Want To Be A Music Photographer? You Need To Read Michelle Grace Hunder's Tips

Tip 1: Always Wear Black

Why you ask? Well a couple of reasons, but it's basically an industry rule that it's the uniform of all crew working on a show, so this extends to photographers shooting a show. It means we are not distracting, and fade into the darkness when shooting, ESPECIALLY if you are shooting from the stage.

It also looks professional and means you never have to stress too much about what to wear, have a good collection of black jeans and black t-shirts (and comfortable shoes) and you are good to go!

Tip 2: Post Flattering Photos

It might sound like common sense, but post flattering photos of the artists you are shooting. No one wants to see ugly photos of themselves, and it's a sure fire way of artists remembering who you are for the WRONG reasons! 

Artists are human, and it can be especially upsetting to see an unflattering photo of themselves all of the Internet after a show. So take this into consideration when selecting your photographs to post.

Tip 3: Do Not Take Photos Of Your Pass

This is a huge one, if you are granted a photo pass or a AAA pass, DO NOT post photos on the Internet. 

It's an easy way people and replicate them for access to shows in other cities, and it absolutely can get you banned if a tour manger or publicist sees you doing this. You might be excited to shoot a show, but my strong advice is to not post any passes!

Tip 4: Use Presets

This can be controversial, but I am a HUGE fan of using pre-sets to edit shows, especially as a starting point for your edit. If you are trying to start each show from scratch, it can take a long time. Presets are a wonderful way of starting at a point and getting a good base, and you can tweak from there. Make your own show presets as well! 

The main thing with edits is you need to get them out quickly. How quickly? If I'm on tour,  I will turnaround photos in an hour. When you are starting out this will take a long time, but always have edits turned around by the next morning. Lunch time at the LATEST!

Tip 5: Clarify Usage With Your Client

One of the biggest mistakes photographers make when they start out is they had over files and they don't stipulate how they can be used, and then they can be upset if they see they’ve been used in a way you are not intending for the price charged (or, not charged in some instances). 

Be clear when you shoot a show and hand over files, that they are for X usage. Let's say it's social media use only - write that in the email and make it clear if it's usage outside that, there is an additional fee. Being clear and concise will save you confusion and awkwardness if there is any use outside what you are intending.

Michelle Grace Hunder's Masterclass is live now, head here for all the info and to sign up.