How I Got Started In Boston’s Concert Photography Scene

I’d been a fan of live music forever, spending money I didn’t have to go to shows I wouldn’t forget. I’d also been a photographer – mostly cityscape and landscape – for a number of years. I’d started taking photography more serious during COVID when going for walk with my new Sony a7iii was a reason to get out of my Boston apartment. Eventually my brain realized I could put two and two together and get four.

But I had no idea where to start.

I had a relationship with a local instagram account/creative hub that had a large following. I tried reaching out to a few shows as press but since I had no work to show and they didn’t really feature music photos, I got denied. So I took matters into my own hands.

I looked at the post-COVID schedules for a few of my favorite small concert venues around Boston, Cambridge, Allston and Somerville. Los Elk at the Sinclair stood out. It was a local band who sold out the 500 capacity venue. I figured I’d shoot my shot. I did this for about 5-6 other local artists as well. I didn’t care if they were playing a small bar with no lights, I wanted to bring my camera.

I quickly got a response from Los Elk. They were down to have me as part of the family for the night. So I watched about a billion YouTube videos on settings and styles for music photography. The night came and I was nervous as hell. In the end, I think I did alright (probably pretty well for a first show honestly). But more importantly, I built a great connection and bond with the boys in the band.

Always shoot your shot. No opportunity is too small. Almost every big artist was a small local artist at one point. I was able to show that I can take photos of concerts and capture the energy. My edits weren’t great, but I started developing my eye and style.

I’m still very close with Los Elk. We’ve done promo shoots and hung out outside of music. They’ve introduced me to other acts coming through town who have introduced me to other acts that I’ve been able to travel with.

Too many photographers are afraid to ask. The worst case is somebody tells you. “no.” Use that no as motivation to get a yes somewhere else.

Or they want to start with a concert at an arena. You’ll learn music photography best at small venue with no photo pit and crappy lighting. If you can make that work, a show with a spotlight and pyro will be easy.

But my biggest advice when people reach out? Do it because you love music. People can sense that and it will show in your work. Everyone is always improving and has different strengths. You can’t fake passion and love of the art in music photography.

Once I shot for Los Elk, I was able to get approved for smaller press gigs and hone my craft. It was a process to climb to bigger shows, but honing my craft is a process that’s always ongoing.

Check out some shots from my first ever concert photo gig with Los Elk below. And as always, reach out if you have questions.