Brad’s Blog

I’ve been interested in concert photography for a while now and still don’t quite know how to get into “the biz.” I’m trying to build up a decent portfolio, but it’s difficult when I have to sneak in a camera, and the only thing I can sneak in is a point-and-shoot.

I’ve developed my technique, which involves the highest ISO setting and the lowest exposure setting. The photos aren’t as blurry, but they’re dark and ridiculously grainy. It takes quite a bit of post-processing just to make them look acceptable. And even so, I convert most of them to black and white to eliminate the colour grain.

I’m working out a plan for getting an SLR into shows, but then there’s the chance that I’ll be spotted and either kicked out or have the memory card erased and camera temporarily confiscated. I don’t really want that.

I’ve read some articles on doing this semi-professionally and they recommend getting in touch with a smaller local band and asking to tag along. This would allow me to get in closer with a better camera and would hopefully result in some better shots. I’ve also heard that you can offer the band to use the photos and this may cause them to “perform for the camera” a bit more.

If you know of any local Vancouver bands who wouldn’t mind getting some live photos taken, let me know.