Need a photographer to capture a show, but Google search is coming up with photographers nowhere near you, and well out of your budget?
Can't find one that has the style you're after? Your go-to photographer unavailable on your show date?
Here are a bunch of ways to find a photographer for your upcoming show that are not scrolling through socials, hoping some shots stand out to you.
Smashing Pumpkins at Kryal Castle 2023
In my opinion, Instagram's search is one of the most powerful on any platform when looking for services. Here are some ways that I use the Instagram to find the people I want to connect with.
INSTAGRAM SEARCH
You can always search 'Music photographer', but unless they have those keywords in their username or profile name they won't come up in your search. Not all photographers even call themselves a photographer anywhere on their profile. Sometimes it's their name and the word 'media' or 'images', or just a lone camera emoji.
INSTAGRAM HASHTAGS
The best way to use Instagram's search to find local live music photographers is to utilise the Tags tab and search for hashtags that photographers might be using on their images. To narrow your results to be relevant to you try including your city name e.g. #livemusicmelbourne, #melbournebars, #melbourneconcert, #melbournemusicphotographer. You can also look up venue names or festival hashtags e.g. #knotfest #goodthingsfestival #cornerhotel #maxwatts.
If you're lazy, or don't know what to search, you don't even need to think of hashtags. The next time you are on a post of a music photographer, just click on the hashtags at the bottom and have a browse of who else is using these.
TIP: You can follow your favourite hashtags and get more of that content in your feed.
INSTAGRAM LOCATION
When using Instagram's search page, there is a tab for 'Places'. Search for local venues or even the address where a recent show was held (such as a park or a street name for street festivals). You can then filter by 'top' or 'recent' then dig through until you find photos that spark your interest.
INSTAGRAM IMAGE TAGS
Most creatives are usually adding image tags; we are pretty good at giving credit. Use Instagram search to look up your local venues (big and small), media outlets, or bands and check their tagged photos; they might lead you directly to a photographer, or they might take you to another profile that has tagged the photographer.
Mayhem at Croxton Bandroom 2023
Werewolves at Croxton Bandroom 2023
WORD OF MOUTH
LEVERAGE YOUR NETWORK
Ask others who they have used in the past and loved working with. Ask photographers you have worked with or are connected with if they have any recommendations on photographers they follow that might be a good fit with the style you're after.
PUT A CALL OUT ON SOCIALS
We all love to give recommendations, whether it's new music, a good TV show to binge, or a good service. So, if you're after a photographer, ask your followers and friends who they like and recommend.
Deafheaven at Odeon Theatre for Dark Mofo 2023
NEW AND STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS
We all start somewhere, and the best thing you can get as a music photographer just starting out is a door spot.
To find these photographers, look at local bands and venues' pages and check their tagged photos, particularly smaller bands and artists, or any venues that are doing free or cheap shows, as new photographers are shooting these shows to get experience and a portfolio. When you are starting out you cannot affford a show ticket every weekend so the shows they are rocking up to are free because if we mess up while learning and experimenting, we only lost our time and not our money.
TIP: Support these photographers as they are growing and learning. If you have a connection, you may end up with a great professional relationship with a photographer who truly understands your band or venue brand and the direction you are headed. This will give you gallery after gallery that aligns with your style, and a mate to take on tour.
Crowd at Good Things Melbourne 2023
Bullet For My Valentine at Good Things Melbourne 2023
SEARCH GOOGLE
FIND MEDIA OUTLETS
Search Google for recent reviews from shows in your area; often, there is a gallery with these, and the photographers name or details will be there. These photographers may not have a website yet, but their work is featured by these media outlets. Search their name on socials to view their portfolio and connect.
USE GOOGLE SEARCH LIKE A PRO
If you learn to master Google Search you'll always find what you're looking for without the noise. I could write these tips out myself, but Free Code Camp have it covered better than I ever could: 10 Tips for More Effective Googling
Munt at The Bendigo 2023
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