Customer Reviews

Concert Photograpy: How to Shoot and Sell Music Business Photographs

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book presents a very thorough overview of shooting live music, but all of the information is dated to the mid-1990's - and LOTS has changed since then, particularly in terms of photographic and publishing technologies. The author continually refers to the 'emerging' trend in desktop publishing and makes only vague reference to digital technologies. All of the technical info assumes one is shooting film and mailing slides to prospective buyers, and the author mentions burning cd's with your scanned images as an up and coming 'new' option. The appendix offers a pretty exhaustive list of music publications, but who knows if any of that info is actually still valid, and it doesn't include any online resources. Plus, it's missing all the great publications that have emerged in the last 10 years, plus all the online blogs and music-oriented sites that could be useful for photographers shooting music in this century. Also, the chapter on legalities must be approached with due caution as some of those laws have changed or been augmented in ways that can impact photographers. The only info that is still marginally useful should already apparent to anyone who has shot any live music before, and that's the info on developing relationships with bands/venues/publications/etc, proper etiquette at shows, securing press passes, etc. That stuff hasn't changed so much, but it should already be pretty apparent to any halfway resourceful, observant, and intelligent photographer.

I'd really like to see the author revise and update this book to include relevant information about live music photography in the 21st century. He provided great info the first time around, and the only real fault is how drastically outdated most of the information is now due to the rapid development of new technology in the field over the last ten years. It would be a fantastic book if it was updated to include information on digital photography and techniques, marketing and publishing your photos in this digital age, navigating the influx of mediocre publishing outlets, making your work stand out in a flooded niche market, current legal issues, up to date appendices and online resources, etc. Unfortunately, as it is, this book is not worth the time or money unless you're just feeling nostalgic for the good ole days.

A friend of mine gave me this book as a gift to fuel my desire and passion of live music photography. That was four years ago ... for the past 3 1/2 years I've been successfully working in 'the pit' for every major and up and coming artist and band that tours! The book is GREAT for BEGINNERS who are just trying to figure out where to begin and how to go about securing credentials for gigs. The book is very well written and covers all the aspects of questions within the music industry regarding imagery and credentials ... it also does well in covering the brick walls that you find yourself faced with in pursing a career in this very fickle and spur of the moment change the music biz throws at you. CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY is a MUST HAVE for any who wish to give this path a 'go'. My copy has a VERY worn cover and it's one I will treasure in my library of music info permanently!

Anyone interested in pursuing a career or even hobby as a music-business photographer should buy and read Concert Photgraphy by Jon Sievert before exposing their first roll of film. It is that fundamental. But the beauty is, the book will remain an exceptional resource even to working professionals with years of experience because it is also that thorough. I had photographed friends' bands in small clubs, but was not confident in my techniques, nor did I have the slightest idea how to progress to the next level -- gaining access to photographing known bands in larger venues. I discovered Concert Photography, and quickly realized that it was exactly the resource I had been wishing for all along. It was largely due to the immensely practical advice Sievert offers that enabled me to confidently pursue a gig as house photographer at a club that hosts national touring acts. I have now been shooting there for 6 months, and things are going great. I continue to refer to this book for advice on technique, and am just now starting to go back to it for advice on marketing my images. I expect similar success. Aside from the fact that this is the ONLY book I know of that is devoted exclusively to Concert Photography, it is hard for me to imagine that any book on this subject could be more intelligently organized, more clearly and entertainingly written, or more complete. I felt as if I had gained months (years?) of experience after just one reading. And Sievert's photographs are awesome -- they provide all the accreditation he'd need, even if he didn't have some 30 years under his belt as a working pro.

There's more than one reason why you should order Jon Sievert's book, "Concert Photography." First and foremost is the valuable information contained within. Not only will you learn technical aspects of this extraordinarily challenging type of photography, but you will also gain the knowledge of who to contact in order to get photo and backstage access. Then, once you've shot some shows, Jon shows you the many different ways in which you can use the photos in order to gain recognition, profit and hopefully, more work. Mr. Seivert's photos illustrate his points perfectly. The photos alone are worth the purchase. Most importantly, the book is written in a readable and sometimes humorous manner. Everyone from an eager novice (me) to a seasoned pro will benefit immensely from reading this book. If you are serious about taking performance pictures and profiting from your work, this guide will stay with you throughout your career. It is informative, entertaining, and a valuable asset to any serious photographer. I only wish I had found it BEFORE I shot three concerts.

The book has some helpful tips, but it is very dated for the price (particularly when you get the rush shipping, but that was my fault). Technology wise, it glosses over digital photography as some futuristic dream that is still years away unless you have a newsroom budget (a newsroom budget from the early 90's mind you).
The tips for the business side also don't take into account the changes that have occurred in both photography or the music industries (ie selling and protecting your work in the digital age).
The tips for actually taking pictures are helpful, but can be found any of the more recent photography books.
Though the book has some great images in it, unless it was updated I couldn't recommend it as useful guide in todays market.

I believe that this book will be the nearest thing that will specifically speak about concert photograhy. I recently got into concert photography. I needed a book to help me figure out certain things like low light photography, equipment, ect. I've bought other low light photography books but they were never as specific as this one. I can definitly say that I learned a lot. I wish Sievert would have spoken a bit more about digital photography but overall it has great methods and technics for you to have a basic understanding of concert photography.

Concert Photography could very well be the finest book on photography that I have read. It touches on many aspects of photography while offering advice specific to concert photography. It is very well written, and written so that any level of photographer can enjoy. I did not want to put it down. Jon offers several tips on film, cameras dealing with managers, band members and just about anything you could possibly want to know. Even though I have shot several concerts there were still many tips that will help me in the future. I recommend this book as much as any thing can be recommended. Read and enjoy!

Book was well written and to the point. Covers every aspect of what you need to do to get started as well as how to remain in demand. From establishing a contact to selling your prints for profit, this book covers it all. Good coverage of technical aspects of photography as well as the business and personal relations topics of the profession. Easy reading. Real-life experiences (do's and don'ts) by author and other professionals make you aware of potential pitfalls/blunders as well as ways to conduct yourself as a professional with the band, management, etc. Highly recommended.

I ordered this book after seeing great reviews for it throughout the internet. I have been doing concert photography for about a year now (2000-2001) and have been working my way up, slowly... But that is Ok.. Anyway, back to the book! Buy this book! It will offer you some fantastic advise and give you insight in to how these crazy music people work. The only thing better than this book is real world experience in 'the trenches'
Molly R.
RaveShots.Com

This is a must-own book for any serious photographer. The equipment reviews, business tips and hints on technique will prove useful far beyond the concert venue. Intelligent, well organized and exceedingly practical. Great photos by the author throughout.