Concert Photography: A Guide to Event Photography

How did you end up in the world of concert photography?

“It all started in February two years ago. For my studies, I had to shoot still lifes and portraits, but I didn’t really feel anything for that. Music has been my greatest passion all my life. I’m a fan of many pop groups and, as a child, I was allowed to go to concerts with my mother.

If I had to choose between music and photography, I would still choose music. I couldn’t live without it. It means everything to me. Music is both a source of inspiration and an outlet. These days, I really love Jack & Jack and 5 Seconds of Summer. Live concerts are always great too. Seeing artists enjoying themselves and a happy audience makes me really happy, and I can go completely wild myself. I dance and sing exuberantly. I don’t care what people think of it.

I had already been doing photography for my graphic design course for a while when I realised I could combine this passion for music with my photos. I took the plunge and emailed Jacob Whitesides’ management to ask whether I could photograph a concert. Luckily, they gave me the go-ahead.

That first concert really was a try-out. I wasn’t happy with the photos at all, because the settings weren’t right, but being there gave me something much more important: the discovery that this was what I had to do! Later, when I had to find an internship for school, I approached the online concert platform Podiuminfo. There, I was able to photograph lots of concerts. Sometimes I did 3 to 5. Because I produced so much, I learned a lot. I also learned to be flexible, because I was always working in different venues.’’

How do you recognise an Eva Captures concert photo?

“Usually, it’s a photo with lots of colour. It took a while before I realised that was my style: I always like to make use of the visuals and the lighting. I also spend a lot of time and attention on post-processing. In addition, I try to capture the moments when the artist is truly enjoying themselves. When placing photos on a website like Podiuminfo, I do think about the overall look and feel. Sometimes I choose a calm image to go with text written in that atmosphere, and other times I deliberately choose contrast by posting an energetic photo.”

What do you hope to convey with your photos?

“The artist’s passion! I also sincerely hope that people become enthusiastic after seeing my photos and discover new music styles. I also know how the audience feels. I love capturing those big smiles from fans at concerts. I like to bring that excitement into the picture. I know that a like from an artist on Insta feels good, and that a moment of contact during a concert is absolutely fantastic.’’

How did you master all the camera techniques?

“Mainly at Podiuminfo, because I was allowed to take on so much there. And in general: you learn the most by simply trying. Sometimes people ask me for tips via Instagram, for example about the settings I use during concerts. But I don’t have one single tip for that. It’s personal. It’s mostly a matter of trying things out until you’re happy with the end result. I think it’s important to get to know your camera inside out. You don’t necessarily need training for that. You get furthest with lots of motivation, confidence and curiosity.”

What would you like to develop further?

“My main focus is currently on concerts. I would like to shoot more portraits, though. I find it interesting to show different sides of an artist: who someone is on stage and who someone is before and after the show, without the spotlights. I want to start a series with portraits before the show and portraits after the show.’’

You work with Roxeanne Hazes…

“I came into contact with her when I was looking for a well-known Dutch person to photograph for my studies. I had photographed a Roxeanne Hazes show in Rotterdam. I posted a photo on Instagram and Roxeanne liked that post. She thought it was a great photo. I asked her whether I could photograph her backstage and on stage. She was enthusiastic about it. My final exhibition for my course ended up being about Roxeanne, and we still work together.’’ Eva laughs: “Nice, isn’t it? We know each other well by now and we also talk after the show. Sometimes Roxeanne then tells me what went wrong, something technical, and I hadn’t noticed it at all because she performed so exuberantly and enthusiastically.’’

- Roxeanne Hazes: “Eva is a fly on the wall, with images that go deep and feel intense”

What is nice about your collaboration?

“We have a good connection. When I’m walking around backstage, I don’t want to get in the artist’s way. I adapt and blend into the atmosphere. If someone is hyping themselves up and getting ready for the show, then I’m cheerful too and go along with it. If someone is withdrawn, I try to radiate calm. Roxeanne says she sees me as a fly on the wall, but with images that go deep and feel intense. I think that’s a huge compliment!’’

Taking the plunge now and then to achieve something. Do you have an example?

“Jack & Jack were on tour through Europe from the end of February to the end of March. Their first show was in Amsterdam. I really wanted to go there with Podiuminfo, but I couldn’t get in. Brussels or Paris then? That didn’t work either. After a lot of insisting, I was allowed to take photos in the UK. That gave me such a kick! I was the only photographer allowed in, apart from the permanent videographer. At the meet and greet, I told the band I was allowed to take photos, and they thought that was cool. During the concert, they saw me standing there, waved and responded very enthusiastically. I think I looked super happy too, haha, I was beaming behind my camera. Once I had my material, I put the camera away and danced a lot to their music. Wonderful! Something I’ll never forget.

After the show, I met the group again. I had posted a photo on Insta. Jack Johnson had liked that photo. We talked about the image and the concert. That was a golden moment for me.’’

Eva thinks for a moment and then says: “If you don’t speak up, you won’t get anywhere. Especially as a woman, it’s important to dare to do things. The music world and the concert photography world are still very male-dominated. I don’t let myself be intimidated. Not even when I walk to the front at concerts and men touch me inappropriately. Then I immediately give them a piece of my mind. I ask them why they think they have the right to do that. If I don’t do it, nobody will. It has to be talked about, and people need to realise where the line is between ‘OK’ and ‘absolutely not OK’.”

“With Jack & Jack, I was beaming behind my camera. Once I had my material, I put the camera away and danced a lot to their music.”

Which concert photographers do you think are good?

“The photographer Own The Light. His real name is Vitaly. I’ve been following him for a very long time. He is genuine and kind. I enjoy looking at his work. He really has his own style. It’s interesting to see how he grows.’’

How do you make sure you get backstage?

“That’s not always easy. Many artists have regular photographers. It does help if you build relationships within the concert photography world. I’m not really into deliberate networking, but I am spontaneous. I easily start a conversation with someone.”

How do you get the perfect photo spot?

“If there is a photo pit, I stand there. Otherwise, I make sure I’m there as early as possible. Then I try to stand right at the front. If I can’t be there very early and I have to stand in the audience, I try to wriggle my way as far through the crowd as possible, so I still have a good spot. I try to become friends with the people around me as much as possible. Then at least they are willing to give you a bit of space. If they ask what I’m taking photos for, I usually give them my Instagram account. People tend to think that’s cool.’’

How important is Instagram?

“Super important! I have a website because it looks professional and gives an overview, but I get followers and assignments through Instagram. I tag artists in concert photos, and they often respond to that. I do the same on Twitter: I get plenty of responses there too. I also regularly send DM messages to artists. It doesn’t always lead to something, but you never know. Look at Roxeanne. I also became the regular photographer for Secret Rendez-Vous that way. There are some cool lines open at the moment too. My motto is: a no you have, a yes you can get.”

What is your approach to band photos?

Eva smiles. “What do I always say again? Oh yes, I usually say something like: you just have to ‘be’ a little. Above all, I want to keep it nice and light, with some music on and a good atmosphere. I’m not into posing. Here and there, I make small corrections, if someone isn’t looking at the lens or isn’t standing straight. Other than that, I leave it up to the band. It has to be a combination of what the band wants and what I want. A band photo reflects who the band is, but yes, they didn’t choose me for no reason either. My style is allowed to come through too.’’

What do you still dream of?

“I have a long bucket list, but I’d rather not share it. It’s like making a wish, you know? As soon as you say it out loud, it won’t come true. So I’ll keep it to myself for now. What I can already tell you is that I really want to make that before-and-after-show series of artists. I would also love to go on tour with an artist sometime. A musician asked me recently, but I couldn’t go. Better luck next time? I’m sending a few emails here and there, and I’ll keep you posted when it happens.

It would also be great if, eventually, I could make a living from working as a concert photographer, but I’m realistic enough to know that won’t happen for the time being. I have fibromyalgia and also need to take breaks in between. Especially after a tour, that would be important.

We’ll see how it all goes. I don’t have a fixed plan. I don’t plan the future. I’m also very curious myself to see where I’ll be in five years.’’