Visuals & Identity

Music photography is an exciting field that offers unique opportunities, such as working with your favorite artists and traveling worldwide. However, it is important to understand that success in this area requires dedication, hard work, and no shortcuts.

At the start it's important to clarify your motivations whether it is access to shows or building a professional career.  Visualising your path, and connecting emotionally to dedication develops ways to overcome obstacles and resilience for long term success.

Motivation is crucial for anyone looking to build a career in music photography. It often determines whether you can sustain a long-term career in the industry or only last for a short period.



Meet Michelle Grace Hunder

Understand your Inspiration

What Motivates You?

How to get Started.

Goal Setting when you're New

Goal Setting Workbook 

Being a Resilient Photographer

So You Want To Be A Music Photographer?

Get to Know your Gear

The Exposure Triangle

Use these Exposure Triangle Part Understanding Cheat Sheets 

Grab Your Camera and Let's Practice

Practice. Practice. Practice

Introduction to the Photography Concepts 

Making the most of your Kit

You don't need new Gear!

For when you might Upgrade

What's in MGH Kit You Ask?

Focal Length & Distortion Trials

Making the most of Your Gear

Saying Hello to Strangers

Let's Share.

It's Important to be a Pleasure to Work With.

Shooting Your Friend's Band Should Be Fun

Communicating Effectively

Adapting with Change

Networking is Key

How To Get Access To Smaller Bands

Identifying Small Bands to Approach

How To Approach A Venue

Identifying Venues to Approach

Being Prepared

Shooting In RAW

Weapons of Choice

Access

Signing Contracts

General Shooting Etiquette

AAA #1 Rule

After The Show - Get Connected

Shooting the Show

Level up your Live Music

BONUS. Creative Shooting for Live Music

Common Problems

Security And Drunk People

Working With Shitty Lighting

Practicing in Low-Light

Shooting with No Pit!

Why you need Lightroom & the Basics of It

What are Presets?

How to use Presets?

Exporting Your Images

Don't forget about your Social Media Sizing!

File Management and Workflow

How To Edit Efficiently

How to view your work Objectively and Be Critical

Time to do a Mini Shoot!

Troubleshooting & Editing Effectively

After the Show what to Say?

Photo Usage (Make it Clear)

The Best Ways To Send Your Images

Reach Out If You Want To Work Together Again

Making sure you Deliver

Building A Brand

Setting up Your Socials

Setting up a Website

Use Social Media To Your Advantage

Take Yourself Seriously

MGH Talks Business

What You Need And When You Need It

Copyright

Fair Use And Picking Your Battles

Talking Budgets

Using A Timeline

Work, Life, Business Balance

How to Get Paid 

What to Charge in Different Situations

Things You Should Clarify When Talking $

To Get Paid, Get Creative

Marketing Yourself & your Business

What Are Press Shots For?

On Location vs. Studio Shoots

Using a Studio

Building Your Studio Kit

One Light Studio Set Up

From Start To Finish

The Unspoken Rules

Finding Inspiration

Challenge - Make a Mood Board

Getting Creative With Lighting

Challenge - Play with Lighting

How To Find A Studio Space

Location Scouting

Challenge - Find a Location 

How To Make It Work Anywhere

Challenge - 5 Minute Challenges

Artist Press Shots

Congratulations!

Now that you've gone through the course it's time to take some time to reflect on everything you've learnt.

Are there any actions you still need to finish off?

Do you need to practice some of the skills more or refine your workflow?

Take some time to put in place the actions from this course and start implementing them! 

Reach out to the band! Tell your friends!

Join the Crew!

Questions? Queries? Concerns?

Other Resources

That's a Wrap!

Music photography isn’t just about getting the shot. It’s about earning access, building trust, and becoming part of the culture you’re documenting.In From Pit to Portrait, acclaimed photographer Michelle Grace Hunder shares the real pathway behind a sustainable career in music photography, from shooting in crowded venues to creating iconic portraits and long-form projects like RISE, her landmark documentation of Australian hip-hop.This is not a gear tutorial. It’s a practical, experience-driven roadmap.Across the course, Michelle breaks down:• How to develop your artistic identity and visual language • Building credibility within a scene without forcing it • Navigating access, relationships and artist trust • Turning passion projects into career-defining bodies of work • Learning how to navigate light, uncontrollable sets • Having a critical eye, alongside using presets and other editing tips • Working with publications, publicists and major artists • Sustaining creativity and relevance long termGrounded in real-world experience from underground community shoots to global names, this course gives you the thinking, structure and perspective needed to build a career that lasts.You’ll leave with more than inspiration. You’ll leave with clarity on how to move professionally, creatively and strategically in the music industry.If you want to treat music photography as a serious craft and importantly - a serious career - this is your starting point.

MGH - 1.0 Introduction.mp4

Build a career behind the lens, from small venues to global stages, a practical guide from setup to identity and commerciality with Australia's leading music photography -  Michelle Grace Hunder.


Course content

Michelle Grace Hunder - From Pit to Portrait: The Art of Music Photography

Helen Marx

What you will learn

This course includes

Includes