one of the best photography experiences I’ve ever had. I was shooting for three days in a row and living out of a tent at the Bestival festival. I was drained but felt on top of the world! This shot just captured it all for me. At the end of Chic’s set, a load of colourful balls were expelled into the crowd. After batting them back and forth for 10 minutes, one member of security took a well-earned break and his face expressed exactly how we were all feeling. Confetti always creates a bit of magic

When it came showering down, John Newman started to really move around the stage. Other photographers in the pit were running from one side to the other to catch up with him, but I decided to wait for him. It helps in busy, stressful situations where there’s a lot going on to just bide your time.

It may be obvious to the seasoned professional but I’ve been asked a lot recently what I take to the pit. I usually have a full camera bag whenever I head out. It’s often full of things I don’t need, but I like to prepare. I’m six foot three but I still take a fold-up stool, especially to arena shows where the stage is about four foot high! You may be immobile and prone to knocks, but you have to get that shot.

When you ride the ups and downs you realize how cool this job is. I feel the envy of the people who paid for their ticket to see the show standing behind me whilst I prance around in a (sometimes) lovely spot right next to the stage. Would you like to see your images on these pages? Send a portfolio of images to mail@nphotomag.com

[1] Drew had a short period of time to capture this intense shot of late Linkin Park frontman, Chester, but he nailed it.

[2] Kinetic action like this really exhibits how exciting shows can get in the right venue and with the right musician/band.

[3] Exhausted after battling the ecstatic crowd, this member of security takes a wellearned break.

[4] Ever the showman, John Newman bathes in the atmosphere of confetti and roaring crowd.