If you’re getting in to concert photography, then getting that first gig is crucial - and for most - difficult. It can be really hard to know where to start! Following is an excerpt from my new eBook GET IN. GET OUT. GET PAID. Which you can download here!

As i said, getting that first show is obviously key to getting things moving!

Where to start...

Well, most of us know someone who knows someone who knows someone in a band. This is how i started. In my case, i knew two members of the band. I asked if i could maybe come along and shoot one of their shows. Naturally i wasn’t asking for money at this point, so the answer was of course ‘yes’. Although no money changed hands, the guys from Mottek made sure i didn’t go thirsty that evening!

One of the big advantages of starting in a situation like this is the amount of time you get to shoot. Any promoted/ticketed concert you get to shoot will have the ‘3 song, no flash’ rule. We covered the no-flash rule in the last chapter, but usually, most photographers at concerts have to stop shooting and leave the photo-pit after three songs. In the case of knowing the band however, i was able to shoot the entire show, including backstage before and after. This is seriously helpful, as it gives you the chance to have a play with your camera settings without being under serious time-pressure, or even worse, the pressure of a paying customer at the end who will be expecting top-class results.

But what if you don’t have some buddies in a band?

Well, one option is to check the local gig listings from where you live. Focus on the smallest venues in the area as these places are likely to be hosting bands who a really just starting out. And if they’re just starting out they’re not likely to have too much in the way of live shots which they could be using for publicity and their facebook page.

Check these bands out - do a little research. If they don’t have any images then drop them a message. Tell them who you are, what you want to do. Be honest, don’t play the big-balls here. You tell them you’re just starting out, they’ll recognise you’re in the same boat as them, and you won’t have the pressure of delivering results.

Offer to send them the best shots, and you’re sure to get a few beers in return!

Alternatively, contact the venue directly. Again, tell them your story, and offer to shoot the whole evening for them. They can use the images for their website/ facebook, and you will get to work on your settings and portfolio over a whole evening. You never know, but as it’s there venue there could even be a reward for your work, in way of a beer or two or even a paid gig the next time the venue has bands on.

Most bands are short on cash when they’re starting out. Just like us photographers. And just like us photographers, band members also have GAS!

Thanks for reading!!! Get you hands on a copy of GET IN. GET OUT. GET PAID. today!