Photographing Drummers: The Ultimate Challenge in Music Photography

When it comes to live music photography, drummers are often the toughest subjects to capture. They’re tucked away behind their kits, stuck in dim lighting, and constantly moving. It’s no wonder they sometimes get forgotten — photographers stick to the easier targets up front. But we can’t neglect them; they’re the heartbeat of the band (literally). Despite the challenge, shooting drummers is one of the most rewarding parts of live music photography.

The Stage Setup Struggles

Unlike front-and-centre vocalists or guitarists, drummers are usually positioned at the back of the stage, obscured by massive kits. The result? A shot that often feels distant and disconnected from the energy of the performance. Getting a clear view of the drummer amidst a sea of cymbals, drums, and other hardware can feel like solving a puzzle.

Constant Motion

Drumming is dynamic, to say the least. There’s rarely a moment of stillness. The constant movement – from the crash of cymbals to the rhythmic pounding of the kick drum – makes it difficult to capture sharp, impactful shots. If you want to freeze the action, you need fast shutter speeds and a keen eye for those key moments when everything aligns perfectly.

Lighting Woes

Stage lighting is a love-hate relationship for any live music photographer, but it’s particularly challenging when photographing drummers. They're often in the worst-lit corners of the stage, where the light is either too harsh or simply absent. Getting the right exposure while maintaining the right amount of detail in the shadows and highlights is an art form. Don’t be afraid to push that ISO. A bit of grain gives your photos a raw, film-like quality. So, if you need to push it to get a good shot, go ahead and embrace that grainy texture. It can actually enhance the mood and energy of the shot.

Composition: Finding the Right Angle

Drummers are tucked away at the back, which means composition is all about working with what you’ve got. Most of the time, you’ll be shooting from the front, so make it count — frame them between cymbals, catch the intensity in their expression, or wait for that perfect moment when the sticks are mid-air. If you can get side-stage, even better. It’s all about finding a way to bring their energy to the forefront.

Lenses: Get Close or Zoom In

Every venue is different, and you never really know where the drummer will be — sometimes they’re right in view, other times buried behind amps and cymbals. A 70-200mm lens is perfect for getting tight shots from a distance, while an 85mm gives you that beautiful depth and separation. That said, I’ve captured some of my favourite drummer shots with my trusty 24-70mm. Work with what you’ve got, and don’t be afraid to move around to find the best angle.

The Reward of the Shot

Despite the challenges, nailing a great shot of a drummer is seriously satisfying. Whether it’s a moment of pure concentration, the blur of sticks in motion, or the impact of a cymbal crash, the energy is unmatched. It’s not the easiest subject to shoot, but that’s what makes it worth it.

Here’s a collection of my favourite photos of drummers. Full disclosure: most of these are of my incredibly talented brother, Samuel. Yes, I’m a proud big sis. While he’s currently the lead singer and guitarist for Melbourne band Neon Goblin, the drums are still where he feels most at home. These shots are from years of me capturing him behind the kit – so if you see a lot of shots of him, well... that’s why. Enjoy!

Looking for a live music or band photographer in Melbourne? Whether it's capturing the raw energy of a live show or creating striking band portraits, I love working with musicians and artists who bring something unique to the stage. Let’s collaborate and create unforgettable images that showcase your sound and style.