Concert Scrapbook Layout Ideas

If you're into music, the summer brings endless concert scrapbook layout possibilities, and whether you're a fan of the outdoor pavilion, small club or stadium setting, your biggest challenge is going to be getting pictures.

First off, there is many an artist (and therefore venue) that frown upon pictures being taken at their concerts. It seems to be waning somewhat with the advent of camera phones, but make sure you can bring your camera before going.

If you're in this situation, not to worry, you don't necessarily need an actual photo of the concert to make a memorable concert scrapbook layout. You can get before and after shots of you and your friends tailgating, etc. and then looking like you took a trip in the dunk tank from all the dancing.

You might also see if there are postcards, stickers or a program available that feature professional pictures of the band (if you're willing to cannibalize the program for your layout). Of course, you want to include the ticket stub as an embellishment and maybe create a little pouch for a CD with all of your favorite songs from the band.

A few journaling tips for your concert scrapbook layouts:

Why do you like the band/singer?

Is there a song that has special meaning to you?

Is the concert an annual festival (e.g., Isle of Wight, HFStival, etc.)?

Is there a story behind how you got tickets? Did you win them or camp outside the ticket office the night before they went on sale?

Did you get to meet the band before/after the concert?

Now, if you can bring a camera to the concert, you're going to be fighting several other problems getting pictures for your concert scrapbook layout. Fast motion, distance and possibly low light...all three can lead to a batch of photos that resemble something out of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (big blobs of blurry light) instead of a concert.

To account for these scenarios, let's look at some ways your camera can help you capture the pictures you want.

First, for fast motion, use a sports mode and high speed film (400 or 800). Next, unless you are very close to the stage, or will be outside on a sunny day (in which case you'd have better luck with a tele-photo lens), you'd be better served to try and get a wider angle shot (recommend using landscape mode on your camera). Lastly, as we mentioned in our tips on how to get pictures of fireworks, we recommend a high-speed film and the low light setting on your camera to deal with...low light.

Happy Scrapping!