Live Performance Photography: Taking the Leap

From macro silence to electric energy

Live performance by Ariane Moffatt - Concert photography Joël Bourgoin

After years of exploring the infinitesimal world of macro photography, I felt the call of the stage. I wanted to capture the ephemeral, the artificial light, and the unadulterated emotion of performers in Nanaimo and beyond.

The Art of Getting In

The key for any festival photographer? Accreditation. Before aiming for major events like the Nanaimo Jazz Festival, I built my portfolio in the dimly lit atmosphere of small bars, learning to anticipate the movement of artists under unpredictable lighting.

Saxophonist close up at Nanaimo Jazz Festival - BC Live Music

From the proximity of the Cabaret de la Dernière Chance to the energy of the Évolu-son, I forged my style in the shadows. Each concert was a lesson in patience and adaptation to changing lights, where the goal was to capture the soul of the performance without ever using a flash.

Metal performance energy - Event photography BC

The Technical Challenge

This is where your equipment becomes an extension of your hand. Working with my Canon R5 and 70-200mm allows me to capture the emotion in an artist's eyes from the back of the room, remaining invisible to the audience. It’s a dance of silence and speed.

Steve Vai performing live - Professional concert portrait