Concert and Stage photography is not easy. In fact, it can be one of the most difficult things for an amateur to do. But since there’s no better way to learn than by doing it, and the results can be very satisfying, here are a few tips on what you will need and how to go about it. Keep in mind that the types of equipment mentioned are the optimal specs and a beginner should use the equipment he already has that comes nearest to these specs and see how he likes this kind of photography before investing large amounts in state of the art stuff.

•    The lens most professionals use for stage and concert photography is 70-200mm f/2.8 preferably with image stabilization. These lenses are fast and provide an adequate telephoto range. During a live performance there is often not enough time to keep switching lenses. These lenses are expensive and a cheaper option would be to go in for a 55 or 85mm fast lens. The lack of telephoto ability can, to some extent be compensated by changing location.
•    The best cameras are those with fast frame rates and good low light performance. Middle or entry level DSLRs are too slow to for the high ISO speeds these conditions call for.
•    Be ready to use the maximum performance settings of your camera. Because of the use of spotlights and a proportionately dark background, you will have to set your camera to maximum aperture and a high ISO. Normal ISO settings for these conditions are 1600 and above.
•    Because of these setting, depth-of field becomes limited. Background effects and distortions also increase because of the volume of dark areas in the frame. These are things you have to live with and work on with your photo editing software.
•    Since lights and colors constantly change and people move, take as many shots as you can of each image you want to capture. Set your camera for the maximum burst rate – the highest number of continuous frames per second it can take. Obviously, you will need a high capacity and high speed memory card. 1GB would probably be the minimum. A card with a slow write speed will slow down your camera because even if the camera is ready for the next photo, it can’t take it until the card is ready.
•    Keep changing the focal length. Switch from the singer’s face to a close up of the guitarists’ hand and then to something else. Unless you have seen the rehearsals, you won’t know what will happen next so keep trying different things.
•    Keep changing your position. In front of the stage is not always the best place to be. Taking photos from the sides or even the back of the stage can result in interesting angles and images that are not apparent from one fixed place.
•    In many performances, especially in rock concerts, the colors of the stage lighting with keeping changing very fast which will affect the white balance. Photographing in RAW will slow down your burst speed, but will allow you to go home and use your software to change the white balance as needed.

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