Different shows result in different photos. This can depend on the artist, the venue, and the songs played. But even during the same show, just in the course of the first three songs – when photographers usually get to take their shots – it’s possible to capture a rather diverse set of images that represent different aspects of a particular live music experience.
Point in case:
The Pineapple Thief 2019 show at Store Vega in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Let’s quickly go through the diversity of shots that, because of this, present the diversity of the show and the band’s music in general.
1: The immersive shot
This is the kind of shot that captures the artist fully immersed in their music, delivering a performance that is passionate and honest. These moments don’t occur very often, so knowing the artist’s body of work is an advantage when “predicting” where such moments might happen.
2: The layering and the depth
Regardless of the genre and overall approach, there are always several layers to the music, the performance, and even the stage setup. Capturing depth in an image communicates these elements effectively through visual media.
3: Background in front
The focus often seems to be at the front of the stage, but there is often a lot of important action happening in the background as well. Bringing the background to the front balances the experience and gives it a more complete feel.
4: Passionate and direct
One of the most important aspects of a live music performance is the direct, live experience. It gives the music additional rawness and a sense of the real world—something that is hard to achieve while listening to music in the safety of one’s own home.
5: Full spectrum
Photographic focus is often on individuals, but it’s crucial not to neglect the interplay between band members and the entire microcosm of the stage as a whole. That’s where the dynamics and vitality of the show often come to life.
6: Piece of the puzzle
Sure, the biggest load is carried by images of individuals – it’s them who deliver the show, connect with the crowd, and essentially create the magic. But most image collections from any given concert also benefit from a close-up shot or two. A small detail that adds an extra layer to the experience.
7: Up-close and personal
Sometimes, up-close and personal shots add humanity to the experience of the show. These are real people presenting their art right there in front of us. They may be wrapped in stage lights, props, and choreography, but we are dealing with people here, and that aspect shouldn’t be neglected in live music photography.
