Getting Started

• 1). Acquire the proper equipment. Live bands are in continuous motion under stage lights that move, blink and change colors. Adjust your equipment appropriately and use faster lenses. According to the Irockumentary website, novice band photographers should use a 50 mm 1.8 lens because it can shoot in minimal light.
  
  
• 2). Build a live music portfolio. Showcase only your live music photos in one convenient place. If you already have a website, dedicate one page exclusively to live band shots or create an entirely separate portfolio dedicated to live band photos. Including your name, logo or website address to each photo is important in crediting your work.
  
  
• 3). Take photos at small local venues. Fill your portfolio by shooting at small nightclubs featuring unsigned local acts. They usually allow camera gear without press passes or security clearance and struggling musicians often welcome free promotion. Ask the band and venue for permission before you begin shooting.
  
  
• 4). Network with local bands. Social networking and media sites are ideal places to network with musicians, bands, music magazines and industry professionals in need of photos. Create social networking profiles with online communities such as Facebook and Twitter to upload your photos, share links to your website and network with bands and potential clients.
  
  
• 5). Contact small local music magazines. Check your local clubs and record stores for local music magazines that publish concert reviews and calendars. Such publications always need photos to include in articles, interviews and concert reviews.
  
  

Advancing

• 1). Expand your goals and prepare for bigger clients. Once you have built an expansive live music photography portfolio, begin to step up your goals. Make a list of major music and entertainment publications, media outlets and concert venues you are interested in taking photos for. Search online to gain preliminary contact information of corresponding publicists, managers, record labels, magazines and newspaper editors.
  
  
• 2). Send a letter of introduction to everyone on your list of contacts. Compose a brief letter outlining your professional background and inquire about any potential opportunities to offer your services. Include links to your online live music portfolio, published work and one or two attachments of your best live concert shots. Enclose your current contact information; full name, address, phone number and email.
  
  
• 3). Locate concerts you'd like to shoot. When well-known artists come to town, contact their agent to inquire about a press pass. Use a version of your introduction letter, slightly edited, to address the appropriate event planner.