BATTLE OF THE BANDS - 25/09/2024
The Battle of the Bands is an annual showdown organised by the UWA Guild. Bands are assembled by the various student accommodations (St. Cathines, St. Georges, Trinity College, and Uni Hall) who compete for musical supremacy. Each year, the event draws intense competition and lively crowds, with passionate students coming to support their respective bands.
When I was first asked to shoot The Battle of the Bands two days before its scheduling, I thought it would be a small gig. I mean, why else would someone reach out last minute for an unpaid job, knowing that I’ve never actually shot a concert before? But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I was excitedly surprised to see the venue full of energy as students eagerly waited for their band to take centre stage. The best part was that I had first-hand access to a great venue with incredible lighting, an electric atmosphere, and, best of all, all-access photography.
Going into an event like this with little warning can feel overwhelming. You have a lot to think about: Where do you go? Which lenses should you use? Are your settings where they need to be? All this, can make you feel the need to capture every moment possible. This can manifest itself as motor driving the camera with the same shots over and over again. My advice to photographers in this situation is to STOP, slow down, and think about every move you make. Slow your camera’s burst speed, commit to your locations, and adjust one setting at a time. It might feel counterintuitive, but this method helps you focus on your composition and ensures you’re getting keepers. Once you’ve found your groove, you can speed things up again.
Shooting this concert was an incredible experience. It has taught me some lifelong practical lessons that I will take with me moving forward. I can’t wait to dive into the world of concert photography again!
