So… How Did I Get Into Concert Photography?
The question I get asked the most, especially from up-and-coming photographers, is how I got into concert photography.
And I wish I had some super clean, cinematic answer like, “I always knew this was my calling.” I should also mention that by day, I'm also in IT. So I've got my hands in a lot.
But the truth is way more chaotic, way more stressful, and honestly, more of a happy accident.
Because I basically bullied myself into this career by accident.
It Started With Journalism, Not Photography
Back around 2012, I was preparing to cover a local music festival for a music publication. I went to school for Mass Communication. Writing, reporting, telling stories, that was my lane. That was the plan.
I got my assignment. Cool. Easy. I was ready.
Then the founder of the publication scheduled a Zoom meeting and casually mentioned they were flying in a photographer to help cover the week-long festival.
And for reasons still unknown to science or common sense, I said:
“No, don’t send anyone. I got it. I can take the photos.”
They paused.
Then they said,
“Are you sure? We didn’t even know you shot.”
And instead of backing down like a normal, reasonable human, I doubled down and said:
“Of course I do. I can get the photos AND my reviews posted within 48 hours after the event.”
They said okay.
Then the call ended.
Then reality punched me directly in the soul.
The Part Where I Panic-Buy a Camera
The second I realized the professional hole I had dug myself into, I sprinted to the nearest camera shop and bought a used Canon because my previous camera was… let’s just say historically significant.
Then I spent the next 48 hours before the festival learning literally everything I could about that camera.
Menus. Settings. Buttons. ISO. Aperture. Shutter speed.
I was out here YouTube University-ing my life decisions. There was way less video tutorials during this time though.
To this day, I still don’t even know if that camera was “good.”
It just worked, and I was too stubborn to fail.
Looking back, I realize I was just trying to prove I could do it all.
The Week That Changed Everything
That week I shot:
- 8 different stages
- 20 bands
- 3 red carpets
- 2 Q&A sessions
If I shot 500 photos of a band, I promise you I hated most but still walked away with 20 good shots. At least it was something.
It was one of the most stressful weeks of my professional life.
But it was also one of the most exhilarating.
I had always liked photography. It was a hobby. I took photos of friends, family, and mostly how ridiculously adorable my dog was.
I never once thought of it as a career.
But that week? Something clicked.
The chaos.
The lighting challenges.
The pressure to capture the exact right moment.
It was exhausting. It was hectic. It was pure controlled madness.
And I loved every second of it.
I felt alive.
And if I am being completely honest, I realized I enjoyed it more than journalism.
That was the pivot moment.
After That Festival, There Was No Going Back
After that week, I shifted gears and started shooting everything I could.
Small shows. Local bands. Random events.
If there was music and I could get a camera in, I was there.
Not because I had some five-year master plan.
Because I was hooked.
“Cool Story, But How Does This Help Me?”
If you are an up-and-coming concert photographer, you might be reading this thinking:
“Okay… but how does this help me?”
I am not going to pretend I have secret industry keys or a hidden backstage cheat code.
All I can tell you is what worked for me.
Advice #1: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone Immediately
Seriously. Don’t wait.
Go shoot.
You are going to mess up. You are going to miss focus. You are going to blow highlights. You are going to take photos you absolutely hate.
Good.
That is how you get better.
Shoot.
Review.
Adjust.
Shoot again like the venue is about to explode and this is your last memory card.
Advice #2: Find a Publication or Platform
You will need some kind of portfolio, yes.
But there are SO many music sites, blogs, and platforms out there looking for content.
Reach out.
Worst case scenario? They say no.
Okay. Cool. Next.
Rejection is just free character development.
No Portfolio Yet? Go Smaller.
Go to your local dive bar.
You know the one.
Cover band. Free show. Three people in the audience. One of them is the bartender’s cousin.
Perfect.
Shoot anyway.
Introduce yourself. Talk to the band. Build relationships.
The music industry feels big, but it is way smaller than you think. Bands know bands. Managers know photographers. Word travels fast.
Offer to shoot for portfolio use.
Then when you pitch publications, be clear and professional:
- Your objective
- Turnaround time
- How many high-res edited photos you will deliver
- Credit expectations
Also, ask what THEY want. Make it collaborative.
Social Media Is Not Optional. It Is Your Second Portfolio.
Taking great photos is only half the job.
If you are not posting them, you are basically hiding your talent in a sock drawer.
Post your work. Consistently.
Follow music publications.
Follow venues.
Follow bands.
Follow other photographers.
Then actually interact.
Comment. Share. Congratulate. Support.
Social media is not just posting. It is networking in sweatpants.
Publications notice consistency.
Photographers remember who supports them.
Bands remember who shows love to their content.
You do not need to be everywhere. But you do need to be present.
The Truth About How Most People Get Into This
Most people don’t glide into concert photography with perfect gear and perfect timing.
Most people say yes before they feel ready.
Then they learn fast.
Then they grow faster.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, I did not get into concert photography because I had a perfect plan, expensive gear, or some secret industry handshake. I got into it because I was stubborn enough to say “yeah, I can do that” before I had any real idea if I actually could. And honestly, that is still kind of how this industry works. You say yes, you figure it out, you survive off caffeine and adrenaline, and somewhere in the chaos you realize you are exactly where you are supposed to be. If you are waiting until you feel ready, you will be waiting forever. Go shoot the small shows. Go talk to bands. Go take photos you hate and learn why you hate them. One day you will look back and realize those messy, stressful, slightly terrifying early moments were the ones that built you. And who knows, maybe one day you will be the one writing a blog post explaining how you accidentally fell into concert photography because your ego wrote a check your brain had to figure out how to cash. That's what worked for me anyway.
Keep calm and carry on. ✌🏽
