Written by Angela Izzo
Photographing a live event feels as though I’ve been transported back to the very place where my love for photography first took root—somewhere between the music, the people, and the electricity of live shows.
As someone who has always chased experiences, I found myself completely immersed in the world of music from as early as I can remember. I spent years traveling with bands, losing myself in venues, moving effortlessly between backstage, onstage, and the heart of the crowd. Every moment carried its own kind of magic, and every experience became part of the way I learned to see.
Long before I realized it, those nights were shaping not only my perspective but also the eye I would eventually bring to photography. Looking back now, it all feels like living inside the film Almost Famous—a life measured by songs, stories, and the beautiful chaos that exists between them.
An Unexpected Film Camera for Live Events and Concerts
Looking back through these concert images—some taken more than a decade ago—I’m reminded of what I love most about photography: its ability to preserve a moment that can never be recreated. These photographs are more than documentation of a performance; they’re fragments of a feeling, a time, and a place.
While I was always drawn to the energy onstage, I found myself equally captivated by the people in the crowd—the friends, the strangers, and the quiet moments unfolding between songs.
Although I often carried professional digital cameras, I almost always had my tiny Diana Mini with a flash tucked away. That little camera captured a kind of magic the larger equipment never could.
Small enough to slip into any venue, it invited curiosity instead of intimidation. People would light up when they saw it, letting their guard down in a way they rarely did in front of a larger camera. Those unguarded moments became some of my favorite photographs.
As a professional photographer, I often carried large camera bodies and lenses—gear that required credentials and full press access to get where I needed to be. But when I wanted to move through the night more casually and capture moments without drawing attention, I always reached for a small film camera. I’d choose just one to carry, keeping things light for the long haul.
The Diana Mini quickly became a favorite. With up to 72 frames on a single roll, it allowed me to document an entire night in a fluid, spontaneous way. It wasn’t about technical perfection—it was about preserving the energy, the movement, and the moments.
The Benefits of a Small Camera
Many of the shows I photograph are ones where I’m invited by the band or already know the artists, which gives me the opportunity to arrive early and spend time backstage. Those moments become my favorite photographs.
In those settings, a small film camera is an advantage. In my experience, it’s far less intimidating to security, venue staff, and the people around me than a full professional digital setup.
The moment you walk in with large cameras and lenses, you’re more likely to be stopped, questioned, or asked for credentials. But with a compact film camera, I can move through the space more naturally. I can blend into the crowd, experience the show as a guest, and capture authentic moments as they unfold.
Related: Diana Mini Camera Review
Choosing a Film Stock That Matches the Event
One of the most important considerations when shooting film is choosing the right ISO for the environment.
If I’m photographing outdoors during the day, I can usually shoot without a flash using a film stock rated between ISO 100 and 400. But when the light starts to fade—or I’m shooting indoors at a concert or event—I reach for ISO 400 to 800 film and switch on my flash. That combination gives me the flexibility to embrace the atmosphere while still capturing the energy and spontaneity of the moment.
Choosing a film stock comes down to the look and feeling you want to create. For my documentary-style approach, I like to keep things simple with a 35mm color film at ISO 400. It’s versatile enough to handle most concert environments while staying true to the moment.
If you’re looking to experiment, though, film offers endless creative possibilities. You can play with different color palettes, specialty film stocks, or embrace more abstract, unpredictable results. I’ve even photographed shows with a Polaroid camera. It’s certainly bulkier to carry than a compact film camera, but awesome for that instant gratification. Makes it well worth the extra space in my bag.
Getting Close to the Action
Photographing artists onstage with a film camera can be more challenging than shooting digitally. Depending on the lens you’re using, your images may lean toward a softer focus, or you may not be close enough to capture the moment the way you envision it. That’s part of the unpredictability—and the charm—of shooting film.
When I’m photographing in a smaller venue, though, everything changes. Being able to stand onstage or just a few feet from the artists makes it much easier to create intimate, dynamic images. That proximity allows me to capture not only the performance itself but also the connection between the musicians and the audience in a way that feels immediate and personal.
Capturing the Atmosphere
One of my favorite parts of photographing live shows is capturing the atmosphere beyond the stage. I’m drawn to the people just as much as the performers—their style, their energy, and the way they express themselves, especially when a show has a theme. The audience is part of the story, and I love documenting the personalities that make each event unique.
Whenever I see someone whose look catches my eye, I’ll stop and ask, “Can I take your photo?” More often than not, they’re excited to say yes. I think there’s something disarming about holding a small film camera or a Polaroid. It feels less like paparazzi and more like an invitation to create something together.
Those nostalgic cameras encourage people to let their guard down, making it easier to capture an honest portrait that reflects who they are in that moment.
Using Creative Techniques
When I’m photographing events, I love experimenting with techniques that push beyond documenting the moment. Double exposures and prisms are some of my favorite creative tools, adding a surreal, dreamlike quality that echoes the energy of live music.
Whether I’m shooting Polaroids or 35mm film, I always embrace the pop of an on-camera flash. It gives the images a raw, documentary feel. With cameras like my Diana, I can layer exposures and create soft, overlapping frames that exaggerate motion and atmosphere.
Sometimes, I’ll pair those techniques with an experimental film stock, introducing bold colors or textures that add another layer of personality to the photograph.
Final Thoughts
My biggest piece of advice is to stay present and truly observe your surroundings. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of a show, but sometimes the best photographs come when you step away from it.
If the crowd feels overwhelming, move to a different corner of the venue or look for a new perspective. Changing your point of view can completely transform the story you’re telling. Every concert or live event has countless stories unfolding at once—the magic lies in discovering the one that speaks to you.
Whenever I have a camera in my hands, a sense of calm settles over me. It’s almost meditative. My camera becomes an extension of myself—my brush, my eye, and at times, my shield.
Through the viewfinder, I become completely immersed in the world around me, searching for the details that others might overlook: the light or a gesture, the movement of the crowd, or a quiet moment between the noise. Those are the pieces that come together to tell a story.
Featured Artists: Lauren Ruth Ward, Seth Pettersen, Chalk Teeth, Jeffertitti, Andrea Whitt, Boan, Glass Spells, Lauren Barth, Shamon Cassette, Moby, Trevor Garrod, Ecca Vandal
Thank you so much, Angela! Angela is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and be sure to check out her other articles here, such as Photographing Flowers on Film: Tips, Inspiration, & Creative Ideas and How to Shoot More Creative Landscapes on Film.
You can also check out more of her work her website, Instagram, and YouTube.
Leave your questions about photographing live events on film below in the comments!
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