Kygo Concert Photography at Barclays Center
Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Erin Donahue
As a concert photographer, every gig is an adventure! With a typical last-minute approval coming into my email inbox, I checked off another iconic NYC venue to photograph at: Barclays Center. Previously, I’ve already photographed big-name music industry artists at other iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. There are still a couple of other venues I’d like to photograph at, like the historic Apollo Theatre, but Barclays was the final jewel in my crown of New York’s premier stadium music venues.
Barclays Center Has The Biggest Photo Pit Ever!
Once inside, I was struck by the sheer size of the photo pit. As someone who’s navigated countless cramped spaces to get the perfect shot, the expansive area before the stage at Barclays was a photographer’s dream. It offered unparalleled freedom to move and compose shots, a luxury rarely afforded in the world of concert photography. However, because it’s such a large pit encompassing a large stage, my Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens wasn’t long enough. Best to have something like the 70-200mm f/2.8 GM to get even closer to 200mm.
Pre-Show Chaos: The Photo Pass Predicament
Additionally, the evening wasn’t without its hurdles. In an unusual turn of events, I found myself in a bit of a pickle trying to obtain my photo pass. Typically, these are easily picked up at will-call, allowing photographers to set up and prepare. This time, I was left waiting outside for an hour, my pass withheld until moments before Kygo took the stage. By the time I finally got my pass and made it to the pit, I had missed half of Kygo’s first song—a setback when you’re only allowed to shoot the first three.
The Thrill of Photographing Live Music
As always, shooting a live performance is a rush unlike any other. The unpredictability, the need to anticipate moments before they happen, and the challenge of working with ever-changing lighting conditions keep you on your toes. Kygo’s show, with its mix of electronic beats and live instrumentation, provided a diverse range of photographic opportunities.
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.
To keep up to date with everything I share, follow along on my social media!
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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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