On Stage: Capturing the Energy of Live Music

Join Nikon Creator and professional music photographer for an exclusive, hands-on music photography class, providing you with the opportunity to shoot a live performance by .

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this workshop is designed to help you capture the raw energy and emotion of live music in all its vibrant, fast-paced glory — all while getting the opportunity to try out Nikon’s cutting-edge Z6III mirrorless camera and a selection of NIKKOR Z-Series lenses.

In this immersive four-hour session, you'll learn essential techniques, settings, and tips to excel in live music photography, from working in low light to framing the perfect shot. You'll get the chance to put your skills to the test by shooting a live band and receiving real-time feedback.

Skill level required:

Intermediate - To get the most out of this class, it is recommended that you have a good grasp of photography basics and your camera system.

Images by Michelle Grace Hunder

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Music Photography

• Overview of Music Photography: What makes music photography unique and the different types of music photography (concerts, portraits, promotional).
• Essential Gear: Discussion on cameras, lenses, and other accessories best suited for live music photography.
• Settings & Techniques: A quick overview of camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture) and techniques specific to shooting in low-light and high-motion environments.

2. Understanding the Venue and Lighting

• Assessing the Venue: How to quickly evaluate the venue for potential shooting angles and lighting conditions.
• Stage Lighting: Understanding different types of stage lighting and how to work with them (spotlights, coloured lights, backlighting).
• Overcoming Challenges: Tips for dealing with challenging lighting situations, such as low light or harsh stage lights.

3. Composing the Perfect Shot

• Framing & Composition: Techniques for composing dynamic and engaging shots in a live setting.
• Capturing Emotion & Energy: How to capture the energy of the performance and the emotions of the musicians.
• Shooting in Crowded Spaces: Tips for navigating through crowds and getting the best angles without disrupting the performance or the audience.

4. Live Band Shoot

• Hands-On Practice: Participants shoot a live band in action, applying what they’ve learned about composition, lighting, and camera settings.
• Guided Shooting: Offer on-the-spot feedback and guidance as participants capture different aspects of the performance (wide shots, close-ups, crowd interaction).
• Experimentation: Encourage participants to try different angles, perspectives, and techniques to capture unique shots.

5. Review & Critique Session

• Image Review: A selection of participant photos is reviewed, with constructive critique focusing on what worked well and areas for improvement.
• Post-Processing Tips: Basic tips on how to enhance music photography in post-processing (adjusting exposure, dealing with noise, emphasising colors).

6. Q&A and Wrap-Up

• Q&A Session: Open the floor for any questions related to music photography, gear, or techniques.
• Final Tips: Share any additional advice or resources for participants to continue improving their music photography skills.
• Closing Remarks: Recap key points and encourage participants to keep practicing and exploring their creativity.

What to Bring

• Mirrorless or DSLR camera
• Fully charged camera battery/s
• Memory cards including spares.
• Variety of lenses covering focal lengths from 14mm-200mm
• Comfortable walking shoes along with studio-appropriate clothing
• Hair ties for tying down long hair
• Bottled Drinking Water & Snacks

Host or Publisher Nikon School Australia