The Ultimate Guide to Taking Amazing BTS Concert Photos
Backstage BTS photo of Creamery Station working on a setlist before their show. | photo- ©2022 Chris Sidoruk
Concert photography is a unique type of photography that requires a different set of skills compared to other photography genres. Capturing the perfect shot of your favorite musician on stage is one thing, but taking behind the scenes (BTS) concert photos is a different challenge.
In this guide, I'll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to take great BTS concert photos that truly capture the atmosphere and excitement of a live concert.
Understanding the Role of a BTS Photographer
Before I dive into the tips, let's first understand what it means to be a BTS photographer. Your role as a BTS photographer is to capture the moments that happen behind the scenes, moments that the audience doesn't see.
These photos are usually candid shots of the performers, crew members, and even the venue itself. Your goal is to showcase the hard work and effort that goes into putting on a live concert.
Choosing the Right Equipment
The right equipment is crucial when it comes to taking great BTS concert photos. Here are some of the essential gear you'll need:
Camera
Choose a camera that can handle low light conditions, as concerts usually take place in dimly lit environments. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) is ideal.
To learn more about the best cameras for concert photography click here.
Lenses
A zoom lens with a wide aperture is ideal for capturing candid moments from a distance. A prime lens with a wider aperture is perfect for getting up close and personal with your subjects.
To learn more about the best lenses for concert photography click here.
Tripod/monopod
While not typical for concert photography, a tripod is useful when you need to keep the camera steady in low light conditions. In concert settings consider a monopod if you are really looking for more stability while maintaining mobility needed for the action of concerts.
Memory Cards
Ensure you have enough memory cards to store all your photos. It's better to carry multiple smaller capacity cards than one large capacity card in case one fails.
Also ensure the card has good write speeds. Not all memory cards are the same! Photographing action often requires shooting in small bursts of photos. If your memory card can’t keep up writing the files, it will slow you down!
Drone photo of the music venue New Terrain Brewing in Golden, Colorado. | photo- ©2021 Chris Sidoruk
Mastering the Settings
Now that you have the right equipment, it's time to master the settings. Here are some settings to keep in mind when taking BTS concert photos:
ISO
Use a higher ISO setting to capture photos in low light conditions without using a flash.
Shutter Speed
Use a fast shutter speed (1/125th of a second or faster) to freeze motion and capture sharp images.
Aperture
Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) to create a shallow depth of field and blur out distracting backgrounds.
White Balance
Set your camera's white balance to "Auto" or "Tungsten" to adjust for the warm tones of the stage lighting.
BTS photo of the Harmonica player for Creamery Station. On this day he was also doubling as a sound engineer! | photo- ©2022 Chris Sidoruk
Capturing Candid Moments
One of the keys to great BTS concert photos is capturing candid moments. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Be Discreet
As a BTS photographer, you want to blend in with the crowd and be as discreet as possible. Don't draw attention to yourself by using flash or standing in the way of others.
Anticipate the Moment
Anticipate the moments that are about to happen and be ready to capture them. Keep your camera settings ready and pre-focused so that you can quickly take the shot when the moment arrives.
Look for Emotions
Look for emotions in your subjects and capture them. Whether it's a performer getting ready for a show or a crew member fixing a light, capturing emotions is key to great BTS concert photos.
Use Creative Angles
Experiment with different angles to capture unique shots. Shooting from a low angle can make your subjects appear larger than life, while shooting from a high angle can provide a different perspective.
Jon Truelson(Creamery Station) catching up with an old friend before the show. | photo- ©2022 Chris Sidoruk
Post-Processing
After you've taken your BTS concert photos, it's time to edit them. Here are some tips to help you post-process your photos:
Crop and Straighten
Crop and straighten your photos to eliminate any distracting elements in the background and to align the horizon.
Adjust Exposure
Adjust the exposure and brightness of your photos to correct any underexposure or overexposure.
Boost Contrast
Increase the contrast of your photos to make the colors pop and to add more depth to your images.
Use Filters
Experiment with filters to give your photos a unique look and feel. Be careful not to overdo it, as it can make your photos look artificial.
Conclusion
Taking great BTS concert photos requires a unique set of skills and a deep understanding of the music and concert environment.
By choosing the right equipment, mastering the settings, capturing candid moments, and post-processing your photos, you'll be able to create stunning images that truly capture the atmosphere and excitement of music and live concerts.
BTS Harmonica Repair on the road in a hotel room during a cross country tour. | photo- ©2021 Chris Sidoruk
FAQs
What equipment do I need to take great BTS concert photos?
A camera that can handle high ISO, a fast lens, and high speed memory cards.
How do I capture candid moments?
Be discreet, anticipate the moment, look for emotions, and use creative angles.
What settings should I use?
High ISO, fast shutter speed, wide aperture, and appropriate white balance.
How do I post-process my photos?
Crop and straighten, adjust exposure, boost contrast, and use filters.
What is the role of a BTS photographer?
To capture the moments that happen behind the scenes, moments that the audience doesn't see, and to showcase the hard work and effort that goes into putting on a live concert.
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