r/concertphotography

hello concert photographers of reddit i am here begging for wisdom 🙏😭

i'm a 16 y/o and i really wanna get into concert photography because it looks insanely fun and i love music, but i have NO clue where to start. cameras confuse me. photo passes confuse me. everything confuses me honestly.

how did you guys start out?
what gear do beginners actually need?
how do you even get into venues/shows to take photos?
can you start with tiny local shows first? i've got so many big concerts/events that are happening this year but i don't think it's a good idea to start out with something big

basically just throw any beginner advice at me because i am LOST 🫡

I obtained a photo pass for a medium sized concert tonight. They sent me an email about 20 minutes before I left for the show asking me to sign and return a non disclosure agreement. Basically saying not to disclose any of the events or share any of the photos with anyone and that I cannot post the pictures on social media without written consent. Is this a common thing in the industry? If so how strict are they on that social media rule? Will it be hard to get written consent?

EDIT: I signed the NDA, didn’t have much time to think since they threw it at me super last minute. Coming to the realization that I probably shouldn’t have, but at least I got more experience and can say I’ve shot my biggest artist so far. Hoping for the best now to get approval to post a few for my portfolio.

Every concert pic looks the same.

Turn around.

Take pics of people dancing and enjoying their favorite artists.

Give me the artist's perspective.

Pics of backstage debauchery - or their rider.

The smoke break outside between sets.

Load-in. The venue. Crowd shots. Merch booth.

1 or 2 of them jamming is cool, I guess, and yelling into a mic looks the same.

Capture the energy of the show.

I’ve heard online that a full frame sensor gives better low light performance. If this is even true at all, how much better is it? I currently use a Fuji x-t3 and only shoot local gigs.

Going to be taking 2 bodies, ipad, 5 lenses, and misc batteries, filters, power bank, etc... I have a smaller sling backpack that is great if only taking 1 body.l but am looking for something bigger. Anyone have anything they love?

i’m going to a concert next week and I was planning on taking my camera with me, a Nikon Z fc, with a 16-50 lens already attached. I’m pretty close to the stage so it would be enough for what I’m looking for. However concert policy says no professional cameras allowed. I’m no professional photographer, I only use it to take pics of my dog or trips but mostly of my dog. Do you think it could be rejected at entry by security? Ive been to other concerts before and was able to pass security with a Nikon D80 with a bigger lens but this was like 10 years ago and idk just wanted to see with any who could be more experienced. thanks!

Been wondering what camera to get for shooting concerts mostly underground shows like nettspend and similar artist where the lighting is unpredictable and changes very quickly. Wondering if this is a good option