Pop music is heavily influenced by the image that musicians project. Bands are photographed on stage, in promo group photos and individually. Today, there is a growing market for music photographers. Becoming a music photographer can be enormously rewarding, so read the below suggestions and become a music photographer.
Instructions
1. Get a good camera. Your average digital camera is not going to cut it, because you’re going to want to shoot a large number of pictures in a short amount of time, especially for live concert shots. Most digital cameras have too long a lag between taking pictures. A high-end digital camera is recommended, or a standard 35 mm camera with a selection of lenses. You may not have a backstage pass, so you may need to take high-quality shots from a distance. You'll aslo want a camera that can shoot well in low light--meaning a lens with a wide aperture.
2. Work for free. You’ve got to practice your craft. Start by going to local shows and taking shots of bands. You can use these shots for your portfolio. It helps if you have friends in bands so you can get closer access.
3. Network with local bands. Most bands have a website and contact address. Write to them and ask if you can take pictures. You need to have your own website set up with examples of your work so bands can see that you’re the real thing. Most small bands will like being courted by a photographer and will put you on the guest list.
4. Send finished pictures to the band. Try and get the band to use a picture in promo materials (making sure that you’re credited with the photo). Depending on the size of the band, you could ask for a fee, but this will normally come after you’ve been established. Do this process for as many bands as possible.
5. Take your portfolio to bigger venues once you're established locally. These can include major websites, magazines and newspapers . Be prepared to suffer rejection; the major rags have in-house photographers or long-term relationships with photographers. One of the reasons for starting relationships with bands is that they could recommend you if they ever hit the big time and get bigger press.
6. Don’t be shy. Rejection is part of the game. Ask bigger bands and their press agents (normally listed on the band’s website) for a photo press pass.
7. Network with big-wigs. Producers, managers and concert promoters will get you business if they feel they know you well enough. Always be selling your services. A business card is a must. A small, portable portfolio is also a good idea. iPhones are good for showing off a web page.
