What’s In My Camera Bag: Concert Photography
The first time I ever got a photo pass was for my brother-in-law’s band, Nightly.
I can still feel that nervous excitement. Standing side stage, lights dimming, the crowd buzzing. My heart was racing as I adjusted the settings on my Canon R6 Mark II, trying to anticipate how the lights would hit once the music started. That night changed everything for me.
It wasn’t a massive show, but it was my first taste of what it meant to photograph live music. Capturing emotion, motion, and energy in near darkness, often within the first three songs. It’s a mix of instinct, timing, and trust in your gear.
Over the years, I’ve refined my kit to what truly works for me: a small, lightweight setup that lets me move freely and stay creative, without ever getting in the way of the performance.
Camera Body
Canon R6 Mark II
For concert photography, a good low-light camera is everything. The Canon R6 Mark II is my go-to because of its excellent high ISO performance, fast autofocus, and dynamic range that helps recover detail even under intense or uneven stage lighting.
It handles quick movements and unpredictable lighting changes effortlessly, which is exactly what you need when performers are jumping, spinning, or working the crowd under strobe lights.
Pro Tip: When choosing a camera for concerts, prioritize low-light performance and autofocus speed over megapixels. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re editing shots from a dimly lit venue.
Lens
50mm f/1.8
This is the lens that never leaves my camera at a show. It’s light, fast, and captures a natural perspective that feels intimate and immersive. The f/1.8 aperture allows me to shoot in low light without blowing up the ISO, while also creating that soft background separation that highlights performers beautifully.
It’s also small enough that I can move easily through a crowded pit or side stage area without drawing attention or bumping into fans.
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate a prime lens. The fixed focal length forces you to move and think creatively about composition, which often leads to better shots.
Creative Filters & Accessories
Live music photography is all about atmosphere, and sometimes, stage lighting alone doesn’t capture the full emotion. That’s where creative tools come in.
Here’s what I often carry for concerts:
Prism: Adds reflections and light flares for a dreamy, distorted look.
Anamorphic Filter: Creates cinematic lens flares and subtle stretching across highlights.
Repeater Filter: Mirrors portions of the frame, giving a surreal, multiplied feel.
Extra Battery: Concerts drain batteries fast, especially when you’re firing continuous bursts.
Cleaning Cloth: Venues are dusty; keep your lens clear between sets.
Spare Memory Card: Always have a backup when you’re shooting high-volume RAW bursts.
Pro Tip: Use creative filters sparingly. One or two standout shots from a set can make your gallery look unique without feeling gimmicky.
My Bag Setup
I rotate between a compact backpack and a sling bag, depending on the venue. If it’s a smaller club or pit, I go with the sling—less bulk, faster access, and fewer chances to knock into someone.
Everything inside is organized for quick grabs. I only bring what I need: camera, lens, filters, battery, memory card, cleaning cloth. Minimal gear keeps me nimble and helps me stay focused on timing rather than logistics.
Camera Settings + Workflow
Here’s my baseline setup for concerts:
Aperture: f/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/200 to 1/250 sec
ISO: Adjust manually between 100-6400
White Balance: 5600K (daylight)
File Format: RAW
These settings let me freeze motion while keeping enough flexibility in post for color correction and exposure tweaks. Every venue is different, but I prefer to start manual. It gives me control over exposure as lighting changes dramatically from song to song.
Pro Tip: Shoot a quick test frame before the first song starts. The lighting tech will often cue the same intro scene each night so you can dial in your exposure before the band hits the stage.
Concert Photography Rules & Etiquette
Understanding concert photography etiquette is just as important as knowing your camera settings. These rules keep everyone, photographers, artists, and fans, happy and safe.
The First 3 Songs Rule: Most venues allow photographers to shoot only during the first three songs. Plan your angles and shot types ahead of time.
No Flash: Ever. Flash ruins the atmosphere and distracts performers.
Respect the Fans and Crew: Stay out of the audience’s line of sight and avoid interfering with stage staff.
Stay Aware: Watch for cables, monitors, and sudden movements. Safety first.
Capture Energy, Not Just Faces: Look for connection, passion, and movement. That’s what makes a live photo feel alive.
Pro Tip: Arrive early, check in with security, and confirm shooting boundaries. Respect builds trust, and trust gets you invited back.
Final Thoughts
That first Nightly show taught me the balance between chaos and control, how to react quickly, trust my instincts, and let the energy of the music guide my lens.
Concert photography is fast, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding. With the right gear and mindset, you can turn fleeting moments into timeless images.
If you enjoyed this breakdown, you might also like my post on 8 Tips for Concert Photography. It’s full of practical advice to help you get the most out of every show.
