Tips: 9 Tips & Tricks to Capture that Perfect Concert Photo or Video

Bring Multiple Recorders

More is better when it comes to recorders. For concert filming, you need to prioritize the sound because the online audience members are mainly interested in the music.

To capture the right atmosphere, position multiple devices in different locations. For example, you could place some devices near the stage, one in the crowd, and even one on the soundboard. This way your sound won’t be one-dimensional and it can provide a richer texture of sound.

Don’t Put Your Mics Too Close to the Speakers

Some fundamentals of live sound recording are indispensable. If you place your microphones too close to the speakers – the main source of the sound – then the quality of your audio will most likely be jeopardized. The speakers are very loud and can cause unpleasant distortion.

It can also be a nuisance since the performance can get either very loud or quiet at times. You can perhaps get away with it if your audio device has an excellent dynamic range, but if not, there will be harsh fluctuations.

To become a videographer, you need to know how to find balanced locations where the sound has time and space to spread and where it can conjoin several speakers. This way your audio will remain consistent, not only with the music but also with the surrounding ambiance.

Remember the Rules

It is essential to remember that concerts are not the same as any other event. Many venues and outdoor arenas have specific regulations. For example, many places and artists don’t permit the use of cameras as it’s against their music copyright rules, so it’s important to review the regulations beforehand. It may also be beneficial to contact the organizers before the performance, so you can make sure that your equipment and techniques are allowed.

Take Multiple Angles

Capturing multiple angles is almost a necessity when conducting concert filming. Whether you’re videoing an entire concert, a set, or a single song, getting many angles helps to captivate your viewers.

With only one angle, videos can become monotonous and boring, thus losing the interest of viewers. Different angles can capture different aspects of a show, such as:

• Instrument-playing
• Facial expressions
• Different band members
• Both close-up shots and wide shots of the stage

These elements will make for exponentially more interesting video that will keep viewers’ attentions, painting a detailed picture of the show.

Shoot Cutaways

Cutaways include shots of anything other than the musicians, such as:

• Members of the crowd and their actions, emotions, or facial expressions
• Wide or high shots of the crowd to show the volume of people
• The venue, showing the stage and the crowd together
• Views of the environment to emphasize the concert’s atmosphere

For editing purposes, cutaways are useful when you use them sporadically, for example, to cover up mistakes. It also gives viewers a complete experience of the concert, helping them feel as if they are there in person.

Edit the Footage

The post-production phase is where you can truly make a difference. When dealing with concert films, consider adding color grading and special effects to enhance audio and visuals. Use dissolves and fades, to make the video more smooth and more professional. Create a sound mix worthy of your footage by adjusting levels, adding EQs, and applying compression if needed. If you’re a Mac user, choose between any iMovie alternative for Mac. Otherwise, you can opt for any of the great video editing software for Windows.

Tips for Concert Photography

Photographing a concert takes a special skill because you can’t capture every moment, as with video. You have to know when, how, and why you want to take certain pictures – and every single photo needs to be of excellent quality and must draw people in.

Use a Low-Light Camera

Quality is again your main priority. No matter what you’re picturing, a photo will never be alluring if its quality isn’t good enough. Lighting is usually poor at concerts, so you require a camera that can take top-notch photos in darker settings.

The ISO settings regulate your camera’s sensitivity to light and you need to adjust it appropriately. With the right ISO settings, your camera’s sensor will respond quickly to any light it detects during a low-light environment like a concert.

Moreover, you also have to use a camera that has a higher megapixel count because it will improve the image resolution.

Use the Right Composition

Composition refers to how the main image or focal point in your photograph aligns with the frame. One vital guideline of photography is the rule of thirds, for example:

• If you’re photographing a singer, make sure he or she is on a third line, either horizontally or vertically – depending on their posture.
• If not the main character, align other components on a third line, such as the stage. In that case, place the outline of the stage on a horizontal third line.

The rule of thirds helps a photo to convey movement and to make good use of space and other elements.

Know What to Capture

No photographer will take perfect shots every time, so always take many photos and be aware of what you want to capture.

At a concert, you may want to take:

• Angled shots of a singer while they’re performing
• Upward shots showing their body posture
• Side shots in different motion scenes

Each angle communicates differently. For example, an upward shot will convey a message that the singer seems dominant or in control.

You also need to get your timing right when doing action-packed photography. Capturing a singer while they’re belting out a chorus or picturing a guitarist while they’re performing a thrilling solo should be a priority!

Summing It Up

Attempting to capture scenes with much motion can cause you to miss a perfect moment. However, you can avoid further video editing mistakes by implementing these techniques. You can make the most of the opportunity and help others experience some epic moments, even though they weren’t there!