Four Things to Get for Photographing Music Festivals
So you’ve been approved to photograph a music festival? Congrats! That’s huge! I still remember when I got approved to photograph my first music festival back in 2021 down in Pryor, Oklahoma for Rocklahoma. I’ve shot a ton of concerts, but a festival was definitely a different kind of beast. I had a blast, but now looking back on it I wish I would of had these 4 different items with me:
Camelbak Hydration Backpack - hydration is a huge thing, and you’re going to be drinking TONS of water throughout the date. This will be your best bet to beat hydration, and to keep your hands free. I’ve been to about 5 or 6 festivals now and almost everyone had free water for media. You’ll be so glad to have this.
2. Knee Pads - your knees will thank me for this later. You never know when you want to get at a lower angle to get the perfect shot, and a lot of times that means getting on your knees. Shout to my amazing photographer friend, Andy Wenstrand, from SXSW for showing me this. This will save you tons of knee pain later on down the road.
3. Watch -festivals are all about staying on time so that’s why you’ll need a wrist watch. Sure, you could use your Iphone, but if you’re doing an 5 to 8 hour a day festival then you will probably want to preserve that phone battery life. It also is just so much more convenient to have your watch on your wrist.
4. Sun hat - I know, I know, they’re super dorky, but you won’t be caring about fashion once you’re out in the sun for 5 - 8 hour a day. These things are life savers, and will keep you way cooler than a ball cap. You can also feel like the Indiana Jones of the music festival (just please don’t whip anybody), and plus, you can use the brim to keep the sun out of your eyes.
Honorable Mentions
Portable Step Ladder: I’m 6 foot 5 so a lot of time it’s pretty easy for me to shoot over people, but for my short friend I totally understand why you’d want to get a step latter. A lot of the times the best shots come from the back of the audience where you can see all of the bands members, and the amazing stage designs these festivals entail.
Sun Screen: Skin health is huge. You’re going to be spending many many hours outside under the beating sun during the hottest parts of the year so you definitely want to make sure you protect that precious skin of yours. You want to leave with amazing memories and photos, and not some terrible form of skin cancer.
Would you have included anything else? Did I miss anything at all?
Please let me know if I did, and I’ll definitely try it out this festival season!