The 5 do’s and 5 don’ts of being a music photographer

I got into music photography by chance.

[Photo by: Alyson Coletta]

I was a student at a music college, I had a starter DSLR, and as a result, all of my classmates needed photos for gigs, promos and live videos. I didn’t take an intro course in photography or the business of it. Most music photographers haven’t, and that’s totally fine! The most common question asked is, “Do you have any tips to be a music photographer?” and honestly, the most important ones have very little to do with taking pictures.

Read more: 11 ways to completely destroy your music career

DO:

Be nice

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This might seem unnecessary, but it’s the most important rule. Simply be nice to people. It’s not hard to do. This is a complex industry with a lot of different parts going on at once. Be kind to the band members, management, venue security, other photographers, audio techs—everyone! We are all working together as one unit. Although at times it can be tough, you’d be surprised how far a positive attitude and outlook can take you.

Be professional

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It’s fair to say everyone who works in the industry is in it because we were (and still are) fans of the music. It can be a lot to process that first time you get to work with someone you admire, but you want them, most of all, to respect you as a professional. If you want to work in this industry, you need to treat it like a job; be calm and collected, and use your passion for the music to move you forward.

Be flexible

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Like I said, there is a lot is going on at once, and new tasks and challenges can be sprung upon you at any moment. Whether it’s changes in lighting, crowds, barricades or security, it’s not worth it to complain. Instead, find solutions and creative ways to overcome problems, because that’s what you are, a creative.

Be patient

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Things take time: approvals, connections, your skill set and more. Some months are really long and it can be hard to find work; but be patient, be proactive and improve your skills when you have down time. You never know when opportunities will come.

Be ready…

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…for literally anything—for jobs you never thought you’d take and ones that may take you places you’ve never been. Capture everything.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE: THE DON'TS

DON’TS:

Get lost in negativity

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Yes, times can be tough. Yes, our work is inconsistent and hard to plan around. But you need to remember why you’re in this in the first place. No matter what happens, when the lights raise up and the intro starts to play, have fun doing what you love to do.

Be complacent

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You can always improve on your craft, and you can always find new ways of expanding your talents. Don’t get stuck in doing the same thing over and over again. This is an ever-changing industry; keep up. 

Be afraid to stand up for yourself

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As with any freelance career, there’s a fair amount of gray area when it comes to payment, credit and rights for photographers. Most often, it’s due to miscommunication. Early on, make things as clear as possible. Know your own worth and ask for what you want so there’s no confusion.

Get in the way

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Our job is to be a fly on the wall—see but not be seen. You should never interfere with how a show runs. It’s important to know when you can and can’t stand side stage/onstage, and make sure you have proper clearance. Don’t be remembered for the wrong reasons!

Forget to take care of yourself

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While part of a crew, you help keep the show going—but you’re still a human being. There can be a worsening in mental and physical health, sleep deprivation, and a possibility to develop unhealthy habits while on the road because your daily routine is constantly changing. That makes it so important to be able to find the controllable things in your day to benefit your health. Whether it’s going on a run, getting morning coffee, listening to a podcast or finishing your work early so you can get some rest, it is extremely important to take care of yourself.