How to photograph young musicians

How to get great shots with available light

Watching young musicians is a remarkable experience. Kids take to the stage in such a natural way. With good teaching they approach the stage without the fear and anxiety adults—even many seasoned performers—face before and during performances. Sometimes they're great, other times they are at the very beginning. But they are almost always natural. As someone who has spent a long time trying to overcome the psychological barriers a performer faces, it is humbling when a six-year-old picks up a violin and instantly has a genuine, unaffected connection with the music. They just do it and I am fortunate to be there to capture these moments. I shoot dozens of recitals each year for the promotional and advertising needs of several music schools and the parents at these events frequently ask how I get good results in what is normally a difficult lighting situation.

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