Gig photography on a budget

In terms of making quality images on a budget, the faster the lens the better quality the picture. Even consumer grade cameras take good pictures when you have fast enough shutter speed to keep down the ISO. Better glass also provides sharper images with more pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds (better bokeh). So get lenses that can go to f/2.8 or even faster (f/2.0, f/1.8, or even f/1.4). These aren't cheap, but they make a big difference in live performance photography. Small clubs are notorious for poor lighting so the more light you can gather the better.

Camera bodies are getting better all the time. Image quality is improving a higher and higher ISO. Great images can be captured with lower and lower cost bodies  every year. I recommend spending more on lenses and less on the camera body. Lenses will last many years across many camera bodies. Camera bodies can be  upgraded over time as income permits while continuing to use the same lenses. So spend more money on lenses and get only the most camera you can really afford once you have mapped out your lens budget.

This is really a business decision so treat it like one. Carefully consider how much you can afford. First determine what lens(es) you really need to get started and how much they will cost, then map out what camera body you can get that will fit into the remaining balance of your budget.

Also don't buy on credit hoping you will instantly make a few dollars to pay off the credit card. Starting out in debt means you are playing catch-up from the very beginning. That is a bad way to start a business. Only spend cash that you already have in hand.

As for what equipment to start out with, good lenses and as good of a camera body as you can afford. Then get flash guns from your camera maker (they work best with your camera). Most places won't let you use flash so you don't have to have flash immediately. Lenses and camera body are the absolute minimum to get you started.

As for what to upgrade later, only you can answer that and the answer will be based on your experience as you go and what your desires are in terms of subject matter. If you want to continue live performance photography, that will dictate certain improvements in your gear. If you want to get into promo and studio work, you have to invest in proper studio lighting equipment when the time comes. If you want to do location work, you will need proper portable lighting equipment.

You will also have to learn more and more about the business of your clients over time so you can better market yourself to them and better position yourself to meet their needs. Remember that this is a business. If you want to get paid, you have to have the equipment that produces the images for the people who will pay for them. You can't eat, and you certainly can't upgrade your equipment, if you aren't getting paid. That means marketing yourself to the people who pay.

Bands seldom pay. Record labels, publications, venues and promoters pay. They stand to gain so they will make the investment. New bands don't net much money from shows so they won't part with it for your pictures. Their friends and fans will give them pictures for free so they won't spend money on yours. They don't recognize the difference it can make to their brand because they don't think like business people. And if they are a good band, they already get publicity so they won't justify the expense for that purpose either. And if they aren't a good band, they won't have the money to spend. Regardless, new bands or local cover bands rarely pay. They simply don't understand or recognize the return on investment.

I totally agree with Walter.

It's all about the glass. When we used to shoot film.....remember those good old days......It was always about the lens quality and the camera itself was just a film back. Pro's mainly bought cameras that were rugged and many kept them for many years.

In fact a nice Nikon F3 with the brass rubbed through was a badge of honor. It seems very weird to think a new generation of photographers are out there who don't know what on earth I'm going on about.

Now for the advice of the century.

The most important part of being a photographer is taking pictures. That final image that appears on the page.

Flashy camera does not equal great picture.

For reportage work which music photography essentially is I would recommend a fixed lens.......gasp/shock...why not a zoom lens?

A top of the range Nikon zoom will set you back around £1200. They are amazing and I use one. However they are big and i imagine that if you are starting out you will be shooting in small venues with your face right up to the lead singers toe. I would look at getting a 28mm f2 lens or similar in Canon.

The lens is small and wide which is great for live work and its a great backstage lens and it more intimate with the band.....and £1000 cheaper.

I also think it's easier to develope a style with a fixed lens

The great Robert Capa said "If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough."

I always tell my assistants to reinvest.

Every penny you earn from photography when starting out should be reinvested. Buy the best that you can afford. But that means buying the best quality not the best low budget zoom lens.

Everyone who starts photography falls under the equipment spell. It a powerful one that has you for ever believe me, but here is my mantra for buying cameras.

Is it going to make my photographs better?

Do I really need it?

and repeat, Do I really need it?

Good luck with your photography and I hope I've saved you a few £$£$£

Equipment list for starting out:

Flashgun with gels for all lighting conditions

Camera + lens ( you can buy a nikon d70 for $120)

Spare camera battery

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www.musicphotographers.co.uk