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Placebo asks fans to stop shooting concerts with their phones

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As a photographer, I’m very grateful for the existence of phone cameras. However, when I go to concerts, I can’t get over the fact that so many people watch them through their teeny tiny displays. They not only miss the show, but they block the view for all of us behind them.

While I received lots of hate for my rant on this topic, I’m not the only one who detests all those phones up in the air during concerts. In fact, performers hate them too, and Biran Molko and Stefan Olsdalof Placebo recently expressed it quite clearly.

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How to take classical musician portraits that rock

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If you shoot portraits at all I can almost guarantee that you’ll get asked at some point by a musician to have some images taken. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur it doesn’t seem to matter. Musicians are generally hungry for photographs and need a constant carousel of images for their publicity and social media.

However, it’s not always that straightforward to take a great shot of a musician. And generally, they don’t just need action shots of them playing, they need a mixture of headshots, shots with the instrument, full-body shots, atmospheric shots, and often shots that would work on an album cover, even in today’s age of digital music downloads.

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Wannabe a rock star photographer? Here’s how the pros do it

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Led Zepellin, The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Police… If you could choose any band or musician to photograph who would it be? The role of rock band photographer has got to be one of those coveted jobs, and for a lucky few, it’s their day-to-day life.

Chicago City Winery house photographer Phil Solomonson has shot all of those groups, and more. DIYP caught up with him (before he jets off to photograph the Police’s drummer Stewart Copeland) to find out what tips he has for anyone aspiring to be a rock concert photographer.

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Photographer dies from hypothermia on busy Paris street after being ignored

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Swiss photographer René Robert died after suffering a dizzy spell and falling on a Paris street in his neighbourhood. Robert was ignored by passersby and was left lying on the sidewalk for 9 hours until somebody finally called emergency services. Sadly by then, it was too late, and the esteemed 84-year-old photographer succumbed to hypothermia.

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How to use speedlights when shooting live music performances

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There seems to be a popular conception out there that you don’t use flash under any circumstances during musical performances. While good manners and etiquette might suggest that this should be the default position to take when not told otherwise, there are times when flash is allowed and can bring you some fantastic results that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to achieve.

Like, if you’re there specifically to photograph the band. But how do you use the lights? How do you know where to put them for a live event when you don’t know what your subject’s going to do and where they’re going to do it? Well, this video from professional music photographer Todd Owyoung via Creative Live is going to tell and show you how.

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How to photograph violins like the Stradivarius magazine

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I get asked to photograph some pretty interesting things, and sometimes these things create some unique problems to solve. Here I’ll take you behind the scenes of a recent shoot for a violin maker and show you how I photographed this series of a violin in a way that is both a document of the instrument and also a beautiful wall poster.

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How to take striking and intoxicating photos, Anton Corbijn style

If you’ve listened to Depeche Mode, U2, or Joy Division, chances are that you’re also a fan of Anton Corbijn. Dutch photographer, film, and music video director is among the most popular music photographers of today. I personally am a big fan of his unique style, and if you are too, this video is perfect for you. Alex Kilbee of The Photographic Eye guides you through Anton Corbijn’s career highlights but also breaks down his photographic style to give you a better insight into what makes it so special.

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Readers’ choice: Here are top ten of YOUR favorite photography songs

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Last week, I shared with you ten of my favorite photography songs. I had tons of fun writing that article and I loved seeing you coming up with more great suggestions after it was published. So, I decided to make another list. Only this time, you are the DJs. Here the top ten songs about photography, photographers, or photos that DIYP readers have suggested. And just like last time, there’s a very special bonus, too.

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Photography rocks: Here are my 10 favorite photography songs

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Whenever someone asks me what inspires me as a photographer, one of the answers is always music. I love it when different forms of arts intertwine, and I know many photographers who are inspired by music just like I am.

But it appears that photography inspires musicians as well. Some of them take photos, and others write songs about it. I already wrote about great musicians who are also great photographers (twice). And today, I bring you my top ten songs about photography, photographers, or photos. Turn up the volume and enjoy this mashup of photography and music!

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Famous rock and roll photographer Baron Wolman dies at 83

Baron Wolman, the author of some of the most iconic rock and roll photos, passed away on Monday. He was the first Rolling Stone staff photographer and a person who documented Woodstock, as well as many other events in the 1960s and later. Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and many other legends were in front of his lens.

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