Events: Concerts
Capturing memorable moments at events requires more than just pointing and shooting—it’s about telling the story of the day through your photos. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, or corporate gathering, taking great event photos means being mindful of the lighting, angles, and timing.
Beatles Experience Argentina: In the image above, we use the lighting to our advantage. We wanted to highlight that this was a live show with all the energy and fun of the original Beatles Band. If you ever have a chance to see this band, they are simply amazing! Check them out! https://www.facebook.com/groups/117275875735
Tips for Capturing Events, Concerts, and Live Performances with Your Smartphone
Arrive Early for the Best Angles – Getting to an event early allows you to scout the best vantage points before the crowd fills in. A higher or side angle can give you a clearer view.
Use Burst Mode for Action Shots – Performers, speakers, and dancers move quickly! Burst Mode helps capture multiple frames so you can pick the sharpest and most dynamic shot.
Adjust for Low-Light Conditions – Concerts and events often have dim or changing lighting. Night Mode or adjusting ISO (if available) helps brighten shots without excessive noise.
Avoid Using Flash – Flash is often not permitted. It can wash out performers, annoy other attendees, and be ineffective in large venues. Instead, use available stage lighting creatively.
Capture the Energy of the Crowd – Including the audience’s reactions, waving hands, or phone lights creates a more immersive and exciting image.
Use Different Perspectives – Wide shots show the full stage and crowd, while zooming in captures facial expressions and emotional intensity. Try both!
Experiment with Silhouettes – A performer against bright stage lighting or a crowd backlit by screens can make for stunning, dramatic compositions.
Steady Your Shot for Sharp Images – Concerts and events can be chaotic and shaky. Use a tripod, phone stabilizer, or brace against a surface to keep your images sharp.
Use Video or Slow-Mo for Impact – Some moments are best in motion. Capture short video clips or slow-motion shots to add variety to your event coverage.
Frame the Stage Creatively – Use stage lights, hands in the air, or crowd silhouettes to naturally frame the main performer or speaker.
Look for Emotional Moments – Capture raw reactions—laughter, excitement, intense focus—whether from performers or the audience. These moments tell the best stories.
Edit for Atmosphere – Slightly boosting contrast, adjusting white balance, and enhancing colors can bring out the vibrant energy of concerts and events without making them look unnatural.
By combining movement, lighting, and audience reactions, you can capture the emotion and excitement of any live event with your smartphone!
“Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory. ”