Concert Photography with a Sony a7 III

Following the story about Sony’s market position from Bloomberg, I wanted to share a concert photo I took with a Sony a7 iii at Safeco field during one of Pearl Jams Home Shows. Before getting into that, I want to also note that I’m not a concert photographer…that’s a very specific genre with photographers that have either worked with the band for years or are on an assignment from an outlet like Rolling Stone.

Also, with respect to the band’s images, it’s of the crowd. They’re not even visible. What it does capture is the moment when 47K fans turned on their phone lights to shine back on the band who played a helluva show.

I didn’t expect it at the time—whoever does—but the photo went viral. It’s reached a quarter of a million people with a thousand plus likes and counting.

The Mirrorless Benefit

One of the reasons I originally started shooting with mirrorless was weight reduction—I most often take photos when I’m traveling on assignment for Bike Hugger, a cycling lifestyle outlet. And, also because of the smaller form factor, a Sony camera is often not recognized as a “pro” camera.

Outfitted with a lens like the Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA, it’s barely noticeable. The week prior I attended the Pixies/Weezer concert and got this lucky shot of Weezer’s frontman Rivers Cuomo. Again, I was there to enjoy the show and Rivers came out into the crowd, right in front of us.

Entering Safeco, I was hassled a bit by security and that’s the first time any Sony camera I’ve carried has been recognized as a pro camera. As I explained to the guard, it fits into a jacket pocket, and up in the nosebleed seats, I sure wasn’t planning a photo session.

The guard agreed, and I went on my way to later get the moment.

I was thrilled with the photo, happy to share it, and say thanks to the band. Also recognized vividly how fast Sony’s market position has changed in the past 3 years.

For an actual rock photographer, see the work of Greg Waterman who I got a portrait of during Kando.

I’m not recommending you break any rules at concerts, I take a camera with me pretty much everywhere, but if you want to get your own best shot, of course I’m going to recommend the [amazon_textlink asin=’B07B43WPVK’ text=’Sony a7 iii ($1998 on Amazon)’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’texturadesign-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’612a23af-9f33-11e8-a1f0-8b6e0174d585′] with [amazon_textlink asin=’B00FSB79KU’ text=’a 35MM lens ($798 on Amazon)’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’texturadesign-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’563c49d1-9f33-11e8-b36a-a5d3c47cc21c’].

I got the Weezer photo with the same setup and also told the security at the concert, the camera was for personal use (it was, I don’t shoot concerts, just get lucky now and then).

Also, for a review of the incredibly moving show, read rock critics reviews and this story from Consequence of Sound. Pearl Jam raised 11 million dollars for the homeless.

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