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Lost in Music Photo Essay

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I used to get asked for cocaine. Back in the day, that is. I looked the part for someone who might have a little bit of Charlie. Me, on a stage in a nightclub, intoxicated by House music and with an itchy nose from a beer allergy. Music does that to you. Still does for me. Classic dance anthems more than anything, though these days no one asks for a score. They tend to ask for photos instead, which is fine by me. And so here we go with my live music pictures.

Black and white live music pictures

  • a young woman screams with excitement at a singer

Once upon a time, I was the same age of the people in these pictures. There have been some changes (phone dependence, pre-loading, the removal of vinyl and all the craft it requires and the texture it delivers), but generally, a night out is still a night out. Mates. Drink. Music. Laughs. Dancing.

Somewhere in this, I now fall. Once the dancer. Now a photographer. Still the same pulse for the peaks and troughs of a tune. The anticipation for the next track. The mid set lull, and the end of set high. People losing their **** and others wanting to. It’s a dream. A photographer’s dream. If you ever get the chance, try it, crowd photography, that is. Turn around now again for the act (they can be fascinating too), but don’t linger too long.

The show is always behind you.

people going crazy whilst listening to music
a man playing the guitar as his long hair blows about
a woman in near darkness with her hair blowing around
a young woman wearing a white hat and white top dances and sings in a crowd
people dance and sing in a crowd at a nightclub
a woman wearing retro sunglasses dances in a crowded nightclub
a young man exhales smoke as he is surrounded by people smiling
a man plays the guitar on a stage as people dance close by
a woman with blonde hair shakes her head as she dances
  • two young women hug outside, with one smiling at the camera
  • a young woman smiles as she dances
  • a young woman wearing retro sunglasses listens to music outside
  • a young woman in a nightclub fist pumps as she dances
  • a woman holds her head and sings outside at a music festival
  • two women prepare to embrace as others around them dance
a woman with blonde hair holding a guitar returns to the stage during a concert

This photo essay of live music pictures was created by me, David Dunham.

The photography is my work and was taken at live music events in New Zealand, including Nest Fest in Hawke’s Bay, Bay Dreams in Mount Maunganui, and at Totara Street Live Music Venue in Tauranga.

If black and white photography is your thing, perhaps head over to my black and white portraits.

Just one more request before I go. I have a bunch of photos of singer songwriters, bands and artists. I’ve got a lot of time for the work of each one. So, if you have a mo, here are a few to consider: singer songwriter Sophie Maude, actor Cassie Bradley, and the New Zealand band Daffodils.

How to contact me

I’m based in Tauranga, and am often found in Auckland too. Best to contact me using this form as I’m not on social. Or, give me a call. My number is lower down. Best wishes, David.

Tel: +64 27 462 3126