Your phone's flash isn't the eighth wonder of the world. Here's how to capture the moment without ruining everyone else's night.
We've all seen them. The punter at Party Dozen who holds their phone above their head for the entire set, blocking half the room's view. The person at Wesley Anne who thinks their flash will somehow improve a photo taken from the back of a dimly lit venue. The absolute weapon at The Tote who livestreams the whole bloody show to their three Instagram followers.
Look, documenting your night out is fine. But there's a difference between capturing a memory and becoming the main character in everyone else's worst gig experience.
Read the Room (and the Artist)
Some artists encourage photos. Others explicitly ask you to put the phone away and be present. When Fear Factory hits The Gov tonight, you can bet the pit won't be thinking about Instagram stories. But if you're catching Chloe Gill's intimate set at Wesley Anne, a few respectful shots from the back might be okay.
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The golden rule: if the artist asks for no phones, respect it. Your follower count isn't more important than their artistic vision.
Flash is the Enemy
Your phone's flash reaches about as far as your arm. Using it in a venue like Brunswick Ballroom just blinds the people around you while producing a photo that looks like it was taken inside a washing machine. Modern phones handle low light better than you think – embrace the grain, work with the stage lighting.
Timing is Everything
Snap a few shots in the first song, maybe grab the encore moment, then put the bloody thing away. You're not the venue's official photographer. The best photos often happen between songs anyway – catch the banter, the crowd's reaction, the quiet moments.
If you're at somewhere massive like a festival, sure, document away. But in smaller venues like Northcote Social Club or Black Bear Lodge, every phone screen is a distraction for multiple people behind you.
Be Considerate
Hold your phone low. Don't wave it around. If you're tall, maybe don't stand directly in front of someone shorter. Revolutionary concepts, we know.
The point isn't to ban photography entirely – it's about being mindful that you're sharing the experience with dozens or hundreds of other people who also paid to be there.
Ready to find your next gig to (respectfully) photograph? Discover live music happening near you on musick.com.au.