Tips for at photographing at a music festival

Dave Lewis has been a professional photographer for over 15 years, specialising in wedding and product photography. We’ve also been lucky enough to have Dave as the official Dorsetfest photographer for several years. Thanks to Dave we have a treasure trove of images that capture the essence of Dorsetfest that we’ve been able to use to share as memories on social media, or to help with the marketing in posters and adverts. 

An example of how the Dorsetfest team have used Dave's images in marketing

As part of the preparation for #Dorsefest 2025 we decided to interview Dave to capture some tips for budding festival photographers, and here we share them. So whether you’re an official music festival photographer, or you’re just trying to capture better images for yourself, here we go…

PREPARATION:

Have a clear brief:  Knowing what the organisers (or you) want is important to make sure you don’t miss key shots. While the music is at the heart of festivals like #Dorsetfest, there are other elements that you don’t want to miss, such as the family entertainment, the camping, the holistic zone and more.  A “shot list” can help organise your day and make sure you don’t miss a key act or event.  

Kit:  Dave uses a kit list to make sure he has all the gear he needs for the day. This includes a couple of camera bodies with a choice of 2-3 lenses to cover a range of shots, alongside everything he needs to be self-sufficient through the day. This includes spare batteries (or power packs) and plenty of memory storage as he can easily capture 5,000+ hi res images.

Be physically fit:  Carrying a couple of cameras and all the extras for 12 or more hours across the entire festival site in all weather is physically demanding, so the fitter you are, the better.

ON THE DAY:

Start early:  Capturing the festival coming to life can offer opportunities that can stand out from the traditional band shots. Whether it’s a stunning sunrise across the site, or campers emerging, the photos can give a different perspective to the festival. It’s also a great opportunity to build early relationships with the festivalgoers while it’s quiet, that lead to opportunities later in the day.

Campsite waking up in the morning at Dorsetfest '24

Reportage and staged shots:  Most of the shots you take will be in a moment that can’t be repeated, so you need to make sure you’re constantly ready, anticipating or reacting to that moment. That said, there are moments of inspiration where you can take a little more time and use the festivalgoers to help create a more staged shot.  

Staging this shot didn't take the enjoyment from the image

Follow the music: When photographing band it’s easy to take unflattering photos, so remember that “musicians always do things on a tempo” which allow you to anticipate the best shot. Follow the words and wait for the singer to stop and step back from the mic, as you’ll generally capture a smile. Or count the drummer and time the raised arm for the cymbal splash.

The Few at Dorsetfest 2023

Take multiple images: “If you see a great shot, it’s crazy just to press the shutter once as you’re looking for that perfect moment”. This allows you to check each image to choose the best execution, taking out images where eyes are closed or there’s an issue with the background.

POST-PRODUCTION:

Take your time: With 5,000 or more images to go through post-production is 3-4 days work. Dave prefers to dip in and out when he can, and when the mood takes him. 

Shortlist key images: Dave catalogues the images in Lightroom and then uses the spray can feature to identify the best images to keep, before working on these.

Key elements to look for in a photo:  The composition and sharpness of the image are key, but Dave also ensures that the subject’s eyes are in focus as “life goes through the eyes”, and that there is nothing in the background that detracts from the image.

Jamie Jigsaw at Dorsetfest 2024 illustrating "life goes through the eyes"

Chronology: The images should tell a story, and a simple time chronology is often best, allowing the organisers to link the images to a time and band/event.

THREE KEY PIECES OF ADVICE:

1. Building relationships: Whether it’s with the organisers, the bands, or the festivalgoers, communication and relationships are key and can pay dividends later in the day,

   
   

2. Know how to use your kit: In the heat of the festival you need to be able to react fast to fleeting moments and relying on the “Auto” setting will limit your camera’s capability.

   
   

3. Be prepared to work crazy hours for little/no return: Festivals are highly competitive so there is little money, but being part of the festival gives you a different perspective and access to areas you wouldn’t be able to access as a festivalgoer. And you still have the beer and the music to enjoy.

A benefit of the role is being able to get behind the scenes