As a concert photographer, you need to be prepared to capture fast-moving subjects in low light conditions, and your camera bag should be packed with the essentials to help you do so. In this blog, we will discuss the five things you should have in your camera bag as a concert photographer.
- A fast lens
A fast lens with a wide aperture is essential for concert photography. In low light situations, a wide aperture lens will allow more light to enter your camera, allowing you to use faster shutter speeds to freeze the action. A lens with a wide aperture, such as f/1.8 or f/2.8, will also create a shallow depth of field, which can help to separate your subject from the background and create a more dramatic effect.
- Extra batteries and memory cards
Concerts and festivals can last for several hours, and you don’t want to run out of battery or memory space halfway through. It’s important to have at least one spare battery and a few extra memory cards in your camera bag to ensure you can keep shooting. Make sure you have enough storage space on your memory cards, so you don’t have to worry about changing them too often.
- A zoom lens
While a fast prime lens is excellent for capturing close-up shots, a zoom lens will give you more flexibility to capture a wider range of perspectives. A zoom lens with a wide range, such as a 24-70mm or 70-200mm, will allow you to capture everything from wide-angle shots of the entire stage to close-ups of individual performers. A zoom lens can also be useful if you need to move quickly between different areas of the concert venue.
- Cleaning supplies
Concert and festival venues can be dusty, smoky, and sweaty, and your camera gear can quickly accumulate dirt and grime (if you’ve ever been to Warped Tour in Pomona, CA. you know what I mean). It’s important to have a few cleaning supplies in your camera bag, such as a lens cleaning cloth, a blower brush, and some cleaning solution. A dirty lens can significantly affect the quality of your images, so it’s essential to keep your gear clean and free of debris.
In conclusion, as a concert photographer, you need to be prepared for any situation. Packing these essential items in your camera bag will help ensure that you are ready to capture the energy and excitement of any live performance. With the right gear, you can produce stunning images that will transport your audience straight to the concert venue.
