Drum Corps Photography 101: What it is and what it is NOT!
Hello and welcome to my Photography 101 Blog!
With so many great photographers in the Midwest, I am so glad you stopped by to read my content and hopefully learn a thing or two about photographing drum corps and marching band.
Okay, let me start by saying that my intent is to simply share my 30 years of experience as a photographer. The advice I will be providing is the result of a lot of trial and error. For every technique that has served me well, there are mountains that “great ideas” that have flopped and were way too costly. So, hopefully you can learn from my mistakes and save a few bucks in the process.
Today’s post is titled, “Drum Corps Photography 101: What it is and what it is NOT! -Part 1”. Before I talk about gear, shooting technique, photo editing software, file management, utilizing social media, etc. I feel it is important to talk about the realities of being a drum corps photographer.
Many beginner photographers take positions with world class drum corps as interns with the hopes of jump starting their careers. While there is valuable experience to be gained, most serious graphic designers and editors do not value the medium as source of valid technical education.
The main reason for this is that most drum corps do not employ a principle photographer with technical expertise to properly document a full season, let along provide an educational experience that would be comparable to accredited course study. There is no one to share best practices for shooting in challenging conditions, file management and transfers, proper use of meta data to promote better SEO or use on social media. Typically intern photographers need to figure it out as they go.
Okay, I know it may sound like I have a negative view on drum corps photography, but nothing could be further from the truth. If you are passionate about the activity, if you are passionate about photography and if you have the chance… DO IT! However, if you think drum corps photography is a money making opportunity, it most certainly is not.
So, with all of that said it is much easier to start with what drum photography is not. Drum corps photography is not going to make you rich. Hell, you’ll be lucky to break even. Drum corps photography is not going to give you the exposure that will launch your career. Unfortunately photography has become a very cutthroat industry with the best of the best fighting over the few remaining opportunities. That’s not to say that a great drum corps image wont enhance your portfolio, but you’ll need to show a level of expertise well beyond the demands that drum corps can provide to be considered for a top tier position in photography.
Drum corps photography is an opportunity to improve your skills by following your passion. Drum corps photography allows you to support your favorite organization while doing something you love. Drum corps photography will provide the experiences that can shape you as an artist and an entrepreneur.
As I stated earlier, the average drum corps photographer intern lacks access to experienced, professional photographers which is why I have created this series. I am going to share some of my best practices to help improve your daily workflow so you can focus on creating better images.
With the 2021 season rapidity approaching, next weeks post will focus on file management from the road. I will share some tips for keeping large amounts of images organized, the maximization of storage space and how to share files when internet access isn’t the best.
In the meantime, please feel to check the galleries on my Zenfolio site.
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Thanks for reading and if you have any questions, please send me an email.
Have a great a day and keep snapping!
