The Beginning: How It All Started!

​My journey into music photography was born from a deep passion for both music and photography. Each played a significant role in my life, but it wasn’t until I began combining them that I truly found my creative calling. Music has always been an emotional experience for me—whether it’s a concert, a band rehearsal, or just listening to an album at home, music has the power to take you somewhere else. Photography, on the other hand, has always been my way of capturing moments and telling stories. When I discovered I could bring these two worlds together, I was hooked.

Early Experiences with the Nikon D3000:

My first real experience in music photography happened when I brought my Nikon D3000 to shoot Bentham’s Head at The Gasometer Hotel. The D3000 was an entry-level DSLR, and I was still very much a beginner, trying to figure out how to work with the camera in a fast-paced environment like a live gig. The lighting was dim and moody, which made things difficult, but the challenge was also what excited me. It was my first time trying to capture the energy and atmosphere of a live performance, and I wanted to do it justice.

I remember feeling both nervous and excited as I snapped away, trying to keep up with the dynamic nature of the show. My settings weren’t perfect, and I didn’t have much control over the lighting, but the experience taught me a lot about the unpredictability of concert photography. I learned quickly that live shows were not like controlled studio environments. Things happen in real-time, and I needed to be ready to capture those fleeting, special moments.

While the Nikon D3000 was a great introduction into the world of DSLR cameras, I soon realized its limitations when it came to live music photography. The low-light performance wasn’t great, and the autofocus struggled with fastmoving subjects on stage. But despite these challenges, my early gigs with this camera were invaluable experiences. They pushed me to think creatively and to work within the limitations of my gear. The Nikon Z6ii Upgrade

As I became more experienced and started attending more gigs, I decided to upgrade to a Nikon Z6ii with a Nikkor 24-70mm lens. This camera brought with it a whole new level of capability, and I remember how excited I was to put it to use. My first gig with the Z6ii was a daytime show for the band Gaia. Shooting in daylight provided a completely different set of challenges compared to my earlier low-light gigs. The Z6ii’s autofocus and ability to handle various lighting conditions gave me the freedom to experiment with different compositions and angles.

The 24-70mm lens was perfect for this kind of shoot. It allowed me to capture wide shots of the entire band while also zooming in for close-ups of individual performers. The difference in quality was immediately noticeable. The photos from that Gaia gig were sharper, more detailed, and more vibrant compared to anything I had shot before. I finally felt like I had the right tools to match my vision.

The Emotional Connection to Live Gigs:

Those early gigs were filled with excitement, anticipation, and a lot of learning. The adrenaline rush of being in the pit, capturing the intensity of a live show, was addictive. There’s something uniquely special about live music photography—it's unpredictable and raw, and you have to be constantly alert to capture the right moment.

Every time I stepped into a venue, whether for a small gig or a bigger show, I felt deeply connected to the music and the performance in front of me. These gigs taught me patience, timing, and the importance of being in sync with the rhythm of the band.

Conclusion:

What initially drew me to music photography was a simple love for both art forms. But those early experiences, from using my Nikon D3000 at Bentham’s Head to upgrading to the Nikon Z6ii for Gaia, were what truly ignited my passion. Each gig, whether in low light or bright daylight, was a new adventure that shaped my journey. Through it all, my love for capturing the energy and emotion of live music has only grown stronger.