To say I have been more inspired than I am at this very moment in my life, would be a lie. I have never been in a room full of so many people that are determined to simply, get better. Everyone who came to this music photography workshop had one goal – to learn. I guess it’s easy to say you want to learn, however the way these people went about learning was so impressive. They not only bettered themselves, but took time to meet, help, and encourage all the other people they met that day. I am so happy to be a part of this community.
It’s really hard to explain just how the workshop went. So luckily for you, and for me – I had some of my friends – Brandon and Jasmine join me (and photograph it).
I did my first of what I know will be many more workshops this past weekend in San Diego. Well, I have done workshops before – or rather I have taught people about Music Photography before. But this is the first time we straight up rented out a venue to ourselves. As you learn, you sometimes forget. And the things you forget can be really helpful to remember. So the best way for me to remember them – is to teach them.
I have gone back to my high school almost every year since I have graduated. My high school photography teacher has been a big contributor and mentor to me in my life, so it is always nice to go back and meet all of her students. Through that experience and a few others, I have learned just how much I enjoy teaching.
The Music Photography Workshop
Anyway, the music photography workshop was broken into two days. Intermediate and Advance. They had loosely the same schedule, however, the content and goal that was taught each day were different. Each of them started with a two-hour presentation, then we shifted to a venue for four hours, and then finished up in front of the screen for another hour and a half.
The first day aimed at taking people who have been into music photography for a while – to the next level a.k.a Concert Photography Level Up. The second day was geared on taking people who are well versed in concert photography already – and giving them the tools and information to assist them with the task of getting on tour – Becoming A Tour Photographer. This is a hard industry to navigate, and I want to help you. If you have any questions, want more info – or want to be alerted when I come to your area.
All photographs by Jasmine Garcia and Brandon Sloter
Concert Photography Level Up
Day 1 – Intermediate Class
![Music Photography Workshop - Day 1](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC00507.jpg)
![The classroom of the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1127.jpg)
![I go for the simple and straight to the point approach](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1171.jpg)
![](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1291.jpg)
![Outside SOMA San Diego - our venue/ classroom for the day](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1318-1140x788.jpg)
![Sunny San Diego](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09054.jpg)
![My friend Robert, a Security guard - teaching us about how to work with Security](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09064-467x700.jpg)
![Robert, amazing human](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1365.jpg)
![Barricade for a seat](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09089-467x700.jpg)
![Shooting without the distractions](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09140.jpg)
![Talk with the band - Tanner of In Flames and Joey of The Used!](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1792.jpg)
![Shooting from Front Of House](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09213.jpg)
![Just us](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09329-1140x760.jpg)
![Discussing what makes a good music photo](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1863.jpg)
Becoming A Tour Photographer
Day 2 – Advance Class
![Becoming A Tour Photographer class of the Music Photographer Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A2333.jpg)
![Lost my voice day two, but the students were understanding - they didn't judge my mic skills](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1928.jpg)
![Discussion on how to work with artists backstage](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09412.jpg)
![Learning how to shoot on stage at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1955.jpg)
![Shooting on Stage at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A1987.jpg)
![Just them and Joey](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G4A2148.jpg)
![Get behind the drummer shot in less than 3 seconds... it ain't easy](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09552.jpg)
![Shooting from stage at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09582.jpg)
![Shooting on stage at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09475.jpg)
![Had a few crew friends come in and speak about tour life at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09622.jpg)
![Amazing Jason explaining the life of a light tech at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09637.jpg)
![Myles explaining the job of a Stage Manager at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09655-467x700.jpg)
![Kyle talking about being a Tour Manager / Production Manager at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09658.jpg)
![Lionel and Tanner speaking about being drummers/ drum techs](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09690-467x700.jpg)
![Joey and Johnny talking about being guitar techs at the Music Photography Workshop](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09701-1140x760.jpg)
![These wonderful people made this Music Photography workshop possible - thanks Anna and Steve](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09750.jpg)
![The talented Brandon! Thanks, homie](https://www.adamelmakias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC09744.jpg)
All in all, it was a success. Thanks so much for everyone who came out. I look forward to doing this more and meeting more people.