Settings Breakdown
Stage lighting varies wildly. Start at ISO 3200 and adjust based on the venue. Accept noise — a sharp noisy shot beats a smooth blurry one.
Wide open aperture is essential in dark venues. Fast primes (50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8) are concert photography staples for this reason.
Performers move fast. 1/200s minimum freezes moderate movement; 1/320-500s for energetic performances. Slower creates motion blur (sometimes desirable).
Performers constantly move. Continuous AF tracks subjects as they move across stage. Use zone or tracking AF area modes for best results.
Stage lighting creates extreme contrast. Spot metering on the performer's face gives consistent exposure regardless of background darkness.
Stage lights are deliberately colorful — red, blue, magenta. Don't fight it. Shoot RAW and embrace the dramatic colors or adjust in post.
Pro Tips
Learn the Three-Song Rule
Photo pits usually allow only the first three songs. Make every second count. Know the setlist so you're ready for the right moments.
Shoot During Lighting Peaks
Watch for spotlight moments, not dark moody lighting. Sync your shooting with lighting peaks when performers are actually illuminated.
Capture Expressions
Wait for expressive moments — singing with intensity, guitar solo faces, connection with audience. Technical perfection means nothing without emotion.
Use Burst Mode Wisely
Short bursts during key moments, not continuous spray. Concert cards fill fast, and you'll spend hours culling identical frames otherwise.
Watch for Backlighting
Dramatic backlighting creates silhouettes and rim light. Embrace it rather than fighting it — silhouettes can be powerful concert images.
Bring Two Bodies
One with 24-70mm, one with 70-200mm. No time to change lenses in a three-song pit window. Or use one fast prime and move your feet.