Photographing live music events can be lots of fun.  I find there are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind that will help your pics stand out in the crowd.

Here are some of my favourites:

– Look for audience interaction from the performers. These type of shots bring variety to your results, and they can create a sense of the audience reaction to the performers.

– Try positioning yourself to the side of the stage for some shots rather than staying front and centre for the whole performance.  This helps you get a clearer shot of the singers’ faces, without microphones obscuring their expressions.

– Worried about cluttered background? Use a long lens with a large aperture to isolate performers from messy backgrounds.

– When using theatrical gels, don’t worry about white balance. The colours are there to create atmosphere, by underexposing gelled stage lights you can capture deeper, more vibrant colours.

Don’t forget to enjoy the music! These pics were taken at a free public concert in Melbourne’s west with reggae band Rasta Unity. Check them out if you get the chance!