Cellphone cameras at concerts are a contentious issue. Everyone wants at least one post to Snapchat but no one wants to be stuck behind a field of glowing screens. Be sure to follow these tips to make the most of your shots without annoying anyone else.
Move Around
Even professional photographers know the value of this. Walk around the venue to get different angles in addition to those close-up shots.
Don’t Use Zoom
Unless you’re on the new iPhone or want a blurry vibe in the photo, don’t bother with a digital zoom. It’s just going to pixelate the shot because the camera isn’t actually zooming in on anything, it’s just cropping the shot.
Compose The Shot
Being on a smartphone, it’s a habit to just whip it out and snap. Focusing on the composition of the image will do wonders for the final result. Be sure to use the Rule of Thirds grid and wait for the lights to be in the right spot before pressing down. You can also try using burst mode to get several shots in succession and pick the best one.
No Flash
It is dark and there are lights flying around everywhere, but don’t use flash to fill in the space. It’s annoying for the people on stage (who also ban flash for the professionals) and it probably won’t look good anyway.
Accessorize With a Lens Attachment
There are an increasing number of attachable lenses being made for smartphones, giving you the ability to zoom in from afar or create mind-bending panoramas. Purchasing one of these will be the best thing you can do to expand your camera’s range.
Find Other Subjects
The band is the main draw, but to get the atmosphere of the concert be sure to snap some shots of the crowd, people at the bar, maybe even the roadies or bouncers.
Read This Next
Shoot On a Zeiss Lens With Your iPhone 7
Products / Entertainment
Nov 2, 2016#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Oct 23, 2026Ladurée Makes Hawai’i Debut at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
One of Paris' most iconic luxury brands, Ladurée arrives in Hawaiʻi for the first time this holiday season. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach today unveiled the full series of curated festive experiences and offerings featuring Ladurée, available throughout the 2026 holiday season.
Sponsored Content
The Province That Surrounds Seoul — And Outshines It
Skip the Seoul Crowds. The Real Korea is in Gyeonggi.
Destinations / North America
Oct 23, 2026Huntington Beach is California’s First Sensory-Inclusive Destination
KultureCity, the world's leading nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility and acceptance, named Huntington Beach as California’s first Sensory Inclusive-certified destination.
North America
Oct 22, 2026Take a Rage-Therapy Retreat at This New York City Hotel
Rage rooms are all the hype right now, and rightfully so. It’s a form of therapy in itself, and the trend now extends beyond designated rooms to hospitality. One boutique lifestyle hotel in the heart of New York City’s Times Square recently partnered with Lower East Side-based rage room The Ragery, where guests can safely let their rage soar to different levels.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Destinations / North America
Oct 22, 2026Stay in This Restored 1920s School Campus
In Fayetteville, West Virginia, you can now stay in what was once the town’s high school and middle school, thanks to the opening of Hill Hall Hotel. The 40-guestroom boutique property stretches out over the 1923 high school and Mid-Century middle school buildings, retaining some of the original architecture and layout, while updating amenities to meet modern travelers’ needs.
ShareThis