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.

A Fairy Tale Come to Life at Kimberly Crest | Victorian-Inspired Photoshoot

Every so often, a location and vision come together so seamlessly that it feels like stepping into a storybook. That’s exactly how we felt during our recent fairy tale-inspired photoshoot with Amy at Kimberly Crest House & Gardens in Redlands, CA. With its Victorian architecture, lush gardens, and romantic charm, it was the perfect backdrop for a Bridgerton-inspired photography session.

The Perfect Setting for a Victorian-Inspired Photoshoot

From the moment we arrived, we knew Kimberly Crest was a dream location for portrait-photography. The French chateau-style mansion with its ornate staircases, ivy-covered archways, and vintage fountains made it feel like we had stepped into another era. The setting offered everything needed for an elegant, Victorian-inspired photography session, perfect for engagement photos, bridal portraits, and editorial-style shoots.

Creating a Cinematic, Storybook Feel

Amy was the perfect muse for this shoot, embodying the essence of a Victorian-era heroine with flowing gowns, delicate details, and timeless elegance. We used natural light photography to highlight the soft textures of her dress and enhance the golden glow of the setting. The way the sunlight filtered through the trees created a dreamy, romantic atmosphere, ideal for fine art portrait photography.

Best Photography Spots at Kimberly Crest

We explored several stunning locations throughout the property, capturing candid and editorial-style portraits that felt cinematic and timeless. Some of our favorite spots included:

• The Grand Staircase: Perfect for regal, posed portraits that showcase the mansion’s elegance.

• The Gardens & Fountain Area: Ideal for whimsical, romantic shots with a soft, dreamy aesthetic.

• The Ivy-Covered Archways: A magical backdrop for storybook photography with a natural, ethereal feel.

Step into a fairy tale. This Victorian-inspired photoshoot at Kimberly Crest captured timeless elegance with Bridgerton vibes, dreamy light, and storybook charm.

Bringing Your Own Fairy Tale Vision to Life

If you’re looking for a location that embodies romance, sophistication, and classic European charm, Kimberly Crest is a must-visit. Whether you’re planning an engagement session, bridal portraits, a styled editorial shoot, or even a creative fantasy-themed photoshoot, this venue provides endless opportunities for stunning imagery.

At Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in capturing timeless, storytelling photography that brings your vision to life. If you’re dreaming of your own Victorian-inspired or Bridgerton-style photoshoot, let’s make it happen!

Book your session today and let’s create magic together.