Concert photography: Survival tips #1 (The humble poncho)
No matter how carefully you prepare for a festival there’s always something that you leave behind which you quickly regret not having packed. And you’re often thrown a side-winder into the bargain as well.
Thinking that our car would be close at hand – practically stage-side as it was this time last year, was a mistake. Parking arrangements at the Steelhouse Festival had changed. Which meant that instead of quick trips back to the car for equipment couldn’t be done. I had to make a choice – what to take and what to leave.
It always comes down to a question of weight and bulk. I left behind some useful but unnecessary items like my monopod which would have come in handy for any band interviews that we might have to do. I also left behind my warm but bulky raincoat which would have been a pain to carry around.
But even the relatively speedy arrival of rain wasn’t enough to make me regret my decision. A friend had given me an emergency plastic poncho the year before which I hadn’t used. And this is how I discovered one of the single most useful things that a photographer can pack in their bag. Not only did it keep me dry but it was also voluminous enough to cover both of my camera bags. I also found that the poncho provided a surprising amount of warmth by serving as a wind breaker. I was only wearing a t-shirt underneath which is, of course, great for keeping cool but not so great when the weather turns.
The poncho…remember to pack one!
Photos:
Anvil
Dead Shed Jokers
FM
The Temperance Movement