Finding Your Style

When I first picked up a camera to shoot live music, I didn’t have a clear style in mind. In fact, I wasn’t even thinking about what my “style” could be. I was simply focused on capturing the energy of the moment, snapping shots as quickly as possible without much thought. It was very much a point-and-shoot approach, just aiming at the stage and hoping the results would be good enough to show the vibe of the gig.

As a beginner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on. The flashing lights, moving musicians, and the sheer unpredictability of a live performance make it difficult to plan or anticipate shots. So, in the beginning, I stuck to the basics—trying to capture whatever I could, without putting too much thought into composition, lighting, or the finer aspects of photography.

Over time, though, things began to change. I started paying more attention to the results. I began noticing patterns in the photos I liked versus those I didn’t. Slowly, I realized that I wasn’t just shooting aimlessly anymore. I started to see more of a patten in my shooting. Certain angles, lighting choices, and moments on stage started to stand out more. It was like a hole new world, had opened up to me. Whether it was a close-up of a guitarist during a solo or a wide shot of the band silhouetted by stage lights, these were the types of photos I felt drawn to. Unconsciously, I was starting to develop a photography style.

At the same time, I became more aware of other photographers around me. Watching more established photographers work at the same gigs I attended was an eye-opener. Some would see them moving around, as they were looking around constantly, switching positions to catch different angles, interactions, or lighting effects. It was fascinating to see how they adapted to the environment and managed to capture moments I might have missed if I stayed in one place.

So, I started moving around more during shoots, too. When I saw experienced photographers relocating, I would follow their lead, trying to mimic their positioning and approach. In the beginning, this felt like imitation, but I soon realized it was part of the learning process. By moving around, I began to see the stage from different perspectives and found angles I hadn’t considered before. This added a new layer to my photography as I wasn’t just shooting what was in front of me; I was actively looking for moments, new viewpoints, and creative opportunities. As I continue to grow as a photographer, I can see how my style has evolved. It’s no longer about taking as many photos as possible and hoping some turn out well. Now, I’m more selective in how I approach each gig. I know this will sound strange, but I let the gig show me what to point my camera at. I think about how I want the final images to look—whether I want to focus on capturing the emotion of the musicians, the connection between the band and the crowd, or the dramatic effects of lighting and staging.

While I’m still learning and experimenting, my photography has become more intentional. I no longer feel like a passive observer just taking photos. Instead, I’m actively engaged in capturing the story of the performance in a way that reflects my evolving style. Watching and learning from others has been invaluable, but I’m also beginning to carve out my own identity in the world of live music photography. An, with this I could not be happier. Hey mum I have made it!