©Cheryl Alterman Photography
As a concert photographer, my love of music and photography combine to create my own unique style of music photography. Capturing the energy of a live show is something for which I have a deep passion. However, many people don't realize that the magic doesn't just stop when you press the shutter button. In fact, the real artistry of concert photography lies in the editing process that follows. So, what are some of the best editing practices for concert photography? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Good lighting and resolution are the most important elements in capturing, editing and producing good photos.
#1. Get the right software
Picking the right software is an important decision when editing photos, and Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are two of the best out there. I used Lightroom for many years, then a few years ago I was urged by a Photoshop teacher to switch to Photoshop. Both are highly rated and equipped with advanced editing tools, they both offer everything you need to take your photography to the next level. From custom cropping and exposure adjustments to RAW image processing capabilities. Lightroom and Photoshop are highly intuitive and perfect for anyone looking for powerful editing solutions.
©Cheryl Alterman Photography
#2. Start with the basics
Before you start experimenting with loftier editing techniques, make sure to hit the basics. This involves adjusting your photos exposure, contrast, and saturation levels, as it will allow you to create a vibrant and balanced image. Don't be afraid to play around with these settings until you achieve the desired result - mastering these basic skills is key to producing professional-grade photographs. Many of my concert photography colleagues rely on carefully adjusting these parameters for their shots, after all they say practice makes perfect - familiarizing yourself with fundamental editing features is a great place to start when perfecting your photography technique.
#3. Focus on the details
Taking great concert photos begins with an eye for detail. Think about all the elements that contribute to a jaw-dropping photo: the clarity of each image, the balance between noise and sharpness, and of course, those amazing colors and also the striking black and white look. Don't be afraid to take your time and really hone in on each photograph. Making sure each detail is perfected will make a huge impact, ultimately giving you far more stunning results than you could have imagined.
#4. Experiment with different styles
Trying out different editing styles can be a great way to see which ones work best for you. Experimenting with black & white filters, vintage effects, and cropping gives you the flexibility to create an individual style that really resonates with viewers. Why not explore the possibilities of different looks until you find something that speaks to your creative soul? You may be surprised at the types of results that come after branching out and experimenting.
#5. Don't overdo it
Editing can be a fun and even meditative experience, but it is important to remember that sometimes less is more when making adjustments to your photo. Don't be tempted to add all sorts of effects and filters just for the sake of it – this can often make the image look tacky or unprofessional. It's best to trust your eye and let the subject of your photo shine through with minimal distraction from post-processing work. Keep it simple to make the most impact, and let the beauty of your subject shine through. I prefer to capture the essence of the musician and the music being played, rather than add a bunch of filters and effects.
©Cheryl Alterman Photography
Enhancing Your Band Concert Photography with Editing
First things first, back up your photos so nothing gets lost along the way; I recommend saving them both onto an external hard drive and into a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive for extra security. Then it’s time to dive into editing. One of my favorite tricks for making my photos pop is adjusting contrast levels; often, music venues have inconsistent lighting that makes everything look washed out or dulled down by the end of a show—but properly adjusting contrast levels can add drama and depth back into photos quickly and easily. I also recommend playing around with white balance because this allows me to control how warm or cool my photos look overall; if I want something more vibrant than usual, then increasing warmth does wonders for creating moody yet vivid images. And finally—don't forget about cropping. Sometimes cropping out certain elements can really help focus your audiences attention right where you want it—on who (or what) truly matters most in your image.
Capturing the Magic of Concert Photography
Concert photography requires skill and creativity both behind the lens and during
post-production editing processes for photos to look their best. By using the right software and these tips, you can elevate your concert photography game and capture stunning shots every time. But if you don't want to take on the editing job, let me do the capturing and
editing for you. I have years of experience as a professional concert photographer, so you can trust that your photos will be in good hands. Specializing in vibrant colors and bold contrasts, I strive to capture the essence of the live performances and the music being played. Get in touch with me today for more details. Excitement, energy, and emotion create lasting memories through my photography. So, leave the hard work up to me and get incredible images without any hassle. Contact me to shoot your next show, or studio shots: themusicsoupinfo@gmail.com
All photos ©Cheryl Alterman Photography
Comments