Concert photography: settings for stage lights and fast action
Concerts mix darkness, colored lights and fast movement. Learn settings, positions and etiquette for shooting live music.
Concert photography is exciting and technically demanding. Light changes every second and you usually cannot use flash.
Settings
- Manual or shutter priority, 1/250 for active performers
- Aperture wide open: f/1.4 to f/2.8
- Auto ISO up to 6400 or 12800
- Spot or center-weighted metering on the performer’s face
Lenses
A 24-70mm f/2.8 covers most stages; an 85mm f/1.4 isolates performers. A telephoto helps in large venues.
Timing
Watch for peak moments: a jump, a guitar raised, a singer’s expression at the chorus. Learn the band’s songs if possible.
Colored light
Red and blue stage lights oversaturate faces. Wait for white or warm spotlights, or convert to black and white.
Etiquette
Professional passes often allow only the first three songs from the pit with no flash. Respect fans’ view and venue rules.
Protect your hearing
Wear earplugs. Long exposure to concert volume damages hearing.
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