Summer concert season in Indy is well underway, and there’s been no shortage of top-tier shows, with even more on the horizon. While attending every concert on your 2024 summer bucket list may not be humanly possible, Indy’s talented fleet of concert photographers has you covered, providing a peek into what you missed.

Here are 12 concert photographers to follow. Read on to find out the favorite acts they’ve covered and their tips for taking great concert pics.

Bee Neeb

A 26-year-old Midtown resident, Bee Neeb stays busy documenting the local music scene, while also keeping the public informed on each week’s slate of shows via her Naptown Now. When asked about a defining moment for her as a concert photographer, she pinpointed the time she took photos of Australian artist Dope Lemon in Chicago. 

“Some of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken have come from that show, and it was a super hard show to photograph because of the fog and low lighting,” Neeb said.

Music fest she’d love to photograph: Bonnaroo

Photo tip: “Feel the music first before you start shooting because then you can anticipate moments right before they happen.”

Doug Fellegy

Fellegy will never forget the time he photographed iconic Midwest emo band American Football playing at the Hi-Fi Annex. “Their first record had such an impact on me, but I’d made peace with the idea that I might never see them live because of how infrequently they tour together,” said Fellegy, 41, who lives downtown. 

“To be lucky enough to photograph them all these years later, to hear ‘Stay Home’ wash over me in the photo pit, and to capture so much happiness in the faces of the crowd made it a great night.”

Artists he’d love to photograph: Cat Power and Khruangbin

Pro tip: “Focus on emotions happening on stage and in the crowd.”

Jeffrey Everett

Everett, 61, who lives downtown, is no stranger to covering Midwest music festivals. But he’ll always remember the first time he photographed Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn. “It was exciting to see so many amazing acts, but trying to shoot as many as possible was absolutely grueling with walking around the ‘Farm,’” he said.

Music fest he’d love to photograph: Glastonbury

Pro tip: “Look for a combination of stage lighting and action that captures the vibe of the artist.”

Kristi Swango

A 36-year-old photographer who calls Pendleton home, Swango enjoys soaking up the energy of a crowd while shooting a concert. “One moment for me was being on stage with Saweetie, taking photos of her at Gainbridge Fieldhouse,” Swango said. “To be able to see the lights and the whole room full of fans through the perspective of the performer was mind-blowing.”

Artist she’d love to photograph: Justin Timberlake

Pro tip: “Be ready for anything because concerts can be unpredictable, and of course, have fun. Your photos will be much better if you’re truly enjoying the experience.”

Mark Sheldon

A seasoned concert photography veteran who can often be found taking photos at the Jazz Kitchen, this 66-year-old from northeast Indianapolis will never forget taking photos of Queen in the late ’70s. “What made it so special? Everything about the Queen shows was magical — the sights, the sound, the lighting and the music,” Sheldon said.

Artist he’d love to photograph: Paul McCartney

Pro tip: “Know the limitations of your camera and lenses.”

Mia Moore

Moore, a 31-year-old photographer from Indy’s west side, will always remember the time she got to photograph R&B icon Toni Braxton in Las Vegas. “ I had all-access the entire time, including catching her backstage. She was incredibly nice and open to the photos I was taking. I got to meet her the next day. She said she loves Indianapolis food and the fact I’m as short as she is!”

Artists she’d love to photograph: Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Tyler the Creator

Pro tip: “Study the show/artist before you go and shoot with patience.”

Michelle Pemberton

The longtime photojournalist for the IndyStar calls the Broad Ripple area home. When asked about one of her favorite concert photography memories, she recalls the recent I Made Rock ’N’ Roll festival at American Legion Mall, where she captured the fest’s stage reflected in bubbles blown by an audience member. 

“It’s the first time I’ve seen that little trick of light, and documenting it was fun, but I also really enjoyed meeting all the other photographers covering the event. We had a good ol’ time,” Pemberton said. 

Artist she’d love to photograph: Bob Dylan

Pro tip: “Always remember to look behind you. What’s happening on the stage is only a fraction of the story.”

Nichelle Short

A 33-year-old photographer living downtown, Short says it was an unforgettable experience photographing Janelle Monáe at the recent I Made Rock ’N’ Roll festival. “It stood out because a year ago I tried to shoot her and was so bummed I didn’t get to. So this was a full circle moment that I’m grateful for,” Short said.

Artists she’d love to photograph: Beyoncé, Doja Cat and Janet Jackson

Pro tip: “Be mindful in the pit of your peers and make sure you’re not getting in the way of shots. We can all eat!”

Ted Somerville

Somerville, a 35-year-old photographer living in Midtown, has fond memories of the times he photographed infamous Israeli garage rock band Monotonix, which he called “the ultimate adrenaline rush.” 

“They were all over the place and would go out into the crowd to be right in your face,” Somerville said. “One of the craziest things I’ve seen was when they spilled out onto the sidewalk outside the Bluebird in Bloomington, and they had the crowd hoist the drummer’s kick drum up above them. The singer climbed on top of it and did a crowd dive into a group of fans on the sidewalk.”

Band he’d love to photograph: Gorillaz

Pro tip: “Get close and shoot a lot!”

Tony Vasquez

Vasquez, who lives in Columbus, Ind., regularly finds himself in the Indianapolis area photographing concerts from artists big and small. When thinking back on a concert memory that really struck him, Vasquez, 44, recalls the time he photographed a concert from indie rock supernova St. Vincent at Bogart’s in Cincinnati. 

“Capturing her raw emotion and musical talent up close was incredibly special,” he said. 

Artist he’d love to photograph: Paul McCartney

Pro tip: “Always focus on capturing the emotion and energy of the performance, as this truly brings the photos to life.”

Will James for Sippy Cup Productions

Taking photos under the moniker of Sippy Cup Productions, Will James is a 31-year-old from Pike Township who specializes in photographing the modern stars of hip-hop and R&B. 

“It’s kind of surreal being able to shoot and make culturally significant images of the artists I listen to on Spotify,” he said.

Artists he’d love to photograph: Baby Keem, Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean and Ye

Pro tip: “Come prepared.”

Wildstyle Paschall

A fixture of Indy’s hip-hop community, Paschall remembers a moment at the 2017 Chreece hip-hop festival where things really came full circle for him.

“One of my favorite memories is covering Pope Adrian Bless’ performance,” Paschall said. “It was very special for me because I produced and recorded most of the music for his set myself.”

Music festival he’d love to cover: Summer Jam

Pro tip: “Move around and keep exploring different angles and perspectives.”

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