5 Tips To Remember When Photographing Festivals

Its always exciting getting to take photos at a festival.  I recently took photos at Piratefest in Lincoln, NE.  Getting to not only photograph interesting and talented artists, but also share in the festivities of the night.  A few tips to any photographer looking to do event photography, specifically concerts and festivals.

1) Make sure to get photos of the band near the beginning of their performance.  Before they have sweat running down their face, before the lights cast shine over every curve, and if they wear makeup or face paint, before it is muddled and running. 

Not only this but bands that draw large crowds to the stage can be difficult to photograph.  Getting their photos near the beginning before they really get the crowd amped up allows you to move smoother through the people and get your photos.  On the other side, it also allows the crowd to only be interrupted during the first few songs instead of constantly having you get in their way.  They get to enjoy the show, and maybe mosh (depending on the band) and you get your perfect shots.  

2) Interact with the crowd.  Though you're there to photograph the bands, similar to a wedding, people like to see people having fun.  The location will love having photos to show future bookings and when people see people having a good time, they want to join in too.  

This can also be a great place and time to network.  See if those other bands have a photographer yet, or if the venue can promote you as a photographer when booking events.  

3) Keep in mind where the event takes place.  Is it inside or outside?  Is it in the middle of July or December?  Keeping in mind where and when the event is taking place is a crucial piece of information.  I've gone to festivals assuming from the name they would be outdoors only to realize as I arrived that they were in fact indoors and in very low light conditions.  Luckily, I have the ability and know how to adjust to these situations otherwise I'd have been in quite the panic. 

4) Flash that camera around.  Let everyone know you're a photographer.  This goes back to networking.  Show off the fact that you were hired to take photos at this event, or even if you're just taking photos for yourself, let everyone see that you know what you're doing.  A word of caution, make sure you aren't getting hammered when you're inviting others to check out your business, you wouldn't want them to think this is how you hold yourself when working professionally.

5) Don't forget your business cards.  I've been at a concert photographing a local band and had someone ask if I do weddings as well.  Since I do I showed her some of my stuff and she asked for a card.  Me being new to the game, at the time, had forgotten to grab a couple to bring with me.  I ended up writing down my information on a napkin (here want my number) which I'm sure got tossed away with a pile of receipts that had been hiding in her purse since last month.  Lesson learned, don't make that mistake.