Concert photography is a whirlwind of energy, music, and fleeting moments. Over the past few month, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to capture the electric atmosphere of festivals like Greenfield, Paleo, Summerside, Baden in Blut, Country & Trucker and many more.
Each experience has been a unique challenge and a rewarding learning curve.
Greenfield Festival was my first major dive into concert photography this year. The lush alpine backdrop provided a stunning contrast to the vibrant performances. From indie rock to metal and rock beats, I immersed myself in a world of diverse music and passionate headbangers. The challenge was balancing the natural and harsh light with the stage lighting, and capturing the raw energy of the crowd.
Paleo Festival was a completely different beast. The intense heat and the festival’s focus on rock and rap created a high-energy environment with 250’000 people in a large festival area. Photographing in these conditions demanded quick reflexes and the ability to withstand the crowd’s enthusiasm. The reward? Epic crowd shots and intense performer portraits. And some muscle soreness from walking between the stages.
Summerside offered a more relaxed atmosphere, but don’t be fooled by the laid-back vibe. The challenge here was capturing the essence of a rainy and muddy festival while maintaining the intensity of the performances. Experimenting with different angles and perspectives helped me create unique images that reflected the festival’s spirit. All that was challenging my gear and myself.
The Country & Trucker Festival was a departure from the mainstream. The gritty, authentic atmosphere presented a new set of challenges. I had to adapt to the darker stages and capture the raw emotion of the performers. The result was a collection of images that reflect the festival’s unique character.
What I’ve learned
Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of versatility, adaptability, and technical proficiency. Every festival presents its own unique challenges, and being able to quickly adjust my settings and approach is crucial. Additionally, understanding the music and the artists helps me capture the essence of their performances.
I’m excited to continue this journey, exploring new festivals and pushing the boundaries of my photography. Stay tuned for more adventures behind the lens!
