How To Edit Concert Photos Like A Pro (using Lightroom or Mobile Apps)

You made it through the show, dodged a flying object or two, and now you’re sitting on a goldmine of raw concert images. But the magic doesn’t stop after you press the shutter—editing concert photos is where the atmosphere, emotion, and energy of a live set really come to life.

Whether you're using Lightroom on your desktop or editing straight from your phone, here’s exactly how I bring my photos to life—no shortcuts, just intention.

1. Start With a Ruthless Cull

Let’s be real: not every photo needs to see the light of day.

I start every edit session by importing my shots into Lightroom and quickly flagging the standouts. I’m looking for:

• Crisp focus

• Emotion in the moment

• Clean composition

• Lighting that works (or at least can be worked with)

📌 If I wouldn’t post it or send it to a client, it doesn’t make the cut. Less is more.

2. Crop for Impact

Cropping is lowkey one of my favorite editing tools. A smart crop can take a “meh” shot and instantly boost the drama. I use it to:

• Remove distractions from the background or edges

• Straighten the stage or horizon line

• Frame the artist tighter to focus on expression or action

Even when I’m editing on my phone (Lightroom Mobile), cropping is the first thing I do.

A peek behind the scenes - editing a live show in Lightroom is where the energy of the moment really comes to life.

3. Dial in Exposure & White Balance

Concert lighting is... chaotic. So my first job is to tame it without killing the mood.

Here’s what I adjust first:

• Exposure: Just enough to bring detail back into faces or shadows

• Highlights/Shadows: Pull down highlights if the lights blew out part of the image; raise shadows to recover detail in dark clothing

• White Balance: I usually cool things down slightly—LED lights tend to go nuclear red or green

🎧 If it looks like the show felt, you’re doing it right.

4. Boost Mood with Contrast & Color

Once the basics are in place, I start building the vibe. This part is all about balance:

• A bump in contrast adds punch

• I love using clarity and texture (especially on hair, guitars, and smoke)

• Vibrance gets a slight nudge to make the colors pop without going full Lisa Frank

• I almost never touch saturation—it gets messy fast

🛑 Reminder: Just because the lights were wild doesn’t mean your edit has to be.

5. Use Local Adjustments to Guide the Eye

Here’s where I slow down and really bring the image home.

In Lightroom, I’ll occasionally use radial filters, masks, or brushes to:

• Lighten a subject’s face if they’re underlit

• Darken the background to create depth

• Subtly highlight key elements (like an outstretched hand, mic, or fiery guitar moment)

Even on mobile, most apps like Lightroom Mobile let you selectively adjust parts of your image.

6. Trust Your Eye, Not the Trends

Every single photo gets individual attention, because every shot tells its own story.

Editing concert photos isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

When someone looks at my photo, I want them to hear the music. Feel the crowd. Remember the sweat, the bass drop, the moment that hit.

View and purchase the Lightroom Photography Plan here, along with my other favorite products! Read: My Must-Have Concert Photography Essentials