Capturing Coachella: Photography Tips & Festival Insights

Coachella is almost here, and whether you’re going for the music, the vibes, or just to people-watch, one thing’s for sure—it’s a photographer’s dream. I’ve shot everything from music festivals and concerts to corporate events and private parties, and festival photography has a special kind of energy that makes it both challenging and exciting.

Over the years, I’ve captured so many different environments—crowded venues, low-light performances, outdoor festivals in the middle of nowhere, and intimate moments backstage. Every event teaches you something new about shooting in unpredictable conditions, and Coachella is no different. The mix of golden-hour lighting, insane stage setups, and stylish festival-goers makes it the perfect place to push your creativity behind the lens. Whether you’re bringing your camera, phone, or even a disposable, here are some tips to help you capture the festival in the best way possible.

Essential Coachella Photography Tips

1. Golden hour is your best friend

If you want that dreamy festival glow, aim to shoot early in the morning or right before sunset. Midday sun in the desert is brutal—it’ll wash out colors, create harsh shadows, and make people squint in every shot. If you have to shoot during the day, find some shade or position your subject with their back to the sun for softer lighting.

2. Capture the experience, not just the stage

Coachella isn’t just about the performances—it’s about the people, the energy, the moments in between. Some of my favorite shots from festivals aren’t even of the artists but of the crowd. People dancing, laughing, throwing their hands up when their favorite song drops—those are the moments that tell the real story of a festival.

3. Use a fast shutter speed for action shots

Festivals are full of movement, and a slow shutter speed will leave you with a blurry mess. Keep your shutter speed at 1/500s or higher to freeze the action, whether it’s an artist mid-jump or a crowd going wild. If you’re shooting with a phone, burst mode is your best friend for catching those split-second moments.

4. Experiment with different angles

If you want your shots to stand out, don’t just snap everything from eye level. Get low, climb up on something (safely), shoot through objects—use whatever’s around you to create depth and make your photos more interesting. Wide-angle lenses work great for capturing the scale of the festival, while a telephoto lens can help you isolate moments in a crowded scene.

5. Be ready for low-light challenges

Once the sun goes down, Coachella turns into a neon wonderland, but low light can be tricky. If you’re using a camera, crank up the ISO while keeping an eye on noise. A fast lens, like a 50mm f/1.8, can make a huge difference. For phone photographers, night mode is a game changer, but keep your hands steady or use a small tripod for sharper images.

6. Candid over posed

The best festival photos are the ones that feel real. Instead of trying to get the perfect posed shot, look for authentic moments—friends hyping each other up, someone getting lost in the music, a quiet second before a big drop. These are the shots that actually take you back to the moment.

7. Protect your gear

Coachella is in the desert, which means dust, sweat, and accidental drink spills are all part of the experience. If you’re bringing a camera, use a UV filter on your lens and keep a microfiber cloth handy. If you’re shooting with your phone, a simple lens wipe will keep your shots crisp. And whatever you do, don’t forget extra batteries or a portable charger—you’ll need it.

My experience shooting music festivals

Over the years, I’ve photographed everything from small local shows to massive festivals, and I’ve learned that adaptability is key. My first time shooting a festival, I made every mistake possible—overexposed daytime shots, blurry night photos, and a dead battery halfway through the night. But every event has helped me get better at reading the energy of a crowd, finding the best lighting, and capturing moments that feel alive.

Some of my favorite shots have come from unexpected moments. One time, I caught a perfect silhouette of a dancer against a neon-lit backdrop. Another time, I was able to capture an artist’s raw emotion mid-performance, completely in their zone. These are the kinds of shots that make festival photography so rewarding.

Final thoughts

Coachella is a dream for photographers, whether you’re shooting for fun, content creation, or professionally. The key is to be observant, experiment with different perspectives, and focus on the moments that make the experience unforgettable. Whether it’s golden-hour portraits, high-energy crowd shots, or the neon glow of the festival at night, every part of Coachella is an opportunity to capture something amazing.

If you’re heading to Coachella and want some professional shots of your festival outfits, book a session with Last Minute Photoshoot. Let’s create some magic and make sure you leave with the best memories, captured forever.