Pre-Shoot Checklist: How to Prepare for Concert Photography Like a Pro

Whether you're photographing a major music festival, a club gig, or an artist on tour, concert photography is fast, intense, and unforgiving. Lights change every second, the crowd never stops moving, and you only get one shot at capturing the moment.

And let’s be real: if you're not prepared, you're already behind.

This pre-concert photography checklist is designed to help you show up ready mentally, digitally, and logistically, so that you can focus on what matters: telling the story through your lens.

Step 1: Get in the Right Headspace Before the Show

Concert photography starts before the first note is played. Mental preparation helps you stay focused and anticipate moments in an unpredictable environment.

Research the Artist

• Study their performance style: energetic, intimate, theatrical?

• Look at recent shows on Instagram or YouTube.

• Anticipate moments: do they jump, crowd surf, or stay still in moody lighting?

Know the Venue

• Check venue photos online — lighting setups, pit size, sightlines.

• Ask photographer friends for tips if you haven’t shot there before.

• Know where you're allowed to stand and move during the set.

Understand the Timeline

• Confirm your access time and shooting window (3-song rule, full set, etc.)

• Arrive 30–60 minutes early to acclimate, scout, and breathe.

Set Custom Camera Modes

• Pre-load settings for low-light, high-speed burst, and manual ISO.

• Know how your camera handles harsh strobes, colored gels, and backlighting.

Dress for Discretion

• Wear black, comfortable, and non-reflective clothes.

• Think: ninja, not influencer. Be invisible, but confident.

Step 2: Prep Your Digital and Admin Details

Being digitally prepared makes you faster, more confident, and more professional when things get hectic.

Confirm Access and Credentials

• Screenshot wristbands, passes, and confirmation emails.

• Save contacts for the tour manager, PR rep, or venue coordinator.

Charge Your Phone (and Pack a Power Bank)

• You may need to show credentials, check schedules, or call for help.

• Low battery? Not an option.

Backups and Syncing

• Have a cloud backup ready (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) in case you lose gear or cards.

• Bring a backup hard drive to dump files right after the show.

The “30-Minute Rule” — Arrive Early or Regret It

I always aim to be at the venue 30–60 minutes early, and here’s why:

• You can walk the space, test light, and check stage layouts.

• You’ll meet security, talk to the artist’s team, and avoid last-minute stress.

• You’ll be mentally settled, not racing the clock.

  
  

  “Calm photographers shoot better. Period.”

Step 4: Shift Into Storytelling Mode

Once you’ve prepped everything else, take a moment to ground yourself. This isn’t just a job it’s a craft.

You're capturing emotion, movement, energy, and the story of the night. That requires focus, presence, and empathy.

So breathe. Get still. Then chase the chaos through your viewfinder.

Concert photography is a rush, a mix of adrenaline, art, and speed. But if you’re not ready, the best moments can slip away before your shutter even clicks.

Use this checklist as your ritual before every show, and you'll show up calm, confident, and creatively in control.