I love bringing a camera along to concerts. Even better if it’s a film camera with some black and white loaded. These days, it is a toss up if they even let you in the door with a digital camera, but a film camera usually starts a conversation. “Hey, that’s a cool camera!” One door attendant said, “woah! That’s one of the old ones” another pointed out through security.

Only once I got some grief for having a film camera. They said it was not okay to use, but my cell phone was fine… not sure the logic, but okay. (Still managed half a roll)

It is not my job to be at a concert and take photos for the performer. I am a face in the crowd, so you don’t need a telephoto lens or to be front row. I throw on a 50mm or a 35 and capture the atmosphere of the show.

Being apart of the crowd brings a new energy and layer to your photographs. It is almost a placement of your view and experience at the time. Your perspective.

I love using black and white film in these cases as it helps remove distractions and really makes you think about composition and light. Black and white and music photography go hand in hand. Like anything Jim Marshall created over the years, those photos would not be the same if done in color. Just something about a grainy photo of a telecaster and stage lights hit different than on a color.

Here is a compilation of some of my favorites the last few concert seasons.

Don’t forget to bring your camera next time.

All film shot and developed at home. For 90% of these photos, it’s pushed a stop in HC110B and my shutter speed is usually 30th or 60th at F2. That combo usually does the trick for a dark stage and lights.