6 of My Favorite Concerts to Photograph

Concert photography in Upstate New York has given me access to some unforgettable moments — from standing on stage with chart-topping artists to documenting record-breaking crowds. As a concert photographer based in Upstate New York, these shows stand out not only for the images, but for the trust, energy, and stories behind them. Below are six of my favorite concerts I’ve photographed, featuring some of the biggest names in country, pop, and hip-hop.

6 of My Favorite Concerts to Photograph

1. Luke Combs — On Stage & With the Crew

Photographing Luke Combs remains one of the highlights of my career as a live music photographer. I was able to work with the crew and cover two songs from on stage with a sold out arena — a rare opportunity that allowed me to capture raw, behind-the-scenes moments. On top of an incredable show, the experience allowed me to join the crew for dinner. That level of access reflects the culture around Luke’s team: respectful, grounded, and genuine. From a photography standpoint, being on stage created dynamic perspectives that most concert photographers never get to experience.

2. Post Malone — Homecoming Show in Syracuse, NY

Post Malone’s homecoming concert in Syracuse, New York delivered one of the most electric crowds I’ve ever photographed. There’s something powerful about shooting an artist in a city that truly feels like home. You knew his passion and effort was above and beyond for a sold out crowd. Post Malone continues to be an inspiration for those raising from smaller cities or towns.

3. Zach Bryan — Full Show Coverage in Albany, NY

Zach Bryan's team allowed me full length concert photography coverage for his Albany, NY performance — a major sign of trust between artist and photographers. Having the greenlight to shoot the entire show is rare in this line of work when you're not tied directly to the band. This experience meant I could document the full narrative, from opening moments to the final encore. Zach’s connection with the audience was one worth capturing until the very end.

4. Noah Kahan — Humble & Career-Defining

Aside from almost getting stepped on, Noah Kahan stood out not just for the scale of the show, but for his humility. At the time, this performance marked the largest show of his career. Photographing an artist at a turning point like that is special. The emotion, crowd engagement, and authenticity made this one of the most meaningful concerts I’ve documented as a music photographer. You could sense his appreciation for everyone that had shown up.

5. Lainey Wilson — Record-Breaking Show at the NY Fairgrounds

Lainey Wilson’s concert at the New York State Fairgrounds was a record-breaking event, drawing one of the largest crowds the venue had seen. From crowd members holding signs, to powerful stage moments, this show showcased why Lainey Wilson has become a dominant force in country music — and why large-scale live event photography is so impactful.

6. Pitbull — Syracuse, NY & Immaculate Energy

Pitbull’s concert in Syracuse, NY was pure energy from start to finish. The vibe was immaculate — nonstop movement, massive crowd participation, and a true party atmosphere.

What made this show especially rewarding was the response afterward. Members of Pitbull’s dance team reached out to use my images in their social media, which speaks to the professionalism and respect shared across the entire production team and the photographers.

In Conclusion

Each of these performances represents why I love concert photography — access, trust, and capturing moments and experience that may only happen once. If you’re an artist, venue, or promoter looking for a concert photographer in Upstate New York who understands live music, energy, and storytelling, feel free to reach out to collab!