Music Photography Gear Guide
I get asked a lot on how to become a music photographer. In all honesty, my response is always ‘start shooting’.
Primarily, it’s your vision. However, you need the right tools to do the job & along with that, practise, and some business skills and your set to go.
Cue, gear guide for live music photography.
You can see some of the gear I currently just above. I have some other camera’s I use and will add to the list soon!
A little run through on the body and lenses.
The Canon 5D Mark II is what I’m still using. The 5D Mark III is now available, however, this still does what I want it to and so I’ve stuck with this body for now. Plus, we got a special bond 😉 If you have the option to invest in a full format camera – Do it! In time, you will be happy with that decision. Although the initial outlay on the body may be a little more than anticipated, long term, it’s worth it.
The three lenses I primarily use right now are the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8, Canon 50mm F1.4 and the Canon 70-200mm F2.8.
Why the F2.8 and F1.4 and what does it mean? Basically, the lower the F stop, the better the lens is at shooting in low light situations.
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8is great not only for low light photography, but also for shooting portraits and wider angle shots to capture more of the atmosphere at shows, or landscape photography.
Canon 70-200mm F2.8
The Canon 70-200mm F2.8 is brilliant for shooting from a distance, whether that be at a music festival or at an arena show or even from the sound desk. This is also amazing for portraits so you get multiple uses out of it.
Canon 50mm F1.4
The Canon 50mm F1.4 is a fixed lens and is great for shooting, again, portraits but also for detail shots and super lowlight shots at shows. You can get some awesome bokeh too if you are keen on that style.
These are just some of the benefits for me, but once you get to know your lens and how to work it, you are on to a winner!
Get invested, get practising, get out there!