Music photography is the art of capturing the emotion, energy and atmosphere of music through images. It spans live gigs, concerts, festivals, studio sessions, making music, portraits and candid behind-the-scenes moments. These photographs document music culture as it happens.
Where do the images come from? The often-unseen music photographers behind the lens who are capturing these moments, preserving music history for generations to come.
If you are an aspiring photographer, you might be drawn to the electricity of a live show or fascinated by the intimacy of the music-making process, or you may be curious to find out more; music photography is one of the most exciting and visually powerful creative genres.
What does a music photographer do?
Music photographers document the many different elements of the music industry - including:
Live music photography:
Capturing artists performing at gigs, tours, shows & festivals, along with the fans and atmosphere around the performance.
Image by Ruby Boland
Portrait photography
Working with artists away from the stage creating images that reflect their visual world.
Image by Alec Castillo
Tour & Documentary photography
Photographing life on the road, rehearsals, studio sessions and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Image by Lewis Evans
In the Studio
Photographing artists in the studio while they write, rehearsing, recording - observing the process of making music.
Image by Jordan Curtis Hughes
Making Music
Documenting the creative process as it happens - from writing & arranging to experimenting with sound and collaboration.
Image by Blair Kitchener
To show the diversity within this genre, check out images from the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards, which showcase the incredible talent and storytelling within this genre. These images show how music photographers are an essential part of the industry’s visual storytelling. Insert images.
Why is music photography so important?
Music photographers play an important role in documenting music culture capturing moments in time - that will never happen in the same way again.
Music photography provides a visual record of the artist, the surroundings and the people connected to that moment. It gives fans an emotional connection to the artists they love.
These images can:
- Mark points in an artist’s journey
- Show what a particular scene or community looked like at a specific time
- Preserve details for generations to come
How to get started in music photography
Many aspiring photographers ask, “How do I become a music photographer?” The answer is start where you are, with what you’ve got. You don’t need expensive gear or a press pass. Bring practice, persistence and a passion for both photography & music and you are ready to start.
There isn’t one set route into music photography. Photographers begin in different ways depending on the people, spaces and opportunities available. A practical approach is to start with what is already accessible - the routes you can take without barriers. For practical steps & tips, explore our Essential Guide for new photographers starting out.
About the Abbey Road Music Photography Accelerator
This guide sits within Abbey Road’s commitment to supporting music photography and the photographers behind the lens.
The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards were created to celebrate the art of music photography and highlight the photographers behind the images that will be looked back on as part of future music history. What began as an awards ceremony in 2022 has developed into a year-round programme: the Abbey Road Music Photography Accelerator.
The Accelerator supports photographers at different stages - from undiscovered, emerging to established. It includes events, exhibitions, workshops, learning resources, mentoring and opportunities to grow.
Ready to start your music photography journey? Read our essential guide for new photographers starting out. Head this way…