7 Tips for New Concert Photographers

1. Start Locally

Start by connecting with a local band, and shoot them regularly to build a body of work. Once you have a body of work, approach a publication about covering concerts for them. You may not get an immediate response, but be persistent. If you're not able get in good with an existing publication, whether it be online or print, start a blog that reviews concerts, and use your images there.

2. "SECURITY" is Your Friend

Learn to make friends with the concert venue's staff, in particular, those that with "SECURITY" across their backs. "Trust" and "Security" are a big deal when it comes to the talent. Protecting them is their biggest concern.

3. Your Gear vs Their Gear

Make the most of the photography gear that you have. Learn to love it, and push it all the way to the limit. I guarantee you, you'll step into the photographers' pit and see some other shooters with bigger cameras and better glass. Guess what? That doesn't make them better than you, and there's no reason to be intimidated. Get in that pit and do work.

4. Photogs Unite

While in the pit, lobby area, or at the will-call to retrieve your credentials, connect with the other photographers. You can learn a lot from each other about the business. You may be a "new" photographer, but someone else may be an even bigger rookie than you. Don't be hesitant to help another photographer along the way. I admit, it's difficult to help someone climb the exact same ladder you're climbing, but God blesses you to be a blessing to the next man.

5. Web Presence / Social Media

Keep your website and social media updated and consistent in appearance. Many blogs and online publications link back to the contributing photographer's website. If a local publication picks up one of your images, you want that link-back to lead to future work. Whether they link to your website, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, or Facebook, you want them to see your best work.

6. Don't Go Deaf

Wear earplugs. Honestly, no explanation is needed. Get some good ones too - not the cheap foam kind. Otherwise, you'll find yourself saying, "Huh?" far too often. Lol.

7. Post Only Your Best Work

After you've photographed a concert, people dont want/need to see 100 photos when you can tell the story with just 13. Several of the lead singer, the guitarist, the bassist, the drummer, and the crowd are enough, unless you were hired for a full recap.