The Best Camera Settings for Concert Photography (That Actually Work in Low Light)

I still remember the rush of photographing my very first concert. The energy. The lights. The chaos. And honestly? My photos turned out way better than I expected. Something just clicked. I was immediately hooked — and that night sparked what would become an obsession with music photography.

Over time, I’ve learned what settings help me consistently deliver sharp, emotional, low-light images in unpredictable venues. Whether you're just starting out or trying to level up your game, these are the best camera settings for concert photography that actually work when the lighting’s wild and the stage won’t stop moving.

ISO: Start Higher Than You Think

Let’s talk ISO. Most beginner photographers are scared of cranking it up, but in live music settings, you need to get comfortable shooting at ISO 1600 to 3200 minimum — sometimes even higher depending on the venue. Yes, there will be some grain. That’s okay. A sharp, slightly grainy image is far better than a dark or blurry one.

Bonus tip: Newer cameras handle high ISO better, but even older models can manage with a little post-processing noise reduction.

Shutter Speed: Keep It Fast Enough to Freeze Motion

Artists are constantly moving — jumping, hair-flipping, headbanging. To capture that energy, your shutter speed should be at least 1/200s. For faster movement, go 1/320s or higher.

If you’re shooting a slow ballad or acoustic act? You can drop it to 1/125s, but that’s pushing it unless you have excellent timing and a steady hand.

Aperture: Open It Up (Shoutout to the Nifty Fifty)

Your lens matters. And while there’s a ton of gear out there, I’m going to be real with you: my nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8) is still my go-to lens. It’s affordable, super light, and lets in a ton of light — which is a game-changer in dim venues.

Keep your aperture as wide as possible (f/1.8–f/2.8) to maximize light intake and create a gorgeous shallow depth of field that helps your subject stand out, even in a crowded frame.

Daikaiju lighting up the floor - literally. Moments like this are why knowing your camera settings matters!

White Balance: Use Auto, Then Adjust Later

Unless the lighting is consistent (spoiler: it rarely is), use Auto White Balance and fix it in post. Trying to adjust WB mid-show can cost you important moments. Just shoot in RAW so you have more flexibility later.

Autofocus: Use Continuous AF and a Single Point

Concerts are not the time for full-auto. Switch your camera to Continuous Autofocus (AI-Servo or AF-C) so it can keep up with movement. Select a single focus point rather than letting your camera guess what to focus on.

This gives you more control — especially when the artist is lit from one side, or there’s haze/smoke in the air.

The best camera settings for concert photography (or, at least, my starting point):

If you just want a cheat sheet, here’s a basic setup that works for me at Westside Bowl:

• ISO: 1000

• Shutter Speed: 1/320s

• Aperture: f/1.8

• WB: Auto

• Autofocus: Continuous + Single Point

• Shooting Mode: Manual

• Format: RAW

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Copy — Practice and Adjust

The best camera settings for concert photography are a starting point — not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every venue, artist, and lighting rig is different. Use these settings as a jumping-off point, and don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as you go.

Trust me: you’ll learn more from one night in the photo pit than you will from ten hours on YouTube. And if you're still figuring out how to land that first pass, check out my guide on how to get a photo pass for concerts — it's got everything I wish someone told me when I started.