If you've never booked a photographer for a gig before, it's normal to not quite know what to expect. Here's a plain look at how a live music photography session usually goes, whether it's a small local pub show or a bigger venue in Newcastle.
Before the gig
A quick chat beforehand helps. Knowing the venue, stage lighting, set length and whether you want candid crowd shots, posed promo shots, or both means I can plan for it rather than improvise on the night. If you need images fast for a same-week release or social post, say so up front.
During the shoot
Good gig photography is about timing more than anything else. I work quickly and move around the room rather than staying fixed at the barrier, catching the moments that show the energy of the performance without getting in the way of it or the crowd. For bands wanting promo shots alongside live coverage, I'll usually grab a few minutes before doors or during soundcheck when the light is easier to control.
After the shoot
Turnaround depends on how the images are being used. A few key shots can usually be turned around quickly for same-week social posts, with the fuller edited set to follow. Images are delivered formatted for both social media and web use, so they're ready to go straight onto Instagram, a press page or a release announcement.
Covering Northumberland and Newcastle
Most of my gig work is across Northumberland and Newcastle, from small local venues to bigger city stages, and I'm always happy to travel further across the North East for the right show. You can see more of it on the music photography page.
If you've got a gig coming up and want photography that actually captures what the night felt like, get in touch and we'll talk through what you need.