The Cinematic Experience of Hans Zimmer Live At Barclays Center
Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Erin Donahue
The last-minute approval for Hans Zimmer’s Barclays Center live show had me frantically messaging fellow photographers in NYC. With no photo pit access and only shooting permitted from the sides or back of the arena floor, my usual concert setup wouldn’t cut it.
Thank goodness for photographer friends! One came through with a loaner Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary DG DN OS for my Sony. It’s a lens I’d typically use to capture moonrises or solar eclipses, not live events, but I made it work!
Hans Zimmer Live Starts With A Delay
Stationed at the arena’s edge, the distance didn’t create unique compositional challenges as I expected, but the flurry of attendees finding their seats made it difficult to capture my shots. The extraordinary musical talent on display reached new heights with each performer.
The first act hit its emotional peak during “Gladiator,” my favorite score from Zimmer’s repertoire. The piece’s familiar melodies sent chills down my spine and brought tears to my eyes. As the second half commenced, the energy transformed dramatically. Thunderous bass lines reverberated through Barclays Center with an intensity reminiscent of an electronic music festival. The audience’s excitement peaked when Zimmer himself ventured into the crowd, his infectious enthusiasm spreading through the sea of faces.
Zimmer’s Most Celebrated Works
A truly magical moment came when Lebo Morake, whose voice first graced The Lion King, took command of the stage. His powerful rendition transported the entire arena back to the film’s most memorable scenes. The evening’s repertoire spanned Zimmer’s most celebrated works, from the swashbuckling themes of “Pirates of the Caribbean” to the cosmic soundscapes of “Interstellar,” the brooding intensity of “The Dark Knight,” the cultural richness of “The Last Samurai,” and his latest Academy Award-winning score for “Dune.”
The show’s conclusion highlighted Zimmer’s genuine gratitude toward his ensemble. His heartfelt acknowledgment of every musician and crew member reflected the collaborative spirit that has defined his illustrious career. As he shared his love for Brooklyn, the audience responded with thunderous appreciation. With this being the final run of this particular live production before Zimmer develops his next show concept, the evening carried extra significance. The standing ovations and endless applause proved that Brooklyn had indeed shown up to spread that love right back!
To learn how to break into concert photography I wrote tips on how to get started and you can read what camera gear I use for concerts.
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is the creative studio of Erin Donahue, offering photography, videography, and content creation services for brands, hotels, tourism boards, and publications.
Based in New York City, but available globally, this multi-disciplinary digital creative left a career in the hedge fund space to pursue her passion as a travel and brand photographer, creating imagery that resonates with audiences. She approaches every project with a focus on storytelling, producing visuals that engage and inspire.
Her work has been commissioned by brands like Sony, Apple, and Google, and the content she has created has reached millions across social media.
To keep up to date with everything she shares, follow along on social media and read up on what camera gear she uses to capture the shot.
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