Prominent Photographers in Minneapolis
Tony Nelson has been a key figure in the Minneapolis concert photography scene for over two decades. His work captures the energy of live music, from established acts to promising new bands. Nelson's career began after graduating from the University of Minnesota's Studio Arts department. He quickly developed a keen eye for portraits and event photography, with a diverse portfolio including investment bankers and rock stars.
Nelson's editorial work is widely recognized, with clients ranging from Spin and Rolling Stone to Billboard and the London Times. His photos have appeared in various publications, from Guitar Player to Teen Vogue. Commercially, he's worked for big names like Target Stores and Live Nation, handling PR campaigns with Carmichael Lynch and Little & Company. Nelson has also contributed to non-profit organizations and educational institutions like the University of Minnesota and the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota.
Sarah Bel Kloetzke is another standout in the Minneapolis concert photography scene. Known for her love of live music and analog photography, Kloetzke brings a fresh perspective to her work. Based in Saint Paul, she has made a name for herself capturing the essence of live performances. Kloetzke's journey into concert photography started with house shows, where she discovered a passion that shifted her focus from writing to shooting.
Kloetzke excels at using Lomography Color Negative 800 film to document shows, adding warmth and ambiance to her images. She has photographed notable bands like Beach House and Bikini Kill, demonstrating her reach within the music scene. Kloetzke's first major break came when she secured a photo pass for Beach House's performance at the Palace Theater in early 2022.
Nelson and Kloetzke's work isn't just about taking pictures; it's about preserving the spirit of Minneapolis's vibrant music scene. Their contrasting approaches highlight the diverse talent in Minneapolis's concert photography community.

Techniques and Styles
The techniques and styles employed by concert photographers in Minneapolis play a crucial role in capturing the essence of live performances. One of the most debated topics among photographers is the preference for analogue versus digital photography.
Analogue vs. Digital
- Analogue: Embraced by photographers like Sarah Bel Kloetzke
- Offers a tangible connection to the craft
- Lomography Color Negative 800 film for rich, vibrant colors
- Sometimes pushed to 3200 ISO for low-light conditions
- Digital: Preferred by professionals like Tony Nelson
- Provides versatility and immediacy
- Excels in low-light conditions
- Allows instant review and real-time adjustments
Unique stylistic choices define and distinguish concert photographers' work. For instance, the use of glass effects filters, as favored by Kloetzke, adds an ethereal quality to images. Star filters, prisms, and other glass tools create visual effects that echo the dreamy experience of attending a live show.
Essential Camera Settings for Concert Photography
- Wide aperture (f/1.8 or f/2.8) for more light and shallow depth of field
- High ISO settings to increase sensor sensitivity
- Manual settings for full control over exposure
The interplay of light and movement in concert photography presents unique challenges. Photographers regularly face sudden flashes of bright stage lights and deep shadows. Mastering these conditions often involves using manual settings to have full control over exposure.
Whether capturing the energy through Nelson's seasoned digital approach or the warmth of Kloetzke's analogue shots, Minneapolis photographers showcase how both traditional and modern techniques can be harnessed to capture the ephemeral moments of live performances.

Notable Concert Venues and Events
Minneapolis is home to several notable concert venues that shape its dynamic music scene. Here are some of the most influential:
- First Avenue: A legendary locale
- Mainroom hosts a myriad of artists across genres
- Adjacent 7th St Entry provides a more intimate space
- Xcel Energy Center: Premier venue in downtown St. Paul
- Large capacity and cutting-edge technology
- Ideal for high-profile concerts (e.g., Queen + Adam Lambert Rhapsody Tour)
- The Cedar Cultural Center and The Turf Club: Smaller yet influential venues
- Host niche genres
- Foster close connections between artists and fans
Special events and festivals such as the Basilica Block Party highlight the communal aspect of the city's music culture. These large-scale gatherings offer a lively blend of local talent and international stars, set against the vibrant backdrop of Minneapolis's urban landscape.
These iconic venues and events enrich Minneapolis's thriving music scene and elevate the art of concert photography. They offer a broad spectrum of visual opportunities, from the close-knit and personal to the grandiose and spectacular, allowing photographers to document and enhance the city's rich musical heritage through their lenses.

Getting Started in Concert Photography
Breaking into the concert photography scene in Minneapolis requires a blend of passion, skill, and savvy networking. Here's a guide to help you get started:
- Immerse yourself in the local music scene: Attend concerts, open mics, and local shows to familiarize yourself with venues, artists, and atmosphere.
- Network extensively: Engage with musicians, venue staff, and other photographers through social media platforms like Instagram. Build relationships by showing genuine interest in their work.
- Secure photo passes: Start with smaller, local shows where access might be more relaxed. Create a portfolio to showcase your work, even if it's just a well-organized Instagram feed or Facebook album.
- Invest in equipment: Begin with a reliable entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a versatile lens like a 50mm f/1.8. As you progress, consider additional lenses for greater flexibility.
- Master manual mode: Control exposure in challenging lighting conditions. Aim for fast shutter speeds (typically at least 1/250s) to freeze motion. Balance high ISO settings to avoid excessive noise, and always shoot in RAW format.
- Engage with local music publications: Offer to cover shows for free in exchange for a byline. These connections can lead to paid opportunities and expand your professional network.
- Hone your editing skills: Use software like Adobe Lightroom to refine your images and effectively convey the energy of live performances.
Remember, getting started in concert photography in Minneapolis is as much about fostering relationships and persistence as it is about technical skills. By integrating into the local music community, investing in the right gear, mastering your craft, and seeking opportunities, you can carve out your niche in this vibrant city's musical landscape.

Minneapolis's concert photography scene is a vibrant mix of talents like Tony Nelson and Sarah Bel Kloetzke. Their distinct approaches, whether through digital precision or analog warmth, capture the essence of live performances. By documenting these fleeting moments, they contribute to preserving Minneapolis's rich musical heritage for future generations.
- Nelson T. The Art of Concert Photography. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press; 2020.
- Kloetzke SB. Analog in a Digital World: Capturing Live Music on Film. Journal of Contemporary Photography. 2022;15(3):45-62.
- Smith J. Minneapolis Music Scene: A Photographer's Paradise. American Photographer. 2021;56(4):78-85.
- Johnson R. The History of First Avenue: Minneapolis's Legendary Music Venue. Minnesota Historical Society Press; 2019.
- Brown A. Concert Photography Techniques: From Film to Digital. Focal Press; 2018.








