FRAMING
When shooting bands there is often more than one per-
son moving about on stage, using their whole body to
perform, and when I shoot them, I like to capture a mix
of frames. Much of it comes down to the personality of
your subjects. In my examples here, I knew the bass play-
er (see the image on page 67) is a bundle of energy on
stage, so I focused on angles that give enough informa-
tion to show what he does and the energy he puts out.
This usually means the shot is not your typical relaxed
stage pose but a close up of someone ‘in the moment’.
Often guitarists/singers will end the song on a high
note and guitar strum. Wait specifically for them to end,
then catch the shot. This is usually expressed with an out-
pouring of satisfaction at having performed the song well.FOCUS ON THE STORY
For me, focus isn't necessarily the sharpness of the im-
age, it’s more the intention of the image. More often
than not I shoot in manual focus. There are reasons for
that: I like to be ready and to live with what I get. But
importantly, there is also the real chance I’ll be a touch
out of focus, that in itself gives my images a unique
result. I feel as if I am always walking a tightrope when
shooting in these situations. I may end up with dirt or
I may end up with gold.
I often look at a shot and initially think that it didn’t
quite turn out as expected, but it may actually convey
the intention more strongly than if it had been a typi-
cally sharp, more perfect shot.
My point is there are great stories to be told from
an accidental or intentional blur. Don't be afraid to
experiment and challenge yourself.
Of course there are times that you should not be
afraid to burst shoot too. Often these moments are
purely based on instinct, such as that little click in your
head that says ‘I need to get this!’ When that happens,
I recommend you just f lick the switch and hold the
shutter release down.PHOTO TIPS: MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
“I FEEL AS IF I’M ALWAYS
WALKING A TIGHTROPE
SHOOTING IN THESE SITUATIONS.
I MAY END UP WITH DIRT
OR I MAY END UP WITH GOLD.”