Concert photography [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

RadioNate

01-25-2006, 08:53 AM

I'm hoping a few of you seasoned photographers (read Ducklite, lol) can give me a few cheat sheet tips on concert photographs.

I'm going to try to take my S2IS to the Aerosmith show tonight. I don't know what Aerosmith's photography guidelines are so I may not be able to take that big of a camera in anyway. It does fit the arena's guidelines.

I will be in our box which for basketball is center court and about 25 rows up. That makes it to the side of the stage for concerts about 1/2 way back maybe 10 rows up. In any case I'll need to use the zoom and the flash is out.

I'm not looking to sell to Rolling Stone just a few 1/2way decent shots for the scrapbook.

I actually don't think Aerosmith will allow camera's which is cool. I'm having DH check at work. Even though I'm sure I could get it in, I don't want to if it's against the rules.

Kelly Grannell

01-25-2006, 02:35 PM

Sometimes the venue will allow point and shoot. S2 is one of them. The ones the consider "big" are dSLR/35mm SLR or larger.

RadioNate

01-25-2006, 02:41 PM

I actually could get in pretty much any camera I wanted as DH has an office in the arena. All I really would have to do is bring it there now and then get it out of his office during the show. The S2IS is within arena guidelines, I'm just not sure if the band is asking for no cameras.

Any idea on what settings to use. I'll guess I'll just have to play with it if I do bring it along.

fiffy

01-25-2006, 05:38 PM

The flash will acomplish nothing but to help under expose your photographs. Turn it off. I wouldn't use the zoom either if useing a point and shoot camera as the lenses are so small as it is they allow very little light into them. And your in a situation which has very little light availible. Plus, the more you zoom out the more room the light has to travel which also can lend twords an underexposed photo. If you have the availibility to put the camera into an Aperature Priority mode then set it as low as possible and let the camera figure out what shutter speed to use. If you can set the ISO bump it up to 800. But, it really depends on how close you can get to the subject. The closer the better.

Kelly Grannell

01-25-2006, 08:20 PM

IIRC, S2IS can only go up to ISO400. But yeah, set it to ISO 400, aperture as wide as possible (the smallest number possible) and let the camera be your guide. You have IS anyway (oh yeah, make sure the IS option is in ON position)

Deedee

01-26-2006, 05:08 AM

Hi dturner i love your pic of Con and Bo my DD and i think Constantine is soooo hot. Wish we were able to see American idol tour.

ducklite

01-27-2006, 05:47 AM

Sorry I missed this the other day, I've been busy getting a backlog of concert pics up on my web site.

I am a professional concert photographer--I get photopasses and bring my DSLR or I don't bother to bring a camera and just go to enjoy the show.

The advice you got was good, use at least a 400 ISO and open that aperture up. If you've got a sports mode that will sometimes work well, and putting your camera on multiframe also helps.

If I were shooting Aerosmith I would probably try ISO 400 to get the least noise--they should have enough stage lighting to make that quite possible. (I take that back, I KNOW they will, an old friend of DH & I is the LD and I've seen the plot) Other groups I've had to go into the 800+ range, and that's using f/1.8 glass!

As far as bringing in the camera to begin with, most arenas will allow cameras with non-detachable lenses, but often won't allow their use in the first ten rows. The concert clubs are the ones that are stricter, House of Blues venues are about the strictest, they generally won't allow ANY camera except the one built into your cell phone, and required the pros to sign a pretty restrictive release prior to getting the photopass.

So, did your photo's come out? Will you be posting them?

Anne (Who's now off to Philly to shoot Nonpoint and Sevendust tomorrow night, and Theory of a Deadman and Staind Sunday night.)

FergieTCat

01-27-2006, 10:46 AM

I've set both my Rebel SLR and A520 like this to get concert photos. It might depend how close you are to the stage, but here goes:

Turn off red eye reduction and the flash (in fact, turn off anything on your camera that could possibly cause a flash)
Set ISO to 400
Put camera setting on TV
Set the shutter speed at 1/125
Let the F stop bounce (it usually settles at 4.5 or 5.6)

I took amazing photos of Barry Manilow in Las Vegas in November on those settings. I did have a close seat, but I have taken stage photos from farther back on those setting with my SLR and a zoom lens.

Donna

RadioNate

01-27-2006, 12:44 PM

I gave up and didn't bring it. What I'm totally sad about now is that the catwalk, stage extension was about 20ft in front of my face and I would have gotten some good shots. I was really just too lazy to bring it down before the show...of course now I'm kicking myself.

They had pleanty of lighting. I'll get DH to send me the pathetic ones we took with his camera phone! lol

Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice. We go to a lot of shows and I'll be braver next time.

I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten in trouble as I was sitting with 4 employees of the arena.

dturner

01-27-2006, 01:12 PM

Anne (Who's now off to Philly to shoot Nonpoint and Sevendust tomorrow night, and Theory of a Deadman and Staind Sunday night.)

Your my hero!!!!

I always wanted to be a professional concert photographer. :teeth:

Kelly Grannell

04-25-2006, 07:34 AM

not too many people in the US will know him (yet) but here are some of the shots I took last night during his concert at the Toronto Opera Company. I'll becovering the same show, but the more formal version at Roy Thomson Hall tomorrow.

Brian Roman
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/81d22c4d.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/BrianMic.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/c58271c6.jpg

His band and backup singers

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/dfd3cfaa.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/c68799a1.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/b76327d0.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/86c24c67.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/a65451c0.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/brianroman/Bassist.jpg

bsbkmacgowan

04-25-2006, 11:17 AM

Hey Kelly, was that concert at their Front Street theatre?

Up to almost 3 years ago, we owned a condo unit at the Gooderham & Worts district right across Parliament St. from the Opera Company's building. (I love old architecture... not enough of it left, unfortunately!) No longer living in Toronto, though...

Great pictures, too! :thumbsup2

Sandy (et al)
::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo

Kelly Grannell

04-25-2006, 12:56 PM

It was at a church at Queen St E and Carlaw, 2 blocks north of Lake Shore Blvd. Parking was hellish and expensive too!

makinorlando

04-25-2006, 05:37 PM

Hey Kelly - the photos are awesome.

What kind of music do they perform. I especially like the first close up and the one of the guy playing the trombone!

KingdomHeartsFan

04-26-2006, 11:36 PM

Hi... I have a Kodak EasyShare DX4530 Digital Camera and I have trouble taking pictures of nighttime parades and any shows or concerts. I try using the flash sometimes (not very often) and the pictures come out semi-clear but very dark... I try without the flash and the pictures come out quite brite but usually pretty blurry (especially if the subject is moving at all). Can anyone help me get some bright and clear pics of these subjects... :confused3 thanks.

Anewman

04-27-2006, 12:00 AM

The reason FlashLESS pictures look brighter is because the Shutter stays open longer, and since the shutter is open longer any movement(camer or subject) translates into BLUR.

The reason images WITH flash look darker is because the Camera figures the subject will be illuminated by the flash and speeds up the shutter speed, BUT you must be too far away for the subject to be FULLY illuminated by the small in camera flash.

Tips(with current camera)
1. Get a Tripod and shoot without flash.
2. Shoot with flash but get well within 15 feet of the subject.

JR6ooo4

04-30-2006, 09:26 PM

I looked at some of your cameras specs:
it has an aperture of f2.8 when shooting wide and f4.8 when zoomed in. f2.8 is pretty fast so leave the camera wide and zoom with your feet whenever posible.
As Anewman said onboard flash is mediocre at best when compared to good sunlight. Almost every cam is very limited in onboard flash range. Your specs are 2-11 feet. If your subject is much farther then save your batteries. The cam does support exposure compensation. So you can take one pic and if it is close then tweak the exposure and shoot again. remember to go back to neutral when the scene or lighting changes.
The real problem is movement of the subject. If the scene is still you can expose exactly correct. Like a night time castle shot. But the camera must be perfectly still. When the subject is moving (like spectro magic) and the shutter stays open long enough for proper exposure then everything moving is blurry. Believe me it is the struggle of the ages. One reason Pro SLR folks spend $100's to $1000s on "fast glass" lenses.
If you post a link to some of the problem pics and the shooting info is included (exif) it will help to see what can be done.
Mikeeee

tigger795

04-30-2006, 10:09 PM

I'ts been a while since I have tried night shots with a Point-N-Shoot but you might get less blurry results if you use less zoom and crop/enlarge on your PC. When you zoom far in, any movement is spread across more pixels on your sensor. Zoom out and fewer pixels are involved which should result in a sharper picture. I'ts worth a shot.

--
Randy:tigger:

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 06:49 AM

for concert:

use highest ISO possible,
use shutter speed of at least 1/250
use spot metering and AE lock

my usual settings:

1. ISO 1600 (or 3200) depending on the venue
2. constant f 2.8 lens with IS
3. shutter speed from 1/250 to 1/800 depending on the type of concert.

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 07:24 AM

oh, no monopod, no tripod, no flash.

ducklite

05-01-2006, 07:45 AM

Better yet if the conditions are very dark and you can't use a tripod, get a 50mm prime f/1.8 or f/1.4, set the camera on ISO 800 (using a wide aperture lens like these you don't have to go to a higher ISO to still get good shots). A 50mm prime f/1.8 will cost around $100, less if you go with an "off-brand."

In all honesty, I normally shoot RAW in Aperture Priority mode, use an f/2.8 80-200 lens, at ISO 640 or 800 and have no problems in most situations. If my photo's are a bit dark I can lighten them in Photoshop.

I shot 26 bands this past weekend in a variety of lighting conditions ranging from bright daylight to no front lighting on the band under darkness, and got some phenomenal shots using the above glass and techniques.. Now I'm off to sort through thousands of photo's...

Anne

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 08:40 AM

what are you talking about? Canon 50mm f/1.8 is less than $100, definitely Canon is not an "off brand".

Besides, why do you need to do PP on Photoshop? Just look at my concert pictures, very dim lighting, taken with JPEG, ISO 1600, no post processing. I don't like to waste time doing post processing other than the ocassional cropping.

Brian Roman and Cara Chisholm at Roy Thomson Hall (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1097250)

Brian Roman at The Toronto Opera Company (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1095048)

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 08:43 AM

ducklite

05-01-2006, 09:10 AM

what are you talking about? Canon 50mm f/1.8 is less than $100, definitely Canon is not an "off brand".

I wasn't saying Canon is an off brand. Nikon's prime 50mm f/1.8 is in the $110 range. I was giving a general reference point as opposed to citing the cost of every available lens.

Besides, why do you need to do PP on Photoshop? Just look at my concert pictures, very dim lighting, taken with JPEG, ISO 1600, no post processing. I don't like to waste time doing post processing other than the ocassional cropping.

And there was a lot of light there. I'm talking in very dark situations. Clubs with four par cans to light the entire stage. I shoot in RAW and it's a fast automated conversion to .jpg if I'm satisfied with the results without any edits.

Anne

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 09:24 AM

not at Roy Thomson Hall. 1 light per subject at a time, the rest is basically no light. So the pic of Brian Roman, that's just one pot light, Cara, that's also one pot light, the clarinetist, also one pot light.

As mentioned, taken with ISO1600, f/2.8 and f/4, 50 to 100ft away, handheld, zero post processing, JPEG Large only.

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 09:27 AM

ducklite

05-01-2006, 09:42 AM

PS: just curious, how can you take 26 bands in one weekend? The one at Roy Thomson Hall took me 10 hours, the one at Toronto Opera Company took 5 hours. That's not including travel, set up, packing up, security clearance, breaks, etc.

We do very different types of work. The types of gigs I shoot are not the same as the gigs you shoot. My guess is that there are not pat down body searches and airport style metal detectors to get into the shows you shoot. That maybe gives you an idea... I generally shoot anything from hard rock to death metal. It's an entirely different world--mine can only be described one way--down and dirty guerilla photography. I do not have the luxury of getting there early, setting up a variety of gear in a secure area, and shooting the entire show.

Instead I get there and am luckly to get through the lines and security and get to the pit in time to shoot the first band. I only get the first three songs of each band--if I'm lucky, I got thrown out of the pit after 1 1/2 on Zombie last night because it became too dangerous to stay, and the same thing happened with Mudvayne the night before. I often have no "safe" place to leave my gear bag, it stays on my shoulder while I'm shooting--so I "travel light" and don't carry a wide assortment of lenses, light meters, etc. "Packing up" means throwing the camera back in the bag. I'm also constantly watching my back for incoming crowd surfers, shoes, and anything else the crowd can throw.

Here's the bands I shot:

Saturday:

CLENCHFIST
FAKTION
HYBRID L
HURT
HINDER
THEORY OF A DEADMAN
TRAPT
SHINEDOWN
STAIND
ROB ZOMBIE
MUDVAYNE

Sunday:

Local Bands:
Rising Up Angry
Power Movement Project
Social Ghost
Audiology
Asphault

National Acts:
FAKTION
EVANS BLUE
HINDER
THEORY OF A DEADMAN
LACUNA COIL
NONPOINT
TRAPT
SHINEDOWN
STAIND
ROB ZOMBIE
MUDVAYNE

I don't get "breaks." I'm lucky to stop and wolf down a slice of pizza or get to the bathroom. Often I'm trapped in a security area by a crowd I'm not willing to venture into while the band is on. Both of those shows ran bands non-stop on multiple stages, and I was back and forth between them all. It was nonstop for twelve hours each day. And that doesn't count travel time and getting in. In fact yesterday the first national band was onstage and I was still waiting on credentials when the one of the promoters happened to come to the main gate in his golf cart. He saw me and loaded me in the cart and buzzed me backstage so I could run into the pit and shoot the third song. I was literally getting my camera set up as I bumped along in a golf cart going what felt like 80 mph.

It's a very different world. While yours is very "artisitc," mine is get in, get your shots, get out, and figure it out later if you need to (which is why shooting in RAW is important). I'll bet you never got hit by a shoe in the back of the head. :rotfl: I'm not saying either is better. I'm just saying they are two VERY different animals.

Anne

ducklite

05-01-2006, 09:48 AM

PS: the lighting system was broken just before the show, so for the entire show all they did was turn on the house light just a little bit (for safety reasons) and use one spot light manouvered manually.

Shooting a single fairly stationary subject front lit with a spotlight is not a difficult thing to do. Try shooting a fast moving guitar player when there's only back light and it's all red...

Anne

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 10:13 AM

Shooting a single fairly stationary subject front lit with a spotlight is not a difficult thing to do. Try shooting a fast moving guitar player when there's only back light and it's all red...

Anne

Sorry, but my objects are far from "fairly stationary". Also the 'security clearance' I mentioned about, yeah, it's pat down, opening my camera bags etc, and when I said spot meter, it doesn't mean I have a light meter, I use spot meter mode on my camera. Yes I have the luxury of not being hit with a shoe, but I also have to sprint from one end of the stage to the other and NOT by crossing the stage. I had to exit the auditorium, run 3/4 circle (because the shorter run is closed during concert) to the other end, take a couple more shots, and sprint back again.

Now I'm not saying my situation is more difficult than yours, I'm just saying that we both don't understand the real difficulty of each other's shooting condition. :grouphug:

tigger795

05-01-2006, 11:07 AM

Hi Kelly and Ducklite,

It has been really interesting reading how both of you approach your band concert photography but I think that for the last several posts from both of you are not helping the OP with his situation at all. Additionally, none of them help him with his point-n-shoot camera. Maybe two threads should be started, one for DSLRs and one for point-n-shoots. Just a thought.

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 12:18 PM

ducklite

05-01-2006, 01:04 PM

PS: just curious, how can you take 26 bands in one weekend? The one at Roy Thomson Hall took me 10 hours, the one at Toronto Opera Company took 5 hours. That's not including travel, set up, packing up, security clearance, breaks, etc.

Just wondering--did the bands actually perform for ten hours? The shows I shoot generally there are three to four bands in a 3.5-4.5 hour time span. The opening act does 20-30 minutes, next act does 30-45 minutes, if there are four bands the next act does 45-60 minutes, and the headliner genrally plays 60-90 minutes. KoRn played a full two hours, which is almost unheard of.

I'm not understanding how you were able to shoot for ten hours?? Even if I've got the luxury of shooting an entire set, which I very seldom do--I can get everything I need in 10-15 minutes. In fact depending on the band I can get what I need during the first song then just screw around and expirimenting for the next two. :)

Anne

ducklite

05-01-2006, 01:06 PM

the thing is that with point and shoot, it's virtually impossible to take concert pics due to low-ISO availability, no spot metering, shutter lag and small sensor size. Some, if not all, of these will contribute to either bluriness and/or washed-out pictures.

We agree on this. There are a handful of higher end P&S cameras with some extra bells and whistles that you *might* be able to get reasonably acceptable personal use concert photo's from, but for the most part you need a DSLR.

Anne

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 02:47 PM

Just wondering--did the bands actually perform for ten hours? The shows I shoot generally there are three to four bands in a 3.5-4.5 hour time span. The opening act does 20-30 minutes, next act does 30-45 minutes, if there are four bands the next act does 45-60 minutes, and the headliner genrally plays 60-90 minutes. KoRn played a full two hours, which is almost unheard of.

I'm not understanding how you were able to shoot for ten hours?? Even if I've got the luxury of shooting an entire set, which I very seldom do--I can get everything I need in 10-15 minutes. In fact depending on the band I can get what I need during the first song then just screw around and expirimenting for the next two. :)

Anne

The show itself was 2.5 hours long with no breaks. 20 minutes of opening act, the Brian came on stage, then transition to his song with children choir, then the choir themselves, then transition to choir with Cara singing, then just Cara, Cara and Brian, and close with just Brian. No breaks within that 2.5 hours. Sound check is also the full 2.5 hours. Then the meet and greet time between sound check and the actual concert (meeting the mayor, head of Children's Wish Foundation Canada, etc, that's another 2.5 hours, and publicity shots of each individual artist (back up vocalists, the orchestra crew etc) that's another 2.5 hours. I managed to get a quarter of sandwich that day and half a bottle of water.

ducklite

05-01-2006, 03:06 PM

The show itself was 2.5 hours long with no breaks. 20 minutes of opening act, the Brian came on stage, then transition to his song with children choir, then the choir themselves, then transition to choir with Cara singing, then just Cara, Cara and Brian, and close with just Brian. No breaks within that 2.5 hours. Sound check is also the full 2.5 hours. Then the meet and greet time between sound check and the actual concert (meeting the mayor, head of Children's Wish Foundation Canada, etc, that's another 2.5 hours, and publicity shots of each individual artist (back up vocalists, the orchestra crew etc) that's another 2.5 hours. I managed to get a quarter of sandwich that day and half a bottle of water.

I see. I don't do that much promo work, I just don't really enjoy it so unless I'm asked (begged) I don't go out looking for that type of business. I do some candid work now and then though, but for me, it's really all about the live show.

The bands I work with half the time don't even GET sound check, it's just a throw and go, or a line check at best.

Two very different worlds. I would be out of my gourd with boredom with yours, and I'm sure you would find mine--well, not boring but certainly not your cup of tea.

Like I said, mine's down and dirty guerilla photography with singers who like to spit and crowds who tend to vomit over the barricade when they aren't moshing or fighting. It's a lovely thing. Not. The show I shot last night ended up needing armed police officers in the pit area to manage the crowd, the security who were VERY good, well trained, and properly staffed were simply overpowered by the 20,000 drunken lunatics all rushing the barricade at once. Of course the lead singer coming down off the stage and starting a fist fight over the barricade with some guy in the audience didn't help matters... :rolleyes: Welcome to my world... :rotfl2:

Anne

Kelly Grannell

05-01-2006, 03:34 PM

:) I don't get bored when one gig can pay my household expenses for the whole month :)

crazyme5kids

05-01-2006, 06:20 PM

Anne just curious, why do you have to go to the main gate for credentials? Isn't there normally a place you can go through for working personal?

crazyme5kids

05-01-2006, 06:45 PM

MICKEY88

05-01-2006, 11:37 PM

I often have no "safe" place to leave my gear bag, it stays on my shoulder while I'm shooting--so I "travel light" and don't carry a wide assortment of lenses, light meters, etc. "Packing up" means throwing the camera back in the bag.
Anne

you should buy a vest, much easier than holding a bag on your shoulder while shooting, I bought 2 ,,a black and a khaki for around 35 dollars each....

ducklite

05-02-2006, 10:17 AM

Oops.... just read post 21. Sounds like it was a second rate promotor and a really bad staff to boot. I am still curious though, is it standard procedure for photographers at clubs and small venues to wait at the main gate for credentials?

Actually not a second rate promoter at all. It's Florida's second largest annual rock festival that isn't an actual "tour." (Like Van's Warped or Taste of Chaos) It was just a combination of a lot of things, primarily a certain artist going on late and then purposely trying to incite a riot. The security was actually amazing in how they were able to handle the crowd up to that point. I have no complaints at all as far as crowd control and security, except for two cops who were on ego trips and injured innocent bystanders. But that's another thread.

At almost all rock concerts there is no separate "gate" for press, regardless of the venue. I've shot at over a a dozen large arenas and ampitheatres in NY/NJ/PA/GA/FL and all but one, media uses public entrances after picking up credentials at will call at the box office. The "rules" from that point on vary from venue to venue. At Hard Rock Live (capacity of over 3000, so hardly a "small venue"--it's larger than many theaters) media uses the public entrance, although they generally allow us to "cut the line." House of Blues clubs are basically the same, although line cutting is generally not allowed unless the box office has messed up something and you're going to miss your shooting window.

Anne

ducklite

05-02-2006, 10:25 AM

you should buy a vest, much easier than holding a bag on your shoulder while shooting, I bought 2 ,,a black and a khaki for around 35 dollars each....

I thought about it, but it won't offer any protection against Florida's sudden and often unpredictable rain storms. My gear bag does. Also getting through a jam packed club in a vest loaded with gear is just an invitation to get snagged on and smashed against everyone and thing, the padded bag gives a lot more protection.

What I'd really like to get is one of those Lo-Pro backpacks (I hope I have the right brand name), but they are soooo expensive...

Anne

MICKEY88

05-02-2006, 11:15 AM

I thought about it, but it won't offer any protection against Florida's sudden and often unpredictable rain storms. My gear bag does. Also getting through a jam packed club in a vest loaded with gear is just an invitation to get snagged on and smashed against everyone and thing, the padded bag gives a lot more protection.

What I'd really like to get is one of those Lo-Pro backpacks (I hope I have the right brand name), but they are soooo expensive...

Anne a rain poncho or jacket kept in one of the pockets, does offer rain protection.

a vest shouldn't get snagged on anything anymore than your clothes do, and unless superman himself is there I doubt bumping into people is going to damage anything, I keep camera in hand which leaves, lenses{rather solid}, batteries{ditto} and memory cards in protective case, in the vest,

photographers have been using vests for years in much harsher conditions than concerts, but to each his own..

I have a lowepro backpack, it stays in my car with my various chargers usb cords card readers etc...when I do a shoot the camera and lenses go from backpack to vest, as they did February in WDW

ducklite

05-02-2006, 11:28 AM

a rain poncho or jacket kept in one of the pockets, does offer rain protection.

a vest shouldn't get snagged on anything anymore than your clothes do, and unless superman himself is there I doubt bumping into people is going to damage anything, I keep camera in hand which leaves, lenses{rather solid}, batteries{ditto} and memory cards in protective case, in the vest,

photographers have been using vests for years in much harsher conditions than concerts, but to each his own..

I can't stand wearing poncho's. I don't mind getting soaked myself, but want to keep my gear dry. I always keep a couple clear plastic bags in my case to wrap the camera in while shooting in the rain.

It's not really "bumping into people"--it's squeezing past them like a mouse squeezing through a teensy hole, and dodging the crowd surfing idiots while I'm at it.

And I forgot the other hazard. All the crap being tossed over the barricade, including the flying bodies of 280 pound guys. SMASH! They fly into you, you go flying into the front of the stage or the barricade. During one show there was no barricade and the crowd swell ended up under me and launched me onto the low stage stage. I landed flat on my torso, camera in the air. Had I been wearing a vest my gear would have been landed on full force, and it or I or both would have been injured. (It also reminded me why I generally don't shoot shows in crappy little clubs. :rolleyes1 )

Anne

MICKEY88

05-02-2006, 11:37 AM

I can't stand wearing poncho's. I don't mind getting soaked myself, but want to keep my gear dry. I always keep a couple clear plastic bags in my case to wrap the camera in while shooting in the rain.

It's not really "bumping into people"--it's squeezing past them like a mouse squeezing through a teensy hole, and dodging the crowd surfing idiots while I'm at it.

And I forgot the other hazard. All the crap being tossed over the barricade, including the flying bodies of 280 pound guys. SMASH! They fly into you, you go flying into the front of the stage or the barricade. During one show there was no barricade and the crowd swell ended up under me and launched me onto the low stage stage. I landed flat on my torso, camera in the air. Had I been wearing a vest my gear would have been landed on full force, and it or I or both would have been injured. (It also reminded me why I generally don't shoot shows in crappy little clubs. :rolleyes1 )

Anne

OK so instead of a poncho, carry a large plastic bag, and put the vest in that if it rains...

you said before you shoot with bag on shoulder, how would that not hit the floor if you were knocked down,

actually since the pockets are to the sides, your gear may have been fine,

squeezing past people is much esier wearing a vest than carrying a bag, I've done both, I can work through a crowd way faster and easier without a bag...

if you saw a 280 man flying thru the air, you weren't at a concer t, you were at a wrestling match and even those guys don't fy thru the air against their will

boBQuincy

05-02-2006, 11:44 AM

>I don't mind getting soaked myself, but want to keep my gear dry.

*That's* the spirit!!! ;)

boB

MICKEY88

05-02-2006, 01:06 PM

>I don't mind getting soaked myself, but want to keep my gear dry.

*That's* the spirit!!! ;)

boB

sounds good in theory, but a soaked photographer usually leads to wet gear, unless you call it quits and head home for the day..

ducklite

05-02-2006, 01:57 PM

sounds good in theory, but a soaked photographer usually leads to wet gear, unless you call it quits and head home for the day..

I shoot until it's raining so hard that I can't keep the lens clear of rain drops, then it's time to pack it in. Of course during the walk to the car with the gear safely stowed I usually end up soaked. :)

Anne

crazyme5kids

05-02-2006, 05:21 PM

Oh sorry, my misunderstanding of the situation. They didn't lose the barricade. Although, 20,000 people rushing a barricade generally would do it lol.

About a month ago my nephew called me to find out for him how to go about getting authorized to take pictures of bands performing live. I spoke with my husband about it, it's pretty involved as far as the credentials go. There usually is a seperate window or depending on the promoter/venue the photographers head to the backstage entrance where they would get the credentials. They are then brought to a room to sign various paperwork. He did say most of the time there is a room that they can leave their bags and stuff. Most of the time they are only allowed to shot the first three songs. After that the photographers are escorted out of the building.

So, my nephew isn't going to be doing that type of concert stuff anytime soon. The club route will probably be the way for him to start.

ducklite

05-03-2006, 05:08 AM

Oh sorry, my misunderstanding of the situation. They didn't lose the barricade. Although, 20,000 people rushing a barricade generally would do it lol.

Actually about four years ago the same promoter DID lose the barricade when the fans purposely tried to break it down during a show with sevendust and Godsmack as the headliners. When you've got 10,000 people hellbent on doing so, there's just not much you can do to stop them. It's one of the reasons that promoters have HUGE and very expensive GL policies and bonds in place.

About a month ago my nephew called me to find out for him how to go about getting authorized to take pictures of bands performing live. I spoke with my husband about it, it's pretty involved as far as the credentials go.

This is generally true. Some bands are very easy, some are nearly impossible. I also write for a print magazine, so for me it's been pretty easy, although some of the really large bands (Stones) only grant photopasses for daily's. Fortunately the type of act that I enjoy shooting and the venues I prefer working in are perfect fits for the publication I write for. :)

The publicists don't care about photographers, they are a dime a dozen. What they really want are "words", and my rule is no photopass, no review. When Papa Roach decided to leave me a ticket and no photopass, even though the photopass had been agreed on and I had that in writing, I gave the ticket to some girl and left. They got nothing. It's a two-way street. :thumbsup2

There usually is a seperate window or depending on the promoter/venue the photographers head to the backstage entrance where they would get the credentials. They are then brought to a room to sign various paperwork. He did say most of the time there is a room that they can leave their bags and stuff. Most of the time they are only allowed to shot the first three songs. After that the photographers are escorted out of the building.

Press credentials are generally at the "Will Call" window with guest list and Ticketmaster pickup's. The "paperwork" part depends on the act and the venue. At HoB venues you sign prior to receiving the credentials. Some publicists require you to sign and fax back releases before putting you on the list--and the size of the venue has nothing to do with that.

At many arenas you are required to leave your gear in a secure location if you want to watch the show after the first three songs--and you must have a ticket to do so. A few allow you to keep it with you, but it must be left in your bag. First two or three is industry standard, regardless of where you are shooting--club, theatre, arena, or stadium. Also you aren't allowed to use flash. I can count on one hand the times/bands I've been able to shoot the entire show--and then it's usually been a very new/baby band, or where I was the only photographer and had special permission from management because I was doing promo work at the bands request as opposed to for the publication I write for.

So, my nephew isn't going to be doing that type of concert stuff anytime soon. The club route will probably be the way for him to start.

Absolutely. Many publicists won't even take his calls until he's got a portfolio and is published, even if it's a college newspaper.

Anne

crazyme5kids

05-03-2006, 05:41 AM

Hey Anne good morning! Thanks for all your info! I tried to type a very small condensed version of my husbands explanation, which was very long. He has worked in the industry for almost 30 years now, the last 23 as a production manager. He very rarely steps into a club to do a show anymore, only does so at the request of a bands manager, agent or production manager. At that point he is just "babysitting" the staff. The bands he works with are 99.9% of the time only the large acts, so what he was explaining about the press photographer passes based on that.

I think it's great that you and Kelly can shed some light on this type of photography.

ducklite

05-03-2006, 06:06 AM

Does he work as a production manager for the venue/promoter or artist. Wondering if I know him, which is quite possible. My background is actually in touring in a capacity other than media.

Anne

crazyme5kids

05-03-2006, 04:27 PM

He works for a promoter,in many different venues, mainly on a international level now, but sometimes nationally. Once in a while he will represent the band, but that's usually as a favor to the bands management.

Where did you start out and what did you do?

karebear1

08-03-2006, 07:00 PM

I'm going to a show in Vegas and was wondering if anyone here can give me a quick tutorial on what to set my camera at for concerts- or if anyone here has a website that I can go to to read about the basic usage of the camera for me. I'm fairly new to all this, but want to become more familar with it so my pics can come out ok.
The last time I used it at the same venue, I got some great pics, but many were blurred. The good pics came when the entertainer was literally only 8 feet from me. How do I get good shots when they're further away? I have front row- side stage seats if that helps??

TIA for any help you can give me!

Karen

Kelly Grannell

08-03-2006, 07:15 PM

this is an article I wrote for my blog (which will be part of the lessons, one day)

Wednesday, May 31, 2006
taking concert pictures

Some people claim this is to be the holy grail of photography. I say it's not. Maybe I got off easy, maybe my in-depth background in music, music production and stage production helped. I don't know.

Settings:

- Use lenses with f/2.8 or larger ONLY. f/4 is not good enough (well, good for Jazz concert, but definitely not for Rock or Pop) . My current favourite is Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS for wide shots and Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS for medium to waist-up shots. I'm contemplating for a Canon 400 f/2.8L IS for close up shots but the cost is extremely prohibitive (currently about US$8,000 shipped)

- Set the camera to ISO 1600. Nothing lower than that.

- Use spot metering. Focus on the face, press Auto Exposure lock button, recompose, take the pic. Do all that in a split second. You're guaranteed to have great results.

Now, considering you own an S2 IS, the best way is to set it to ISO 400 and hope for the best.

karebear1

08-03-2006, 07:26 PM

Kelly- can you PLEASE tell me how to set my camera to what you suggest? I mean ....like STEP BY STEP! I am slow at learning this stuff, but usually if someone can tell me, then I do ok. I have a hard time understanding what the manuals say because of the words in between the how to's! I just need Step one- do this, step 2- do this etc. Then, once I set it there, do I use the flash?

I'm a simple creature! LOL!!!

Kelly Grannell

08-03-2006, 07:42 PM

I don't own that camera, but as far as I can remember, do the following:

turn the knob to P
turn power on
press FUNC button
scroll down to ISO
press right arrow
repeat pressing the right arrow to ISO 400

The manual can help you for sure. I'm just writing based on what I can remember.

Kelly Grannell

08-03-2006, 07:43 PM

oh, PS: don't use flash. It's pointless anyway at far distances.

RadioNate

08-03-2006, 07:48 PM

Your best bet for an S2IS is to turn it to the P dial and change the ISO to 400. I don't have mine in front of me but I think you press the 'function' menu to get to where you can change the ISO.

Then cross your fingers and pray. Don't zoom much at all. The aperture shrinks as you zoom and you'll want it as wide as possible.

I'd consider putting in a burst mode and trying the 'night snapshot' mode under the SCN settings.

I think the S2IS is noisy (grainy) at 400 ISO so I'd look into downloading the free noiseware software Kelly always recommends because you'll likely need to clean up the photos a bit.

Concerts have wacky lighting and the don't allow flashes so they are hard to shoot.

This is one time that digital is good. Just keep shooting!

karebear1

08-03-2006, 07:58 PM

You guys are so great!

OK- I got the camera set at ISO 400- BTW- can you please tell me what ISO stands for?? I can't find my guide to the camera!! I think it's apcked with all our other stuff- we're in theprocess of moving- ugh!! I did , however , download the manual from the canon site, but haven't really had time to go through it yet.

So- is that all I need to do? No other adjustments anywhere? ANd what download for the noise are you talking about?

When I took pics at the show the last time, I simply had the camera on auto- and the ones that were close turned out great, unfortunately, the guy wasn't on our side of the stage very much!

Kelly Grannell

08-03-2006, 08:03 PM

There are so many different stories about what ISO stands for. What it stands for doesn't really matter (some claimed to be International Standards Organization). However, it refers to the light sensitivity of the sensor / film.

Please refer to my thread: Learn Photography - The Kelly Way, lesson 3

Kelly Grannell

08-03-2006, 08:05 PM

oh, the free program is Imagenomic Noiseware Community Edition.

http://www.imagenomic.com/downloadstep2.asp?product=nwcexp

karebear1

08-03-2006, 09:28 PM

Kelly! You have a learners thread??? Yippppeeee! I WILL go there and read- is it pasted at the top?

Kelly Grannell

08-04-2006, 07:51 AM

not yet, but if enough people ask Jeff, our moderator, to paste it as a sticky, then I think it would be.

Currently it's floating around the first page.

RadioNate

08-04-2006, 02:03 PM

Because I'm not really a great photographer. My other rule of thumb is that if your current setting isn't working...change it.

So if you look at the 1st few photos and they aren't ok, try something else! Remember to zoom in because that's the only way *I* can tell if they are missing the focus mark which can happen in low light, slow shutter speed, situations.

Michele

08-07-2006, 05:51 PM

I have to say that I find it pretty easy to take concert pictures. These examples were all taken with my point and shoot Olympus C-5000. It's a 5.0 megapixel, with 3x optical zoom. I didn't change any settings for these pictures(mainly because I didn't know how to use them until the last couple of weeks spent on this board). I'm not sure what the digital zoom is, I think 10x. I'm sure I couldn't get our digital Rebel and 75-200 lens into the stadium.

My theory is first take a lot, you're bound to get some good shots. And you have to make sure an object or person is exactly in the center of the picture for it to focus correctly(or hold button down halfway and reposition).

This 1st one gives you an idea how incredibly far away we are seated at this U2 concert in St. Louis, Dec 2005. Top section, nosebleed about 8 rows from the back.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d626b3127cce8bf2e155201600000016108AZuGzFk1bM9

This one taken with optical zoom. I wish I knew how to make these bigger so you could see how clear they are.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d626b3127cce8bf20bbda1bb00000016108AZuGzFk1bM9

Here it is cropped a bit.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d626b3127cce8bf2e02360f800000016108AZuGzFk1bM9

This one was with digital zoom and it is a bit grainy
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d626b3127cce8bf20ba9a1af00000016108AZuGzFk1bM9

And I can get as close as this with digital zoom, grainy but I thought pretty good quality for as far away as we were.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d626b3127cce8bf2e08f605400000016108AZuGzFk1bM9

I just keep wishing one of these days I can afford closer seats, so I can really get some good pictures.

karebear1

08-07-2006, 06:27 PM

Michele-
your pics are great! Good job!

Well, I'm back from the show in Vegas and got some pretty nice pics too! I set my ISO at 400 like you all suggested and then, and the suggestion of another friend who has the same camera I have, set the shutter speed at 1/80 or 1/100 and used the TV mode on the camera for the setting and this is what the result was:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/karebear1or/IMG_0500.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/karebear1or/IMG_0533.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/karebear1or/IMG_0571.jpg

and one more of the many I got....

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/karebear1or/IMG_0880.jpg

Oops! Looks like this last one the camera focused on the girl rather then Barry! What can I do to make sure the focus is in the right place next time??

I REALLY have to tell you all that I am just thrilled with the way these turned out!

At first I was switching modes from P to TV to AV- but the best pics came as a result of using the ISO of 400 and shutter speed of 1/80 or 1/100. No flash was used and these pice were taken from the 7th row center and from the balcony!

Thank you all for your help! Just thought if anyone else has this same camera and was going to a concert soon, these settings might help!

ducklite

08-07-2006, 07:11 PM

READ THIS ARTICLE (http://www.photo.net/learn/concerts/mirarchi/concer_i)

It's probably the best concert photography tutorial out there, unless you can get private lessons from Mark Weiss.

I took this one last week--I like shooting drummers--they are a real challenge because you have to manipulate the focus so you've got the person in focus and the drums in front of the out of focus. And thye move around a LOT, so you need to be quick about it.

http://www.flamingolegs.com/bands/korn/hrl0806/images/DSC_2930.jpg
That's Calvin Klein model and KoRn drummer David Silveria.

Anne

RadioNate

08-07-2006, 07:42 PM

Glad you are happy with the results. I think I"m going to bring my camera to the Motley Crue/Areosmith concert in Nov. I don't usually bring one but our seats should be too good not to. Hopefully the arena will all cameras. They seem too allow most point and shoots these days. I remember the days of sneaking in a camera under your shirt or in your pant leg!

karebear1

08-07-2006, 09:27 PM

ducklite

08-08-2006, 05:20 AM

Anne-
What kind of camera did you use for this pic? Getting drummers is really tough because they're at the back of the stage where the lighting isn't that good. This picture is wonderful!

Thanks for the link to the concert pic site- I really appreciate it.

I use Nikon D-70. That would have been taken with a Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 AF ED lens. And having a Calvin Klein model as your subject makes it pretty easy to get a good shot... ;)

Here's one of Arejay from Halestorm I took last month that really shows the use of selective focus.
http://www.flamingolegs.com/bands/halestorm/starland0706/images/DSC_1736.jpg

And lighting wasn't a problem at this daytime show, but knowing just when to be ready for the shot was the trick--This is Rob Rivera of Nonpoint (it's their cover of "In the Air Tonight" you hear on all the Miami Vice Trailers and ads.) He is just hitting the last beats of the song at the same time as he is jumping up off the drum throne. He sets his kit up sideways onstage--very interesting visual...
http://www.flamingolegs.com/bands/nonpoint/edbd06/images/DSC_7376.jpg

Anne

karebear1

08-08-2006, 12:06 PM

ducklite

08-08-2006, 12:37 PM

One other problem I'm now noticing with the pics I took is taht the true colors are not there. Most pics I took have Barry with blue hair and a blue jacket on. Well, I can understand why his hair might be blue, but the jacket was actually a very nice purple. Is there anything I can do to fix that? I think that may be why his hair is blue as well- has something to do with using the TV setting.... I think? When I tried using the auto mode- the colors were correct, but the pics were really blurred. But I don't know what else to use. when I used the P setting, it washed his facial features out... but his hair was blond! LOL!! Any hints there??

Your photo's are exactly the way they are supposed to be--the stage lighting is what causes hair, clothing, and even skin to take on different colors. Look at my photo of Arejay--he's GREEN! Of course I'm sure his sister would have some weisenheimer comment to make about that :lmao: , but the point is that's the stage lighting and it's what makes a concert photo look good.

Anne

karebear1

08-08-2006, 05:40 PM

Thanks Anne- you just gave me a little boost of confidence! I appreciate all your comments!

Karen

CookieGVB

08-10-2006, 09:53 PM

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/CookieGVB/August%202006/IMG_2521.jpg

Here's a shot from one of the shows I went to, using the same camera as karebear.

Hi Karen - we had a blast!! :wave2:

CookieGVB

08-10-2006, 09:57 PM

Another shot - no blue hair, but I did manage to cut some of his head off.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/CookieGVB/August%202006/IMG_2449.jpg

CookieGVB

08-10-2006, 10:01 PM

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/CookieGVB/August%202006/IMG_1928.jpg

Check out the face! :teeth:

Kelly Grannell

08-11-2006, 01:37 AM

quick question, why are the pictures look like water colour?

karebear1

08-11-2006, 09:21 AM

quick question, why are the pictures look like water colour?

Kelly- What do you mean??

Kelly Grannell

08-11-2006, 09:41 AM

there is a certain weird smoothness in the piccies of Barry. Either his make up creates that or too-strong noise reduction, or both. Especially his first pic at the top.

karebear1

08-11-2006, 09:54 AM

I'm not sure why that is. I know Gail had her camera on the same settings I had mine on. It could be the makeup and lighting I guess.

Is there a way to set the noise reduction on a camera??

karebear1

08-11-2006, 09:55 AM

Kelly- are you talking about my pics or cookiegvb pics?

Kelly Grannell

08-11-2006, 10:39 AM

CookieGVB pics. Sorry for the confusion I've caused.

Kelly Grannell

08-11-2006, 12:19 PM

I'm not sure why that is. I know Gail had her camera on the same settings I had mine on. It could be the makeup and lighting I guess.

Is there a way to set the noise reduction on a camera??

If you both are using S2 IS, there is no noise reduction in those cameras.

karebear1

08-11-2006, 03:06 PM

Yep! We're both using the same camera- S2 IS. So- it must be the lighting- right??

Kelly Grannell

08-11-2006, 07:14 PM

make up + lighting, I guess, or she applied too strong of a noise reduction later on (such as Noise Ninja, Noiseware, etc)

CookieGVB

08-12-2006, 12:56 AM

What you see is what I shot - I didn't do anything to alter those pics. Must be the makeup + lighting.

Kelly Grannell

08-12-2006, 12:59 AM

must be that then. There is no other explanation for it.

PS: I like Barry too... and Air Supply!

karebear1

08-12-2006, 11:06 AM

Ahhhh Kelly! I KNEW you had good taste! Have you seen his show in Vegas? It was fantastic!

Kelly Grannell

08-12-2006, 11:24 AM

No, but I've attended their shows in Australia often times.

karebear1

08-12-2006, 02:49 PM

Then I take it you live/lived in Australia?? I lived there for 18 months way out in the outback- Broken Hill to be precise! What an experience that was!

Kelly Grannell

08-12-2006, 06:07 PM

Yup! Used to live in Perth, Western Australia.

FergieTCat

11-16-2006, 10:05 PM

I have a Canon S2 IS. I have used it to take photographs at concerts (usually from close seats) and have had pretty good (but not perfect) results. I usually set it on TV, Shutter speed 125. The F stop bounces around. ISO is set at 400, which I think is as high as it goes.

Does anyone know of a better way to set the camera? Is there a way to set both the shutter speed and F stop while still having the camera use autofocus and image stabilization? Is there some secret that I'm missing?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

wdwpluto

02-11-2007, 11:22 AM

Anyone have any tips for concert photography? Some friends of mine want me to photograph a small local gig that they're producing. It's all still in the works, so I don't have any clue what the venue is or what the lighting might be like.

Any ideas or advice would be totally appreciated! :listen:

ukcatfan

02-11-2007, 11:56 AM

I am pretty sure that this has been covered before in case you get no answers. I know that ducklite is experienced with this type of photography.

Here are a few non techincal ideas. If possible, scout the location before the show. Also, if you are etting paid, get a contract that covers any of your liability and specifies your ownership of the images.

Kevin

wdwpluto

02-12-2007, 07:09 AM

Thanks Kevin! I knew that there was someone who did a lot of concert shooting, I just couldn't remember ducklite's name!

JR6ooo4

02-12-2007, 09:08 AM

wdwpluto

02-12-2007, 05:52 PM

what camera are you planning on using?
Mikeeee

The Rebel Xti, which is noiser than I'd like at 1600 :(

JR6ooo4

02-12-2007, 09:45 PM

The Rebel Xti, which is noiser than I'd like at 1600 :(

this is last weekend
rebel xt with canon 70-300 IS and monopod from about 60 feet.
raw and sharpened and noise ninja
http://mnmstudios.smugmug.com/photos/129284215-L.jpg

http://mnmstudios.smugmug.com/photos/129285625-M.jpg

Camera Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Exposure Time 0.0062s (1/160)
Aperture f/5.6
ISO 1600
Focal Length 180mm (288mm in 35mm

not terrible, much better than my first digi.

Mikeeee

Raichu

03-25-2007, 03:09 PM

These are a few pictures a took at a concert a few nights ago.
They are really bad.
can someone give me any tips to improve myself and take better picture next time?
I have a point and shot camera. The mode they were taken in was candle light mode with an iso 800.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a206/SmatOne7One/tasteohchaos2007015lf4.jpg

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5070/tasteohchaos2007014bk6.jpg

captaincrash

03-25-2007, 03:57 PM

Well...

... off hand I'd say your cameras' ISO 800 setting seems decent for the speed delivered. I know it is not blown up and it is ... not all that perfect a picture... but it is still not all BAD?

That said... what can you do. The problem is a point and shoot with just ISO 800 as a max and the lense fixed - well - you don't have too many options unless you're gonna get far superior seats or just shoot when the lihts are turned way up - which presents another problem... potential metering inaccuracy and blown details and exposures.

So - the basics probably would be OK. 1st... get yourself something to stabilize and shoot with. This might be a clamping pod, mono pod or mini pod. I've used all 3 in concerts with a pocket all in one. Now I shoot with a DLSR and I usually steady myself with just an open seat in front of me ... or I hand hold and rely on the optical Image stabilisation to save the shot. You might also try this... although it is not for everyone ... you see it done a lot. Just get up and walk CLOSER to the stage - take a few shots and call it a nite for getting a few memorable shots.

I pay for either dirt cheap seats or top seats. My friends joke about me being the "all or nothing guy". I have shots taken from row 1 PIT (two at top, some from the furthest row back at the Hollywood Bowl (perhaps 200 yards back), and some of a Disney Cruise stage show (30-40' back). All were taken with Canon D10 and either a 70-300 IS or a 28-135 IS... most hand held.

http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/B5/98/96/iB59896C3-3D7E-4422-B91B-DF80B99D93D3.jpghttp://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/4A/6F/A5/i4A6FA54E-644A-4C5E-89EE-01CE0899583C.jpg
The above pictures were from Catalina Jazz Trax - row 1 - about 15' distant.

http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/C4/7C/42/iC47C4276-800E-4F09-B1AE-D1F3C9A42A86.jpghttp://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/54/45/49/i5445493C-40F7-4EB5-B86D-1DDB203566A3.jpg
Above were taken at the Hollywood Bowl - fireworks of course.

http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/98/52/31/i98523172-BD1B-45F0-A04A-4B3DD60E3356.jpghttp://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/4E/81/F9/i4E81F93A-A0EB-49F1-80AD-032A75F1FA1C.jpg
Above 2 were from the Disney Cruise 30-40' away hand held

photo_chick

03-25-2007, 04:04 PM

Raichu-- those shots are pretty good coming from a point and shoot.

Dakota_Lynn

03-27-2007, 11:54 PM

I'm going to a concert on Friday and would love to take decent pictures. But so far, I'm having lousy luck taking concert pictures with a digital camera when its not totally light. Even pictures I take in the evening before it gets dark are blurry. I wonder if somebody here can give me some tips? I am brand new to the SLR camera and have little idea how to use it. I have a Rebel XTi and I bought two extra lenses...one is a 75-300mm 1:4-5.6. The other is a 50mm 1.8. Can anybody tell me the best lens to use? We will be sitting at tables and seated pretty close to the stage....perhaps 30-40 feet max. Which lens should I use? And what settings would be best in the dark?

I really would love to get good pictures. I always got decent pictures with my point and shoot film camera, but it died and I replaced it with this digital camera. I just wish I could get decent pictures. One of these days I want to take a photography class, but for now, I need some quick answers! I would appreciate any tips you guys can give me! :)

JR6ooo4

03-28-2007, 12:31 AM

crank the iso to 1600 and use the 50mm 1.8
then use a good noise filtering program. If the light is good you might be able to use 800 iso. Which is realy not bad even compared to cameras only three years ago.

usig the zoom may work even with the higher minimum apertures because you can fill the more of the frame with a lit subject as apposed to having more dark backgound in the frame.
check if you can bring a big honkin' rig into the concert. Sometimes they will allow a point and shoot but nothing that looks llike a professional camera.

Mikeeeee

Dakota_Lynn

03-28-2007, 08:19 AM

Steve's Girl

03-28-2007, 09:36 AM

Noiseware - google it, it's free!

JR6ooo4

03-28-2007, 10:43 AM

I use noise ninja but there are two or three pretty good free ones that I have heard of, but of course I can not remember the names.

Mikeeee

ducklite

03-28-2007, 11:01 AM

Dakota_Lynn

03-29-2007, 04:19 PM

First off, are you sure you'll be allowed to bring that camera into the show? A high percentage of venues won't allow a camera with a drtachable lens unless you've got prior approval from the artist.

You don't need to go to 1600.

Use the prime and set your camera for Aperture priority. Set your ISO to 800 (you might be able to get away with even lower depending on the act) and open your aperture to f/1.8.

Make sure that you've got your camera set to take the largest size photos you can (probably 2000x3000 pixels).

Who are you going to see?

Anne

Thank you for all that info! That is very helpful! I'm going to see Brandi Carlile (http://www.brandicarlile.com/), a new artist out of the northwest. They're still pretty lax about pictures being taken at her shows, though I suspect that as she becomes more famous and they'll start restricting things. Last time they let me video tape it! That is why I love seeing artists who aren't so well known....smaller crows, cameras and recording devices are ok and even encouraged. It's nice!

So then I should use the small lens that is only f/1.8? I want to take classes on how to use an slr camera and the classes begin next month, a few weeks too late to help me with this show! So I really appeciate your help a lot! I will be able to use a table top tripod too. So hopefully that will help. It drives me crazy how blurry my pictures tend to be. It sure isn't as easy as it looks when you professionals do it!

ducklite

03-29-2007, 05:14 PM

Thank you for all that info! That is very helpful! I'm going to see Brandi Carlile (http://www.brandicarlile.com/), a new artist out of the northwest. They're still pretty lax about pictures being taken at her shows, though I suspect that as she becomes more famous and they'll start restricting things. Last time they let me video tape it! That is why I love seeing artists who aren't so well known....smaller crows, cameras and recording devices are ok and even encouraged. It's nice!

I would definitely check with the venue, their site specifically says "no professional rigs" and most of the time that means "no detachable lenses." Of course that probably varies night to night and depends on the artist.

So then I should use the small lens that is only f/1.8? I want to take classes on how to use an slr camera and the classes begin next month, a few weeks too late to help me with this show! So I really appeciate your help a lot! I will be able to use a table top tripod too. So hopefully that will help. It drives me crazy how blurry my pictures tend to be. It sure isn't as easy as it looks when you professionals do it!

You won't be able to open the aperture wide enough to allow enough light in with the other lens. The three photos in my signature were all taken with a f/2.8.

Here's one taken in so-so light with a 50 mm f/1.8 prime like yours:

http://www.flamingolegs.com/bands/halestorm/starland0706/images/DSC_1649.jpg

and another:

http://www.flamingolegs.com/bands/hamell/phl0206bw/images/DSC_2886.jpg

The second one was taken in a small caberet style club (sounds like the one you are going to) with two lights on the stage.

If you want to persue concert photography, you'll need to get a f/2.8 zoom lens of one sort or another ASAP. That will be your work horse, the prime will be almost a spare. The other lens you've already got will just stay home.

Anne

ducklite

03-30-2007, 10:14 AM

One more thing to add--try to get there early and find the person who will be running lights--probably a house guy. Ask if you can buy him a drink in exchange for him giving you some extra light during the first few songs. Sometimes it works. :thumbsup2

Anne

ducklite

04-02-2007, 01:23 PM

Just a bump to see how it went...

Anne

Dakota_Lynn

04-02-2007, 03:56 PM

Oh, it definitely didn't go very well! We were totally allowed to take pictures. And the concert was fabulous! In fact, we had the coolest experience; we got to the venue very early and the artist we went to see stopped and chatted with us a while, then asked if we'd like to be in the front row! So she seated us front and center (next to her grandmother) which was amazing! It was a wonderful concert experience. I booted the show, and I got great video, but the pictures suck. I just can't get the hang of using a digital camera. I did fine with a point and shoot film camera but this digital srl thing is not working for me. Any idea what I'm doing wrong????

http://www.worldfalls.com/us3/brandi01.jpg

http://www.worldfalls.com/us3/brandi02.jpg

These are the best I managed to get and they are horrible. :eek:

Pictures I've taken with a point and shoot turned out better:

http://www.worldfalls.com/allthatweletin/20040729albuma/images/20040729dbg108_jpg.jpg

http://www.worldfalls.com/prom/images/20050506neumos37_jpg.jpg

http://www.worldfalls.com/becomeyou/photoalbum021702b/images/20020214catalyst52_jpg.jpg

What can I do to get the digital pictures to turn out as clear as the film pictures? I even had a tripod and that didn't really help much. There are a few pictures when the artist was standing very still that turned out great, unfortunately, her face was in front of the microphone so those are no good! lol! Ugh!

JR6ooo4

04-02-2007, 06:18 PM

I can't see the EXIF info. what was the ISO, shutter and f stop for the top two. what quality file are you saving or did you use raw?
I think that info wil help fidure things out. ALso what lens? The 50mm?

and they are not that bad. a little overexposed on the artist probab;y because of the dark background. and a tiny bit of motion blurr. So a quicker shutter speed will be better for exposure and help stop a little of the motion blurr. The top one might even be missed focus, like if you focused and then she stepped back to do the fingering on the guitar. Just another guess.
MIkeeee

Dakota_Lynn

06-10-2007, 05:59 PM

If you want to persue concert photography, you'll need to get a f/2.8 zoom lens of one sort or another ASAP. That will be your work horse, the prime will be almost a spare. The other lens you've already got will just stay home.

Anne

Anne, you've been so helpful to me, I wonder if I could but you with one more question? I'm about to go to a ton of concerts this summer. I actually spoke with the artist the other night and she said not only is she ok with pictures being taken and shows being booted, she encourages it as it gets her material out there and her face more well known! So now I'm ready to have at it! lol! You mentioned that I need an f/2.8 lens. I found a couple of them. One is well over 1000 bucks and I'm just an amateur wanting to have some fun so that one is a bit out of the range I'm willing to pay...for now anyway! I may change my mind later. I did find one in the 500 range and I wanted to ask your opinion. Here's the link (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-Macro-Lens-Cameras/dp/B00004XOM3/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-1907612-9269611?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1181515859&sr=8-1)to the amazon page. Would this be a decent lens for taking concert pictures? Like I said, it doesn't need to be professional. I just want to take decent pictures in dark concert venues.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me! It is much appreciated!

Master Mason

06-10-2007, 10:15 PM

Take a look at this lens

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/350973-REG/Sigma_548101_24_70mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html

What mode are you shooting in etc???

dcg0317

06-11-2007, 05:19 AM

The lens you linked to is a macro lens and would be slow to auto focus in dark places like a concert. If you are looking for a prime lens take a look at these two from Canon.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-85mm-f-1.8-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.0-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

MarkBarbieri

06-11-2007, 05:24 AM

Rather than pay $1,100 for a 70-200 f/2.8 zoom, you should think about getting another prime or two. You could get the 135mm f/2.8 ($280), 200mm f/2.8 ($640), 100mm f/2 ($390), or the 85mm f/1.8 ($340).

MICKEY88

06-11-2007, 01:17 PM

I agree 100% with Master Mason if you're doing small venue concert stu get a 28-70 2.8 lens it will work great if you are relatively close... then save up for a 70-200 2.8....you will have much better results, multiple primes might be less expensive, but a table full of lenses is a pain.. and odds are you will have the wrong lens on when you want the best shot of the night..

with very careful shopping you should be able to get both lenses for $ 1000

rtphokie

06-21-2007, 03:38 PM

Use a cam with good high ISO. Concert and Theater settings can be the hardest to capture well. They both usually have low light and fast action which appear on opposite ends of the "good results" scale.
with low light you want a steady subject because of the longer shutter needed to expose correctly. With fast action you want good light to get a fast shutter to stop the action. Intentional motion blurr is OK for certain effects.

I'm glad I came across this thread yesterday.

I shot over 1100 at the Rush show last night in Raleigh, NC, ended up keeping 50. I was about halfway back in the house, I'm guessing about 75 yards from
the drum riser.

Policy at the venue is no professional cameras (I'm amazed they allow them at all but I guess they've given up on controlling cellphone cameras). I used my Canon G3 either in shutter speed priority or full manual, also used manual focus set on infinity to speed things up. Most shots are ISO 200 with exposure compensation set to -2 to keep the highlights from getting blown out. When the band had white lights on them, I could get away with a shutter speed of 1/500, otherwise it was in the sub 1/100 range. I basically set the camera on continuous shooting framed it up as best I could and shot as much as I could whenever the light seemed advantageous. I wont be entering any contests with these but I'm still shocked I was able to get them. Cameras used to be a hangable offense at concerts.

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/165226853-M-1.jpg

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/165226300-M.jpg

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/165226708-M.jpg

More shots here (http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/gallery/3037154)

And yes, those are chicken rotisserie on the stage behind the bassist/keyboardist/lead singer not amps. They replace the washing machines that occupied that space on previous tours.

WebmasterCricket

06-21-2007, 03:48 PM

And yes, those are chicken rotisserie on the stage behind the bassist/keyboardist/lead singer not amps. They replace the washing machines that occupied that space on previous tours.

When they were overseas, he used those spinning vending machines they sell sandwiches and fruit out of.

Here is one that shows both (not my photo):

http://www.rushphotoarchive.com/concert/bruyneel10_01_04/photos/9bruyneel10_01_04.jpg

JR6ooo4

06-21-2007, 09:37 PM

They look pretty sharp. Nice job.

MIkeeee

lovetheprincesses

08-25-2007, 08:11 PM

Okay, you people of excellent advice....what lens do I need to take shots from a dark concert in the nosebleed section???

JR6ooo4

08-25-2007, 10:21 PM

Something over $1000 I woud suggest. Maybe the L400mm

I use the dark 70-300IS 4.5-? with a tripod from 120 feet when I shoot theater. But I have to use 1600 and pretty much shoot when the actors have stopped moving. Heheheheee

Mikeeee

ukcatfan

08-25-2007, 10:59 PM

Okay, you people of excellent advice....what lens do I need to take shots from a dark concert in the nosebleed section???

Being that far away, I would personally not even try. Just sit back and enjoy the show. I believe a prime would be the way to go though. Considering that you are that far away to begin with, I do not think a zoom lens offers much of a benefit.

Kevin

Groucho

08-26-2007, 12:12 AM

Anewman

08-26-2007, 12:27 AM

Even with a prime, the lens would be so big that it would be very distracting for people around you, and you'd almost certainly need a tripod to get anything steady. I would guess than a 300mm F2.8 would be the absolute minimum you would want to try.

So, I'd have to agree with Kevin. If you're choosing between just enjoying the show or lugging a huge, heavy, bulky, expensive lens and a tripod to a concert which'll probably still result in so-so photos... well, the choice is obvious. :teeth:

And even then, I would hate to lug that equipment to the arena only to have Security tell me that there is no photography(or pro equipment) allowed. I have had to walk back to the car to put it in trunk, and then could not enjoy the show thinking someone saw me put the gear into the trunk...

lovetheprincesses

08-26-2007, 08:00 AM

Thanks guys!!!!!! I knew you would know the answers! That is what I was thinking, but thought you might have a solution for me. I appreciate the responses.

Master Mason

08-26-2007, 10:06 AM

Another question though is what do you concider to be nose bleed section, how far away is it really from the stage.

This was taken from the back of the balcony with a 24-70 f/2.8 and cropped. It won't win any prizes, but isn't terrible either. I wasn't carrying my longer lens with me as we hadn't planned on seeing this when we went in.
http://gregghall.smugmug.com/photos/159285503-M.jpg

nicurn

12-17-2007, 08:20 AM

sorry if this has been addressed already :) anyhow, going to hm concert and taking my cannon is s1 and just want to know if I should leave it on the auto or put it on the sports/movement setting? (already got a lecture on another board about how this is impossible to answer without knowing the lighting and using light meter etc :) ) thanks for any suggestions. maggie

tiggr33

12-17-2007, 09:05 AM

I went to a Trans Siberian Orchestra show on Saturday. We used a canon powershot (forget which model). We set it to full auto/flash off. The pictures turned out pretty good. We opted for full auto since they use so many lasers, pyrotechnics, and lights. We figured we could do some post editing if need be. We also took some pictures with our 3 and 4mp camera phones with decent results. We had floor seats. Which I do not recomend for photographing. TSO was fantastic, and they had a special christmas suprise for us, Roger Daltrey did a set at the end. WOW!!

Pea-n-Me

12-17-2007, 09:15 AM

I can't help much (other than if you see my response to the low light question I answered on another thread today) but I know there have been threads on this subject before. I did a search here of "concert pictures" and there were a bunch of threads, not sure if they're specific to the PB, but you could also try searching concert photography, etc.

PS just reread your question. I hardly ever use auto anymore, but I guess others have good results. Try using P mode or nighttime settings, increase the ISO, and most importantly, keep the camera still! This may not work too well since the subjects are generally moving, but take lots of shots so you'll at least get some keepers. Have fun!

nicurn

12-17-2007, 09:43 AM

thanks for the suggestions. :) maggie

cpbjgc

12-17-2007, 11:00 AM

The main problem with the S1 is that it only has an ISO setting of 400, so indoor shots can be a problem. You can certainly leave it on auto, but turn off the flash as it will not help in anyway. I would use Av mode, and try to set the apeture fro the smallest number possible. I would also conside NOT using the IS feature as this can actually slow down the focus in low light situations. This is less of a problem if you try to prefocus, but if you're planning on pointing and snapping away, it may actually prevent you from capturing the shot you want.

My main tip is to either be very close to the stage or go to a long zoom on well lit parts of the stage, and when taking a picture, try to catch pauses in action, as it won't be fast enough to freeze action if you are any distance away from the stage.

Here is a picture I took on a Disney cruise last January from the back of the theatre:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/cpbjgc/2007%20Trip/IMG_4022.jpg

Good luck shooting!

ducklite

12-17-2007, 11:13 AM

I shoot 50+ concerts a year. I have a Nikon D-70 and generally use an 80-200 f/2.8 lens. I shoot on Aperture priority, f/2.8, usually in the 600 ISO range--but 400 is manageable for some shows--especially ones like TSO where the lighting director likes a BRIGHT stage. No flash--in the very, very rare circumstances that I use a flash, then disregard everything I just said.

The best tip is to set your camera for contiuous shooting mode. The first frame will have a slight blue due to your depressing tehs hutter, the second will be perfect, the third will again have a blur due to your natural body movement. Another tip is to keep your arms against your body to stabalize the camera.

Keep in mind that some venues do not allow cameras, so check before you bring it along.

ducklite

12-17-2007, 12:47 PM

OK, I just realized what type of camera you've got.

I'd try using the sports/action mode with the ISO bumped up to 400. Use the viewfinder instead of the digital screen so you can keep those arms tucked in for stability.

nicurn

12-17-2007, 07:12 PM

thanks bunches. :) I'm taking my cannon because it says I can take my p&s but not my one with exchangable lens. I'm hoping to get at least one "good" picture but realise I probably won't, but figured I should get suggestions on settings. :) maggie

iHEARTflorida

12-22-2007, 04:05 PM

How can i get the best shot of concerts, due to all the bright lights etc...

tiggerwannabe

12-22-2007, 04:33 PM

High film speed,
no flash-let the fill lights light your shot
& close up

JMHO~

rtphokie

12-24-2007, 11:09 AM

How can i get the best shot of concerts, due to all the bright lights etc...

The bigger problem with concert photography is actually the lack of light but as you mention the bright lights can also create blown out highlights.

If you can, get as close as possible. If you cant get close, set your camera to the highest ISO available and open the aperture up as wide as possible and shoot as many shots as possible. Also, you might try setting focus and leaving it. The changing lighting conditions can drive some auto focuses nuts. As long as you are in the same place and your subject is in relatively the same place, you shouldn't need to refocus.

Here's some shots from this summer of the Rush tour here in Raleigh, NC. I was at least a football field away with my old Canon G3 set at ISO 800 (house rules allow cameras without removable lenses so the Rebel had to stay at home, pity). I shot 1200 frames during that 3 hour show and kept about 50.

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/165226708-M.jpg
Neil Peart on drums. I was way too far away without a lens that could reach to have any prayer of getting a shot of the drummer. The video screen actually helped though.

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/165226732-M.jpg
Alex Lifeson is known for his "guitar faces"

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/165226884-M.jpg
Looks like they are having fun

More photos (http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/gallery/3037154)

ducklite

12-24-2007, 11:25 AM

rtphokie pretty much nailed it, although I generally don't suggest going above about a 600 ISO. Otherthan Rob Zombie and Tool, any arena/stadium show is lit plenty well enough to capture great images with a 400-600 ISO. Going to a higher ISO will probably blow out the white balance.

One mistake that people make is to look through the digital viewfinder on the back of the camera. Instead use the optical viewfinder and keep your arms tucked into your body. Hold the camera with one hand and steady the bottom of it with the other. Basically use your body as a tripod.

I'd try shooting with your "sports" setting, which usually gives you the fastest shutter speed.

Soupermom

02-16-2008, 03:20 PM

ukcatfan

02-16-2008, 04:21 PM

The important thing is going to be keeping the shutter speed fast enough to prevent blur from subject motion and possibly from camera movement. The IS should help if you end up needing much in the way of focal length. I believe that somewhere around 1/250 will be alright if they are not moving much, but you might need to go up to 1/500 or even more. Be sure to review your shots zoomed in b/c they might look alright on the LCD, but be blurry when you get them on the pc. To achieve the fast shutter speeds, I would use shutter priority and bump up the ISO as much as you find acceptable. That mode should pick as wide of an aperture as possible. If you see it going up above wide open, then you could possibly lower the ISO. That camera is not really made for great low light performance like that situation, so you might have to sacrifice in the ISO area to get those shutter speeds up.

Kevin

rtphokie

02-16-2008, 04:53 PM

HELP! I am taking DD to the Jonas Brothers concert and she wants me to take LOTS of photos with my Canon 3SIS. Can anyone make suggestions on how to get the best pictures. We are in the first set of rows that are off the floor, so our seats aren't too bad. Concert is tomorrow!:eek:

TIA!:thumbsup2

#1 call the venue and check on their rules regarding cameras for that particular concert. Some allow them, some dont. They may allow only those without removable lenses (i.e. no SLRs). The S3IS looks like an SLR so be prepared to answer the question.

Your first challenge will be the lighting. Overall the lighting is low and the performers are sometimes are brightly lit by spotlights, sometimes in dim mood lighting.

The second challenge is the distance. If it's a venue that only hosts basketball and concerts, you'll be 50'-75' from the stage (a basketball court is ~ 100' long). If it can handle hockey as well, double that. You'll be zooming all the way out.

ISO: crank it up, try high ISO auto mode and see how they come out. If the results are splotchy, try cleaning them up with something like noiseware (http://www.imagenomic.com/download.aspx).

F-Stop: again, light is the problem here so open that aperture up as wide as possible. When zoomed out fully, the S3 is capable of f3.5, go with that.

Shutter speed: ukcatfan's suggestion of staying faster than 1/250 is a good one. Use aperture priority mode, set for f3.5 and see what shutter speeds it gives you. If they are too slow, go full manual and set it at 1/250 or 1/500. Dont worry if they look too dark on the camera's display, you can fix that later. Since you may be shooting at the end of your len's range, a fast shutter speed to keep the innevitable camera shake from blurring the shots.

Here's a shot from my Canon G3 last summer from a Rush show. My seat was at least 300' away:
http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/165226853_y277Y-L-1.jpg
Full manual mode, f/3.0, 1/500, ISO 400 (as high as the G3 will go)

Same camera last weekend at the circus, this time about 100' away, the light was much better so I was able to get away with a 1/100 shutter:
http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/252571720_Nprdh-M.jpg
Aperture priority mode, f/3.2, 1/100, ISO 200

But these white tigers were 200' away and were the only things lit in the arena. This is cropped way down because of the distance and also the highlights are a bit blown out as a result, looking back I should have switched to manual and increased the shutter speed and maybe lowered the ISO, it's all a learning process:
http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/photos/252571711_J6ALK-M-1.jpg
Aperture priority mode, f/3.0, 1/100, ISO 400.

Oh, charge your camera tonight and bring extra memory cards. I forget that part too often.

Soupermom

02-19-2008, 07:20 PM

Well, the concert was great and I took over 600 photos! :scared1:

I used the Aperature Priority setting, 1/500, the whole time and most of the pictures are pretty great. After running them through basic noiseware it looks like we are 20 feet from the stage (instead of 300).

Thanks again for your help everyone!

(I'd post some, but have yet to set up an online account where I can do so....someday maybe...:rolleyes1 )

SamRoc

05-04-2008, 02:53 PM

My son has been attending alot of indoor concerts recently, and I'd like to get him a good camera. I figured we would spend about $500.00. Since everyone on the stage moves so much I guess a camera with image stabilization would be needed as well as shooting in low light. Any ideas? thanks!

Shutterbug

05-04-2008, 03:41 PM

1) You will need a digital SLR
so you can get the second item you need
2) a fast lens

A lower costing DLSR from Canon, Nikon, or the others would probably work.
If you can I would try to find a place that will sell just the body alone then look for 3 party lens like Sigma, Tamron, Tokina.

The other thing to take note of is how close is he usually to the stage? Close or far away? That will dictate the range of zoom you will need.

I am sure there are many others here that will also give you helpful suggestions :)

Also a note..image stabilaztion does not help as much in moving objects as static objects.
IMO Its better to have lense thats made for low light then use I.S. lens in low light

Master Mason

05-04-2008, 05:27 PM

Here is going to be the big rub for you. Most venues will not let you in with a camera that is truely capable of taking good photos at an indoor concert. Your really going to need a dSLR and a fast lens as mentioned above, which would put it quite a bit above your price range as well.

Having said that, you might get some decent shots with one of the bridge style cameras either the Canon S3 or S5 or the Fuji SD8000 (I think that is the correct number for the Fuji) But both of these will struggle in the low light conditions of lots of concerts.

SamRoc

05-04-2008, 10:02 PM

Thank you both for the information. Luckily he has been getting pretty good seats, and is usually in the first 3 rows.

Mr.MouseFan

05-04-2008, 11:21 PM

I snapped these pics last tuesday at a WWE TV taping. I'm not sure how they would have turned out with different lighting as this was lit for tv, but I took these with a Fuji S5200.

http://www.misselizabeth.com/sd1.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/sd2.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/sd3.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/sd4.jpg

http://www.misselizabeth.com/sd5.jpg

maccagerl

05-04-2008, 11:50 PM

Thank you both for the information. Luckily he has been getting pretty good seats, and is usually in the first 3 rows.

I think what the previous poster meant was that most venues will not allow you to bring in SLR cameras, and if you do manage to sneak one in, and they see you using it, they may take it away and store it in an office until the end of the show, or they may even escort you out of the show.

seashoreCM

05-05-2008, 08:41 PM

Since everyone on the stage moves so much I guess a camera with image stabilization would be needed as well as shooting in low light. Any ideas? thanks!
Psst! Image stabilization is not meant for and does not work for moving subject matter. It's purpose is to help counteract less than steady holding of the camera during your shooting of stationary subject matter.

Yes it would be a good idea not to bring any camera to a show where photography is officially or technically or theoretically or announced as not permitted.

Digital camera hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/digicam.htm

keahgirl8

07-02-2008, 08:59 AM

Shyvioletisme

07-02-2008, 09:53 AM

I can't help you here because I've been wondering the same thing. I have a basic small kodak P&S and concert pictures always turn out terrible...I'm interested in seeing some suggestions!

handicap18

07-02-2008, 10:10 AM

My concert pictures always come out bad. It's too bright for me to use a flash, but if I turn off the flash, it's blurry. Any setting I put it on never works right unless I have a tripod, which you can't have in a concert. I need the easiest to use, best camera for a concert. I also don't have a ton of money. Any suggestions?

What are you currently using for a camera?

A tripod wont help, your subjects are moving and with slow shutter speeds you'll get motion blur even with a tripod. The tripod will keep the camera steady, but wont keep your subject steady.

Generally PnS camera's aren't good for indoor low light moving subjects. You'll need a dSLR with good high ISO performance and a lens that has a wide aperture like f/1.8 or wider. Probably something like the Canon XTi or XSi with the 50mm f/1.8 lens or the Pentax K200D with the 50mm f/1.4. I don't know what the prices are. The Canon body may be more expensive than the Pentax body, but that Canon lens is less expensive than the Pentax lens.

Nikon also has a great 50mm f/1.8 lens, but their entry level bodies don't have a focus motor in the body so that lens wont Auto Focus. You could go with a used or refurbished Nikon D50, D70 or D70x. The D80 is a great body, but its the next level up from entry level and thus more expensive.

I don't know what Sony and Olympus have for lens options that would help you.

thomas998

07-02-2008, 10:34 AM

You can't expect great results from any point and shoot... but to maximize the quality of what you get you need to do the following.

Set the ISO on the camera as high as it will go (unless it is a real cheap camera and then just set it as high as it goes before the noise becomes unbearable).

Set the metering for spot meter. A big problem people have at a concert is the camera meters for everthing in the viewfinder, when spot lights are only really lighting up the group you end up with a photo that is over exposed because the camera was averaging the spot lighted area with the non-spot lighted.

Try to limit the amount of zoom you use... a point and shoot with an optical zoom gets slower and sometimes very slow when you zoom to the max... you need the lowest f-stop available and that will be when the camera is wide not zoomed.

you may need to go to full manual mode and take underexposed photos if the camera is using too slow a shutter and creating blur... its better to use photoshop and try to correct an underexposure than it is to have motion blur that can't be fixed at all.

bob100

07-02-2008, 12:15 PM

Puggs

07-02-2008, 06:45 PM

keahgirl8

07-02-2008, 07:43 PM

I currently have a Canon Powershot A520, but I'm thinking about getting a Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS. Is that a good one? I have a Gorrilla Pod, but you have to have somewhere to set it or something to attach it to. I don't have a lot of money to buy something fancy, plus the bigger and fancier you get, the less likely you are to get in with your camera. I had my mom's old 35mm camera once (not a fancy one at all) and they almost took it away!

thomas998

07-02-2008, 10:41 PM

Along the line of concerts, we are going to Nashville to see Kenny Chesney and was wondering about the camera policy at LP Stadium. Has anyone been to a concert there and brought their camera. If so, was it a P&S or a DSLR.

Thanks!

You can be sure that cameras and electronic recording devices are not allowed... Don't take anything big... you can usually smuggle in a small camera but a DSLR would be risky.

keahgirl8

07-02-2008, 10:43 PM

You can be sure that cameras and electronic recording devices are not allowed... Don't take anything big... you can usually smuggle in a small camera but a DSLR would be risky.

Exactly! That's why there's no point in me getting a DSLR, not to mention the cost.

abbingtonmatt

07-03-2008, 04:48 AM

You can have a look at Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS 8MP Camera (http://********************/searchdeals.php?deal_id=110341&ru=283).A decent deal for the Gold one is $179 instead of $250.

ukcatfan

07-03-2008, 05:17 AM

Just a thought, but if you need to make sure to not draw attention, be sure it has an optical viewfinder. Many p&s cameras do not have one anymore. One more thought on brand. Many people consider Kodak as one of the worst low light performers. Try to find a camera with a larger image sensor. The basic size is 1/2.5". Look for something in the 1/1.6" - 1/1.7" range. That should help with a little lower high ISO noise.

Disnewbie_N_MO

07-14-2008, 12:02 PM

The concert will start with the sun up and end after dark. Does it matter if I leave the lens hood on during the night shots? Also, with alot of light behind the subject, is there any advice or tips anyone could give me. I just bought a Sony DSC-H50. For now I'm just shooting everything with the "Easy" setting. I wanna get into the manual settings, but have no clue what to do. I guess what I'm asking is, will I be alright on the easy setting? I'm open to suggestions. I really wanna unlock the potential this camera has to offer.

thomas998

07-14-2008, 03:31 PM

at the very least I think I would look at the manual and find out how to change the metering of the camera. If you are going to go with a auto mode, then you need to at the very least set the camera to "spot meter"... the default will have the camera trying to balance the exposure for the whole scene... unless close enough that the whole scene is all the band group or whatever filling the whole viewfinder, you will end up with overexposed picture of the band group/whatever.

I would also do some test shot of various ISO settings. You likely need to go with the fastest one that doesn't look to noisy. I would just say fastest but in most cameras the fastest is so noisy that it is sometimes worthless.

dr_zero

07-15-2008, 09:35 AM

Any shots from the concert?

Disnewbie_N_MO

07-15-2008, 11:40 AM

Any shots from the concert?
None worth showing off. When the sun went down, everything looked orange and really noisy. We always go see the Trans Siberian Orchestra every year. That's one I want to have this camera figured out for.

dr_zero

07-15-2008, 11:51 AM

None worth showing off. When the sun went down, everything looked orange and really noisy. We always go see the Trans Siberian Orchestra every year. That's one I want to have this camera figured out for.

Well if you want to share some maybe folks can make some suggestions on how to make the most of poor light conditions or maybe to have some fun with the orange :)

My daughter dances and one year they were all pink or red from the poor lighting it took alot of time to try and tweak the colors to salvage some so I know what you mean.

The Trans Siberian Orchestra sounds cool!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Siberian_Orchestra

MICKEY88

07-15-2008, 12:06 PM

My daughter dances and one year they were all pink or red from the poor lighting it took alot of time to try and tweak the colors to salvage some so I know what you mean.

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generally speaking stage pictures that are red in color, aren't a result of poor lighting, it has to do with the color temperature of the lights used..

Disnewbie_N_MO

07-15-2008, 12:11 PM

Alright, as embarressing as this is. I wanna learn how to shoot professional style photos. So here is is with the details below it.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u128/EKnMO/DSC00167.jpg
File Name: DSC00167.jpg (rename)
Taken With: SONY DSC-H50
File Size: 250 kb - 800x600
Taken On: 2008:06:14 20:59:44
Camera Make: SONY Camera Model: DSC-H50
Date/Time: 2008:06:14 20:59:44
Resolution: 800 x 600
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 30.1mm
Exposure Time: 0.025 s (1/40)
Aperture: f/3.5
ISO Equiv.: 400
Whitebalance: Auto
Metering Mode: matrix
Exposure: program (auto)

dr_zero

07-15-2008, 12:25 PM

generally speaking stage pictures that are red in color, aren't a result of poor lighting, it has to do with the color temperature of the lights used..

What I meant was they had red and pink gels in and everyone looked out of color.
They had not planned well and had left the gels in from a previous show.

OT:
Different bulbs do affect color when I was a kid I noticed that at funerals the light was always kinda pink to make people look more natural. (weird I know) :upsidedow
Fish tanks also use different lights for a more natural look same thing with make up in the bathroom and in the hospital it affects healing and diagnosis.

MICKEY88

07-15-2008, 03:54 PM

What I meant was they had red and pink gels in and everyone looked out of color.
They had not planned well and had left the gels in from a previous show.

OT:
Different bulbs do affect color when I was a kid I noticed that at funerals the light was always kinda pink to make people look more natural. (weird I know) :upsidedow
Fish tanks also use different lights for a more natural look same thing with make up in the bathroom and in the hospital it affects healing and diagnosis.

it's still more a matter of white balance or color temperature, than it is tweaking colors in the photo..

alan

07-15-2008, 04:11 PM

Here's what I do when I shoot stage productions - I run a website at http://www.stagepics.co.uk

Shoot RAW and expect to post-process
Set the ISO high - it's easier to ameliorate noise in post-production than it is to ameliorate camera shake or motion blur
Use Aperture Priority mode (Av in Canon cameras) and set the aperture as wide open as your lens will go (unless you have a stonkingly wide lens, in which case you can start thinking about trading aperture for depth-of-field)
Shoot slightly wider than you want the picture to be. Dancers can move very fast and it's easier to crop in post-production than it is to fake up a hand or a foot
Shoot lots of pictures - if you get a 10% keeper rate you're doing just fine
Enjoy!

This may not be all of it, but it's a good place to start.

regards,
/alan

Here are a few of my favourites from StagePics:

1. The Boy Friend, EMT, Edinburgh
http://www.stagepics.co.uk/200703_emt_boyfriend/slides/200702_EMT_Boyfriend_070.jpg

2. Same show
http://www.stagepics.co.uk/200703_emt_boyfriend/slides/200702_EMT_Boyfriend_359.jpg

3. Same show again
http://www.stagepics.co.uk/200703_emt_boyfriend/slides/200702_EMT_Boyfriend_440.jpg

4. The Secret garden, The Melodramatics, Edinburgh
http://www.stagepics.co.uk/200704_melodramatics_secretgarden/slides/200704_Melos_Secret_Garden_017.jpg

5. Same show
http://www.stagepics.co.uk/200704_melodramatics_secretgarden/slides/200704_Melos_Secret_Garden_222.jpg

6. The Best Little *****house In Texas, Theatre Guild, Glasgow
http://www.stagepics.co.uk/200709_theatre_guild_*****house/slides/IMG_3244.jpg

7. Jekyll and Hyde, Limelight Productions, Dunfermline
http://www.stagepics.co.uk/200709_limelight_jekyll/slides/200709_limelight_300.jpg

8. A Chorus Line, EMT, Edinburgh
http://www.stagepics.co.uk/200802_emt_chorusline/slides/EMT_ChorusLine_1_506.jpg

dr_zero

07-15-2008, 04:39 PM

handicap18

07-15-2008, 04:55 PM

it's still more a matter of white balance or color temperature, than it is tweaking colors in the photo..

Whatever dude Im not going to argue with you over a photo and a scene you have never seen before. I was speaking about my situation only.

He is correct. With RAW files you have the ability to change the white balance. Even if they used jells with the lights you can adjust the temperature of the lights in post processing to make it look more "normal". Then you can adjust the saturation and color balance as well.

Concerts always seem to use weird colored lights, yet with a little white balance tweaking you can make corrections.

dr_zero

07-15-2008, 06:37 PM

He is correct. With RAW files you have the ability to change the white balance. Even if they used jells with the lights you can adjust the temperature of the lights in post processing to make it look more "normal". Then you can adjust the saturation and color balance as well.

Concerts always seem to use weird colored lights, yet with a little white balance tweaking you can make corrections.

Ok you both made an assumption that the pictures taken were made with a digtial camera which they were not so there was no RAW or White Balance to be set in my case wish it had been that easy.

No we were stuck with some pretty weird colors that show LOL a two tone blue background and dark red and pink lights with all the different leotards it looked like a bad trip. :laughing:

Sometimes poor lighting is just that poor lighting.

Sorry Disnewbie_N_MO didnt mean to hijack your thread.

Experiment_626

07-15-2008, 09:29 PM

EDIT: I see in your follow-up thread that you probably already know most of this, so I hope it doesn't come off as pedantic (it wasn't meant that way in any case).

Ok you both made an assumption that the pictures taken were made with a digtial camera which they were not so there was no RAW or White Balance to be set in my case wish it had been that easy.

No we were stuck with some pretty weird colors that show LOL a two tone blue background and dark red and pink lights with all the different leotards it looked like a bad trip. :laughing:Shooting on film does introduce more steps to the process, but the same basic procedure can still be used to adjust white balance after images are scanned -- at least using a current version of Adobe Camera Raw, which can now open TIFF and JPEG files as well as RAW. It is also possible to tweak the setting in Photoshop's Auto Color dialogue to give good results 90 percent of the time.

However, if you mean there were lights of more than one color being used at the same time (as your description leads me to believe), then that does make it much more difficult. You can sometimes make selections and correct for each light, but more often than not you can only fix one and not the other. In these cases, I'd just use the color for effect -- what else can you do?

SSB

DisneySuiteFreak

07-16-2008, 04:01 AM

alan

07-16-2008, 04:08 AM

Thank you!

Unfortunately I am still on the Canon 350D, so my metering choices are limited. What I normally do is:

* For wide shots, use evaluative (I think that's the same as Nikon's matrix mode) with -2/3 exposure compensation (to try to prevent blown highlights)

* For close-ups, if I have time to switch, I go to "Partial" (a kind of poor man's spot metering), zoom in as close as possible, hit the "exposure lock" button, recompose and shoot (I still have the -2/3 EC in place). Obviosuly I can only do this with slow-moving subjects, often illuminated by a spotlight)

If I don't have time, I just leave it the same as the wide shots and hope :)

regards,
/alan

MICKEY88

07-16-2008, 08:27 AM

Whatever dude Im not going to argue with you over a photo and a scene you have never seen before. I was speaking about my situation only.

wasn't arguing at all sorry you took it that way
, and what makes you think I've never seen the scene before, ??? now who is assuming as you put in your next post...I've shot dance ,band , and stage productions for 25 years, I've pretty much seen all types of stage lighting, and I've shot with film and digital..

film or digital, there is a way to filter light or color correct
back in the film days I shot the shows at Hersheypark on a daily basis, due to the color temp of the stage lights, and yes color gels... the pics always had a very hard red color cast, that is until I tried dale labs from florida, they filtered the pics when printing and my pics were right on colorwise... so it is possible with filters to correct a lot of red color cast..

I find it interesting that people refer to this as poor lighting...perhaps it is difficult lighting for pictures, but poor,bad,improper lighting are all incorrect terms,

the lighting is chosen to set a mood, not to make photography easy..so as long as it does what the producer or lighting director wants, it is good,proper lighting.

dr_zero

07-16-2008, 09:08 AM

I find it interesting that people refer to this as poor lighting...perhaps it is difficult lighting for pictures, but poor,bad,improper lighting are all incorrect terms,

the lighting is chosen to set a mood, not to make photography easy..so as long as it does what the producer or lighting director wants, it is good,proper lighting.

I got what you saying its cool, our case was the auditorium had another show and the light people did not remove the gels from the other show and there was no one to remove them for our show :scared1: . It was such a mismatch they almost cancelled but when you have people in from all over as they say the show must go on! LOL

MICKEY88

07-16-2008, 10:24 AM

I got what you saying its cool, our case was the auditorium had another show and the light people did not remove the gels from the other show and there was no one to remove them for our show :scared1: . It was such a mismatch they almost cancelled but when you have people in from all over as they say the show must go on! LOL

always remember the last ditch saveall for any really difficult pictures

black and white..

dr_zero

07-16-2008, 11:46 AM

always remember the last ditch saveall for any really difficult pictures

black and white..

LOL I will try to remember that :thumbsup2

Do the B&W and just scrape away color in a few spots and tell them I wanted it that way.

MICKEY88

07-16-2008, 02:11 PM

LOL I will try to remember that :thumbsup2

Do the B&W and just scrape away color in a few spots and tell them I wanted it that way.

I personally don't like B&W . so there are only 2 times I will do them.. 1. if I'm being paid enough, or 2. if I can't for the life of me save a picture any other way..LOL

Sirpurry

10-01-2008, 08:27 PM

bob100

10-02-2008, 06:26 AM

I'm going to a concert at the end of this month, and there's no way I can get my SLR in. I have a p&s, but it's pretty old, and doesn't have a good zoom on it.
I did a search on another site and saw one mentioned (Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 or the TZ5), but I was just wondering if anyone else had any ideas. I don't have great seats, but a good zoom/good in low light would get halfway decent shots for me.
Oh, and image stabilization is a must, lol. I can't guarantee I'll be steady!

TIA!!!

you will have a problem getting good concert pics with a compact like the TZ5 even with 10x zoom. Like other P&S cameras the TZ5 does great in daylight but suffers at night especially trying to capture motion. I do know music concert pics can be done with larger P&S cameras like the Canon S5 by using high ISO ( 800 ) and a shutter speed 1/80 - that might get decent shots if you can vary the manual settings.

OK!

10-02-2008, 10:06 AM

I've taken my Olympus Stylus 820 to several concerts over the past few months and have had pretty good results with it, but only on the "available light" setting (in scene mode). I'm at work and can't link up to my Photobucket from here, but if you want to see some of the shots, my username is Blueline29, and there are separate albums for each of the shows on the left side of the page. The ones under the album Foovegas are from this past weekend. :)

The camera's got a 5x zoom on it, which has always been adequate for me, but I'm always front row on the rail, so bear that in mind. Still, I absolutely adore this camera.

Sirpurry

10-14-2008, 01:59 PM

Thanks for the replies... :)

Anyone else with ideas? I keep reading that Fujifilm Finepix are okay in lowlight. Know anything about this? I have done so much research I am back at square one. I think I need someone to say... "Just buy this one and have a good time!" :rotfl:
Also, do any of them have good video functions on them too? My p&s only takes 30 secs of video.

I know it would be easier if I could just get my DSLR in, lol! BUT- I want pics, and if the group looks like ants on stage, that's fine. The point is, I'll have pics and video :goodvibes .

LoraJ

10-16-2008, 07:08 PM

My TZ5 should be arriving tomorrow.
I will be using it at a concert on the 27th. I'll let you know how they turn out.

I took my Olympus Stylus 800 to a concert a couple of weeks ago and got some decent shots, but I was close to the stage. I just hated the lack of zoom on it.

Sirpurry

10-16-2008, 07:39 PM

Thanks I would appreciate that!

YesDear

10-16-2008, 08:23 PM

My wife has a fuji F50d and it does a good job in low light for a P&S.

lovetheprincesses

10-19-2008, 11:48 AM

I'm interested in replies as well. I want to upgrade my little camera, with concerts and daytrips being the main objective for it. I have the same priorities as the OP---dark, motion, unsteady hands and lithium battery pack as well. Anyone have any suggestions about the Canon SD 880is?

lovetheprincesses

10-19-2008, 12:00 PM

Can any of you experts out there tell me which b/w these three would fare the best under the above conditions??

Canon SD 870 is
Canon SD 880 is
Canon SD 1100is

Any better recommendations? I just like a Canon, but if anyone has any input, I'd appreciate it. BB has the 1100 for $165, the 870 for $265, and the 880 for $299. What is your advice? TIA!

Sirpurry

10-21-2008, 08:56 PM

You seem like me, lol. I get it narrowed down, then I do more research and second guess myself.
What about Panasonics? Or Fuji?? I love Canon, but if they turn out to be "better for those situations" I can change. My concert is in 9 days, and I am no farther along in deciding.
HELP please!!

Sirpurry

10-22-2008, 08:30 PM

Okay, I have it narrowed down to 5... which would you get??

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_a2000is%2Ccanon_sd890is%2Ccanon_sd95 0is%2Ccanon_sd1100is%2Ccanon_sx110is&show=all

lovetheprincesses

10-23-2008, 08:08 AM

LOL! Okay, what I decided on, was the Canon SD 1100 is. I should have it by this weekend, and will post likes/dislikes. I have no idea if it is what I SHOULD have gotten or not. I wanted it to replace my little digital camera and the main uses will be day trips and concerts, so we'll see....I have already missed the concert I was going to last Friday from indecision, so at least I will have SOMETHING, huh??

Sirpurry

10-23-2008, 02:15 PM

I hate not being able to decide. :( They all seem like good camera's, and one will have one thing I really want... then another will have something else I really want... and so on. If there was one it would be easier... then again, if they had all I wanted it would be my dSLR then! LOL!

Anyone else wanna suggest one from those 5?

LoraJ

10-28-2008, 05:46 AM

As promised here are my TZ5 concert pics from this link.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28400709&postcount=831

I am very impressed with the video quality. Of course it gets really compressed when I put it up to youtube.

The girls in front of me looked to have a 13x optical zoom canon. Their results seemed about the same as mine. Some clear, some blurry. It was hard to get good shots at the angle we were sitting at. I took mine on the Sport setting.

OK!

10-28-2008, 03:44 PM

FWIW, I also have a Canon SX 100 IS and while I haven't had the best luck with it (due to it being defective (the autofocus, um, didn't)...I now have a new one, though, and it's like night & day), one of my friends was able to take quite good pics with hers from fairly close to the stage at a couple of Foo Fighters shows this summer. Not sure what the 110's zoom capability is, but the 100 is a 10x.

The photos that I was able to get had extraordinary color in whatever setting it was that I used (I apologize for the lack of detail...I'm at work and don't have the original files here, but I can post the specs when I get home tonight).

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u68/Blueline29/FOOVEGAS/IMG_0537b.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u68/Blueline29/FOOVEGAS/Foovegas%20Night%201/IMG_0549_filtered.jpg

...and these were with the Olympus:

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u68/Blueline29/FOOVEGAS/Foovegas%20Night%202/P9260308b.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u68/Blueline29/FOOVEGAS/Foovegas%20Night%202/P9260239b.jpg

If you're going to be anywhere near any of the speakers, the sound on video's gonna be distorted. It still sounds OK on the Olympus, but is almost unlistenable on the Canon. Of course, I was on the rail directly in front of the speakers (like 5 feet away, tops), so that affected things as well, but there was still an extremely noticeable difference.

annnewjerz

11-03-2008, 01:31 PM

Quicklabs

11-03-2008, 05:17 PM

Oooooh! Lucky you! They put on a GREAT, energetic and fun concert! Choosing between the Nutcracker and TSO is really an apples and oranges choice! I've been lots of bad Nutcrackers, though, in my time, and never a bad TSO concert. (I'm still trying to get rid of the memories of an avant garde Nutcracker performance featuring rubber duckies, inner tubes and snorkle fins! LOL)
I can't help you regarding their photography policies. I imagine if they had one separate from the venue, it would be on their website.

annnewjerz

11-03-2008, 05:52 PM

(I'm still trying to get rid of the memories of an avant garde Nutcracker performance featuring rubber duckies, inner tubes and snorkle fins! LOL)

I'm speechless...

The choice was really between the Christmas Spectacular in NYC (which I have been to, but DH has not...but I eliminated that once I figured out what a whole day trip to NYC would cost - train+food+tickets+cabs+shopping, ugh!), the Nutcracker Ballet (which I have seen and DH has not, but is great...the Philadelphia Ballet Company does it and there are no rubber duckies involved :goodvibes ) and the TSO concert. I'm so glad to hear that they put on a good show. I'm not center-stage front row but for $50 each managed to get some good seats so I'm excited. I love their Christmas albums, the God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen/Carol of the Bells combo gives me chills on CD!

Thanks for the input!

wenrob

11-03-2008, 07:26 PM

My hubby is a HUGE TSO fan. It's not always the same guys all the time so it may depend on who's playing and what their photo preferences are. Hubby is friendly with the inner Metal crowd (groups and promoters) so I'll ask him to ask around and see if he can find anything out.

boBQuincy

11-03-2008, 07:32 PM

annnewjerz

11-04-2008, 08:06 AM

TSO is the alter-ego of the heavy metal band Savatage (listen to Gutter Ballet). Their first Christmas album did very well and they saw a great opportunity. In order to maximize the potential in a short holiday season they split up and started performing on both coasts with half the band in each location. Local orchestras and backup singers filled out the ensemble.

Their performance was ok (very good light show and effects) but we were disappointed to only get half a band. Still, there is nothing quite like it and if you enjoy their music you should have a really good time!

I think the fact that they are the "alter-ego" of a heavy metal band is one of the reasons I like them so much. I grew up listening to heavy metal, classic rock, etc. because it was what my dad liked and rock is my favorite genre of music now. I have seen regular orchestras perform before, but never a "rock orchestra", so I'm excited...I love their Christmas music.

If anyone else is a fan of this type of instrumental music, you should check out Apocalyptica. They are a cello-rock band that made their name doing covers of Metallica songs. They're great.

wenrob

11-04-2008, 08:47 AM

I grew up listening to heavy metal, classic rock, etc.because it was what my dad liked and rock is my favorite genre of music now.
Okay, this made me feel very old, lol!

"Half a band" has always been the norm when they're touring to my recollection. One of these times we'll make it to see them. They always seem to be here when Hubby is on night shift.
Hubby says you probably wouldn't have an issue with a point and shoot but doubts seriously you'd be able to get the DSLR in. He seems to believe it depends more on the venue so I'd give them a call.

annnewjerz

11-04-2008, 09:02 AM

Okay, this made me feel very old, lol!

"Half a band" has always been the norm when they're touring to my recollection. One of these times we'll make it to see them. They always seem to be here when Hubby is on night shift.
Hubby says you probably wouldn't have an issue with a point and shoot but doubts seriously you'd be able to get the DSLR in. He seems to believe it depends more on the venue so I'd give them a call.

How is this then, instead of "that is what my Dad always listened to" I'll say....heavy metal and classic rock is what I grew up on. I am a child of the 80's..I'm only 24, so technically most of the music I love was before my time or being put out when I was very young.

I will definitely give the venue a call, but I have been to concerts there before and other family members have never had issues with DSLRs being brought in. If I can only bring a point and shoot, I will probably just skip a camera all together because my Canon Elph doesn't have 10x zoom or anything like that, so the chances of getting anything other than dark pictures with blurry people is slim to none. Heck, even if I can bring the dSLR, I may not, only because I am sitting center stage but all the way across the arena, so I would need a really good zoom to get some worth-while shots.

Thanks for the info! :goodvibes

wenrob

11-04-2008, 09:10 AM

How is this then, instead of "that is what my Dad always listened to" I'll say....heavy metal and classic rock is what I grew up on. I am a child of the 80's..I'm only 24, so technically most of the music I love was before my time or being put out when I was very young.
Doesn't help, lol, I think it makes me feel older, considering I actually witnessed the birth of Metal probably along with your Dad (I'm 40 which didn't feel so old haha).:lmao:

disclaimer: I'm not really insulted, just playing.....:goodvibes

edited to add: Well if you can get a DSLR in, awesome but I doubt the 18-200 is going to be any good in the dark with flashing lights etc.

annnewjerz

11-04-2008, 09:15 AM

Doesn't help, lol, I think it makes me feel older, considering I actually witnessed the birth of Metal probably along with your Dad (I'm 40 which didn't feel so old haha).:lmao:

disclaimer: I'm not really insulted, just playing.....:goodvibes

HAHAHA, oh trust me...I knew (or at the very least hoped) you were kidding. My Dad (who passed away about 3 years ago) would be 53 now, so he probably witnessed the birth of much more than metal, so try not to feel too old. 40 is the new 30, after all. :thumbsup2

I witnessed the birth of boy bands like Hanson, the Backstreet Boys and N'Sync. Boy, what a special time in music history! ;)

wenrob

11-04-2008, 09:29 AM

HAHAHA, oh trust me...I knew (or at the very least hoped) you were kidding. My Dad (who passed away about 3 years ago) would be 53 now, so he probably witnessed the birth of much more than metal, so try not to feel too old. 40 is the new 30, after all. :thumbsup2
I'm so sorry to hear that, I couldn't imagine. My Dad is only 58 (yep, my parents were teen parents) and he's been a huge influence on my music choices. I'm a Rock and Roll baby at heart.

I witnessed the birth of boy bands like Hanson, the Backstreet Boys and N'Sync. Boy, what a special time in music history! ;)
Ack, a dark period in music history!:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

YesDear

11-04-2008, 09:55 AM

This has been fun reading about you young ones talking about old music. At age 53 I remember the first time I heard a Beetles 45 and that Satisfaction by the Stones was banned on some radio stations.

If you get your DSLR in the venue and my bet is you will not, set your camera to spot metering if it has it and meter on the darkest part of what you are taking. Then try other things. You are also right that to get any shots with the 18-200 you will have to crank the ISO to it's highest setting and see what you get. The noise will be pretty distinct with that camera. You definitely want to shoot RAW.

I am writing this from work, but when I get home, I will post some pics of the shows on the curise taken with a 70-200. That was fun!

LindaM

11-04-2008, 03:41 PM

annnewjerz

11-04-2008, 03:54 PM

I have tickets to tomorrow nights show, and on the tickets it states "no cameras/recorders". I'm not going to try and bring my dslr, but I will bring my point and shoot, if I get any good pictures I'll post them (first I have to figure out how).

Hrmmmm, I did the print at home tickets and mine say nothing about video/camera/recorders. I looked up the Wachovia Center's specific restrictions and they say no video equipment or recorders, but nothing about cameras. My friends in the past have gotten their DSLRs into the complex for concerts and for Flyers hockey games...so I'm wondering if what is on your ticket is a specific TSO policy, or maybe just the venue you are at. :confused3

Definitely let me know, I'd appreciate it! :thumbsup2

Quicklabs

11-04-2008, 04:56 PM

annnewjerz

11-04-2008, 06:48 PM

Oh, you "young things" are killing me here! Heck, I've got a sweater hanging in my closet that is almost 40 years old. (Really!--I sure wish it fit; it was my high school sweater; all the rage at the time) I remember watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.
And the way my back is feeling today, I'd say 50 is the new 70! LOL

Haha, too funny. The other day I jokingly made a comment about "It's all downhill after 24" (I just turned 24 the other week and shortly thereafter broke my first tooth and also got an ear infection - I felt like I was beginning to fall apart). You should have seen the looks on the faces of those who I work with (most from 40ish all the way up to 70's)...I swear, they looked like they wanted to kill me. :scared1:

brack

11-04-2008, 06:54 PM

Completely random question, but I will be seeing the Trans Siberian Orchestra at the end of the month to get in the Christmas spirit and just wanted to know:

1. Does the band have a specific photo policy or do you think I'll be safe just sticking to the Wachovia Center guidelines?

2. Has anyone ever seen them perform live and if so, how'd you like it? We were trying to settle on a Christmas show and it was between this and the Nutcracker Ballet...needless to say, DH liked the concert idea better than the ballet :goodvibes

3. For anyone who has seen it live, any photos you would like to share? I probably won't get any...I doubt my 18-200vr will do much good from where we are sitting and I don't think DH would be up for me renting a lens for one concert.

Thanks!
Ann :wizard:

I have seen them live twice in two different cities. They are great and if I can I will go again this year here in Baltimore. :thumbsup2

The concerts are a bit "dark" and would be difficult to shoot well. I did shoot some a Mannheim Steamroller concert and had mixed results so I have not tried at TSO.

If you want good photos ..... buy the program. :goodvibes

annnewjerz

11-04-2008, 06:58 PM

If you want good photos ..... buy the program. :goodvibes

I'll have to do that. It's our first time seeing them, I'm hoping I'll enjoy it so much that it becomes a tradition for the holiday season each year.

I figured if I wasn't front row (or within a few) I probably wouldn't be close enough to even get shots where people didn't look like ants :goodvibes

MICKEY88

11-04-2008, 08:45 PM

If you get your DSLR in the venue and my bet is you will not, set your camera to spot metering if it has it and meter on the darkest part of what you are taking. !

if it's typical concert lighting spot metering the darkest parts, will over expose the faces..:confused3

YesDear

11-05-2008, 06:31 AM

I agree with you Mickey88. If you notice, my next sentence was to then see what you get. My generic observation is that those new to theater shots tend to get underexposed because the lights get in the way. My thought was if they started there they could adjust out.

MICKEY88

11-06-2008, 08:35 AM

LindaM

11-06-2008, 08:39 AM

Hrmmmm, I did the print at home tickets and mine say nothing about video/camera/recorders. I looked up the Wachovia Center's specific restrictions and they say no video equipment or recorders, but nothing about cameras. My friends in the past have gotten their DSLRs into the complex for concerts and for Flyers hockey games...so I'm wondering if what is on your ticket is a specific TSO policy, or maybe just the venue you are at. :confused3

Definitely let me know, I'd appreciate it! :thumbsup2

Cameras are definitely not allowed, our purses were checked going into the concert, and they advised if you had a camera you either had to give it up or take it back to the car, I have taken a camera into the Saddledome several times, so I don't think it was a venue policy. This also includes your cellphone, if security or an usher noticed that you had a cellphone opened they would ask you to turn it off.
Other than that the show was amazing, they played 3.5 hours straight no intermission. This was the first time for me and I would go again in a heartbeat.

Cap'n Keel

11-19-2008, 08:41 AM

Love TSO, but it is loud close up and they use a lot of very powerful strobe effects. Bring earplugs if you are up close to the stage - you'll hear just fine even with them - and go deaf without them. Agree with others, the venue usually dictates the use of recording equipment. I snuck in a P&S and got some cool shots. Dark? Not at a TSO concert. Blown out is more like it. I do wish they'd come out with some new music.

DopeyDave

07-27-2009, 11:58 AM

I'm a DSLR newbie attending an Elton John/Billy Joel concert this Thursday (7/30) evening at a baseball stadium and need some camera advice...

First off, will I even be allowed to take my camera/bag in?

If so, what I've got is:
....Canon Rebel XSI
....18-55mm Kit Lens
....55-250 Lens

What lens/settings should I use for my best chances at getting some decent pics, or shouldn't I even bother? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

PS: We're sitting in the nose-bleed section somewhere between Home and First Base.

Chikabowa

07-27-2009, 12:13 PM

Most venues and professional musicians will NOT let you bring your camera in. Especially an SLR. I would forgo the entire thought. From where you are located, you probably will get terrible pictures anyway as you don't have the length from nosebleed to get anything super decent. I would just go and enjoy the music and have a good time. If you have a little PnS that you can put in your pocket to record memories (such as you and your friends together) that would be best.

Frantasmic

07-27-2009, 12:45 PM

If you do get to bring your camera in, use the 55-250. Set your ISO to 800. Set white balance as required. Shoot in RAW and you should have some keepers in the bunch.

MICKEY88

07-27-2009, 01:07 PM

I agree 100% with Chikabowa, my expeience has been , that the only musicians /bands that allow slrs or dlsrs ar country musicians playing small venues..country musicians seem to be more fan friendly..I have a friend who attends a lot of country shows,with her 100-300 lens and numerous times performers.. have commented on it between songss,, a few have gone so far as to come down off stage take her camera, go back up on stage and take a picture from their perspective, then return her camera..:thumbsup2

spinetnglr

07-27-2009, 01:37 PM

I agree with Chikabowa and Mickey88. Most bands will not allow pics especially dslr's with long lenses or anything that might even remotely resemble a "professional" camera. I went to the Chesapeake Blues Festival in May and emailed them ahead of time to make sure I would be able to take pictures and got a response back of .... "no problem" take as many photos as you like. The festival is a yearly charity event and held in the Sandy Point State Park. I got there early and was able to place my chair about 20 feet from the stage. I had rented a 300mm f4 lens for the occasion. It was a day long event with 7 acts performing. No one had a problem with my camera until about the time the 5th act was on stage and then a security person approached me and told me the camera and lens had to "disappear" for the final two acts. He also told another guy not far from me with a dslr and medium telephoto lens the same thing. That guy told security his camera was not a professional camera and he was only taking picture for himself and he was not putting his camera away. I went over and talked to him to find out what he had said to the security guy. After finding out what he had said I then went to the security guy and told him I would put the big lens away but I was still going to take pics with my much smaller and less professional looking 55-200mm. I was able to get some really awesome pictures of the last act (the one I really went there to see) despite not be able to use the 300mm. The act that was most adamant about no pictures was Blood Sweat and Tears ... they performed next to last ... none of the members are the originals and they were kind of a disappointment anyway and I ended up taking very few pics of them anyway. I guess my point is even if you would get permission ahead of time dont be surprised to find out the info is wrong and you are not allowed to take pics.

Chikabowa

07-27-2009, 05:03 PM

The ONLY time I've ever gotten a camera into a big-named venue was 2005 when we were seeing Dave Matthews Band at Red Rocks in Denver, CO. It was the fourth night of concerts, and I carefully took apart our camera (Nikon D100 at the time) and quadruple bagged it in ziplocs. Same with the lens (70-300mm at the time). Since they allowed soft-sided coolers into the venue (the ONLY time I've EVER seen that!) we placed all the camera components on the bottom, filled ice over them, and then placed bottle watered on top of the ice, and then more ice around the bottled water (also the ONLY time I've ever been able to bring our own bottled water into a venue).

The people around us were very helpful in hiding the equipment from security while we shot the band from row 29. The pictures were ok, but nothing I'd think were stellar... just couldn't zoom in close enough and we were only 29 rows back in a fairly small venue.

Oh and the only way I came up with the plan was that we had been to three consecutive nights of concerts (they were doing a 4-night stand there) and I had viewed the security process enough that I was able to find a hole and exploit it.

But unless you are willing to go to that level... I suggest leaving the camera at home. :)

It is my dream to photograph DMB at a great venue. Someday... I swear I will make it happen! :)

And I should mention that I had a HUGE opportunity to photograph Blues Traveler at convention last year and totally messed up! Nikon hosted Blues Traveler at the MGM Arena in Las Vegas and I was lucky enough to score some tickets to the pre-concert party which afforded us front row center seats. Dumb me... I thought that since it was a concert, there was no way they'd allow cameras at there, so I left mine up in the room. Well... turns out when Blues Traveler is playing for a private PHOTOGRAPHY conference, cameras area allowed...

When we realized that we could have brought our cameras, it was too late to run back up to the room, as we would have lost our prime location. So instead, we were the only photographers, at a photographers convention, at a concert hosted by Nikon, that didn't have cameras... Yeah... I suck. :(

cinmell

08-06-2009, 10:47 AM

Hi everyone! This is my first time on the photography board.

I'm looking for camera that will take good pictures at concerts and my kid's shows and sporting activities. What should I look for? Someone told me optical zoom is important but I have no idea what that really is. Also, which mode is best to take pictures in if the pictures are of people not really standing still a lot? My daughter's soccer pictures are blurry but I'm not sure which mode would be best. I've been told kids mode and sports mode but I don't have those on my camera.

I was looking at the Canon G10 but I'm not sure if that's good.

Thanks in advance. :)

maddmike

08-06-2009, 11:15 AM

I don't think you can go wrong by purchasing any Canon or Nikon DSLR. You can find some good prices on some of them too.

Also not sure what you mean by concerts, but if you are talking about attending a concert of a major star I would not advise you take a camera unless you have a press credentials. Most acts strickly prohibit cameras at their shows and if you were able to sneak one in and were to get caught, it wouldn't be a good thing.

Frantasmic

08-06-2009, 01:18 PM

It sounds like you want a camera more suitable for shots in low light conditions (concerts and kids' shows) and action shots (kids' sports).

Your question about optical zoom also indicates you're basically considering a point and shoot camera.

There are ultra-zoom point and shoot cameras that will probably give you what you are looking for in outdoor conditions in good sunlight. Concerts and indoor events are another matter. The sensors on most point and shoots in low-light, high iso conditions just aren't as compatible.

You could consider a point and shoot that allows pictures in RAW, but that requires some post-processing.

So, you can google ultra-zoom digital cameras, review what some other sites say about these cameras (steve's digicams.com and cnet.com are some good sites) and then decide if you would like to look at some of these types of cameras at your local store.

Or, you could consider a dslr which has better sensors, better ISO capability, as well as lenses that allow the type of crisp, low-light pictures I think you are looking for.

cinmell

08-07-2009, 09:09 AM

Also not sure what you mean by concerts, but if you are talking about attending a concert of a major star I would not advise you take a camera unless you have a press credentials. Most acts strickly prohibit cameras at their shows and if you were able to sneak one in and were to get caught, it wouldn't be a good thing.

I've taken my camera to several concerts and a lot of the pictures come out fuzzy b/c of the zoom. As long as the camera doesn't have the big lense attached they are ok to take into concerts, at least in my experience. I won't something that won't blur the pictures if I zoom or if the object in the picture is moving. I also don't want anything really big.

It sounds like you want a camera more suitable for shots in low light conditions (concerts and kids' shows) and action shots (kids' sports).

Your question about optical zoom also indicates you're basically considering a point and shoot camera.

There are ultra-zoom point and shoot cameras that will probably give you what you are looking for in outdoor conditions in good sunlight. Concerts and indoor events are another matter. The sensors on most point and shoots in low-light, high iso conditions just aren't as compatible.

You could consider a point and shoot that allows pictures in RAW, but that requires some post-processing.

So, you can google ultra-zoom digital cameras, review what some other sites say about these cameras (steve's digicams.com and cnet.com are some good sites) and then decide if you would like to look at some of these types of cameras at your local store.

Or, you could consider a dslr which has better sensors, better ISO capability, as well as lenses that allow the type of crisp, low-light pictures I think you are looking for.

Thank you for the info. I'll check out the links you provided.

BattyMcDoon

10-06-2009, 12:59 PM

I'm going to a show on Thursday and I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers on concert photography. I've never really done it with my good cameras before and I finally have a chance at what seems like a small crowd. Any tips would be awesome. :)

wenrob

10-06-2009, 06:08 PM

What kind of camera do you have? Do you have any fast lenses? Will it be dim or will it be dark? If you let people know what you have to work with they'll be better able to help you out.

My DH has been asking me to come and shoot some of the shows he puts on. I've been waiting for a smaller one to practice. My plan is to use my Sigma 30, opened up and the ISO cranked high. I'm thinking Spot Metering but we'll have to see.

AndrewWG

10-06-2009, 07:11 PM

Most likely this will be very challenging. I have attended and shot at smaller local band shows alot. My best advice is to use something like the 50mm f1.8 or 30mm 1.4 and have the ISO set at 1000 or above with NO flash. Even with this setup, I have had a hard time some nights. Lighting is (obviously) your top concern. Try shooting when something like a strobe light is on the performers. Using this formula, I still have come home with about 20% keepers out of hundreds of shots. When I say "keepers" I mean ANYTHING that is usable. This is not to be confused with "excellent". I also have found that I need to run the photos through noiseware afterward due to the high ISO and post processing needs (boosting exposure, fill light, etc) causing a lot of noise in the pics.

Good luck and have fun with it! It is surely a challenge.

sdshutterbug

10-06-2009, 07:24 PM

I went to a Billy Joel & Elton John concert over the summer armed with just my Sony a200 and a 75-300 f/4-5.6 lens. I have a 50 1.7 but I was traveling light and I knew that would not bring me close enough to my subjects even though I had very good seats. I wouldn't suggest using a fast prime with little reach like a 30 or 50 unless you have front row seats, unless you are more concerned with getting the ambiance than actually seeing the performers' faces. Even though I used a very slow (and cheap) telephoto, I came away with plenty of very usable (though not superb) shots. Here are a few tips:
-Shoot at a variety of shutter speed and ISO combinations (I think it goes without saying that you should shoot wide open! So keep it on Manual or Av mode). Although most of your shots at 400 or 800 will be blurry, you'll probably have one or two that come out sharp, and these ones will have less grain too.
-Overexpose by 1/3 stop or 1/2 stop - it reduces the noise a bit.
-Shoot RAW! It's hard to get a properly exposed shot a lot of the time when the subject is so bright and the background is so dark, so I did a lot of Camera Raw tweaking on my photos.
-Right now I use Sony which has sensor-based image stabilization. I wouldn't suggest shooting without some form of IS, especially if your lens is slow like mine.
-Shoot in burst mode! I took waaaay more pictures than I needed.

I hope these help! Here is my album of the concert on Flickr, and you can look at the EXIF data on the pictures to get an idea of what settings I used. Some of them are cropped.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammers05/sets/72157621591197237/

wenrob

10-06-2009, 07:40 PM

boBQuincy

10-06-2009, 07:54 PM

Stage production photography is not that different from concert photography, similar lighting issues and challenges. I recently photographed Cary Players production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and just before the dress rehearsal the producer told me "we have a lot of scenes with really low lighting". Wonderful. A lot of my shutter speeds were down around 1/8 second. Btw, I used Program mode for the photos!

I used my 24-105 f/4 instead of the 50 f/1.8 for the versatility, I felt I would need the zoom (and I did). The ISO was usually at 1600, sometimes 800 for the brighter scenes. I used a monopod for all the photos except for 4 where I used a tripod so flimsy I kept a grip on the camera strap for insurance! ;)

So: use a high ISO and plan to use noise reduction software; avoid under exposure; use a monopod if you can; take a lot of photos (rapid fire to increase your chances of good ones); try to anticipate when the performers will not be moving much; use RAW and expect to do a lot of processing.

If anyone is interested in the photos of the play, they are at:
http://www.suzieandbob.com/caryplayers/midsummer

I am going through them and processing them as I get time. Most people on this board will have little trouble noting which ones have been done. ;)

GvilleDisneyDad

05-08-2010, 08:12 PM

I shot the band Fuel last night and had a fairly tough time with it. I made 440 exposures and have only about 15 shots that I'm going to keep.

Anyone have some tips or suggestions for shooting concerts?

Here's 2 examples of the better shots I got:

Manual, f4, 1/60", ISO 2500
http://i41.tinypic.com/oktoag.jpg

Manual, f1.8, 1/60", ISO 2000
http://i40.tinypic.com/2hyyr1g.jpg

Frantasmic

05-08-2010, 08:30 PM

What lens and camera were you using?

MICKEY88

05-08-2010, 08:59 PM

live bands are tough to shoot, since there lighting is constantly changing,

RAW can be your friend

GvilleDisneyDad

05-08-2010, 09:14 PM

What lens and camera were you using?

I have a D5000 and I used 2 different lenses, a 18-200mm and a 35mm. That first pic is with the 18-200 and the second is with the 35mm.

MICKEY88

05-08-2010, 09:25 PM

was this a small venue, like a nightclub, generally DSLR's and long lenses aren't even permitted inside concerts

photo_chick

05-08-2010, 09:30 PM

You got 15 keepers... keep doing that. Just keep moving forward and each time you'll get more keepers.

And I agree, RAW is your very best freind in situations like this.

boBQuincy

05-09-2010, 06:37 AM

RAW can certainly be your friend for uncertain lighting conditions but Manual is *not* your friend for concerts. Stage lighting can change rapidly and just keeping things in focus is challenge enough. Try aperture priority (mostly at wide open) and let the camera sort out the shutter speed. Spot metering is helpful with spotlit and backlit subjects.
A stop less of exposure compensation can help hold the low lighting effect but check the histogram occasionally to avoid major underexposure.

GvilleDisneyDad

05-09-2010, 06:52 AM

was this a small venue, like a nightclub, generally DSLR's and long lenses aren't even permitted inside concerts

This was a small venue. I had permission and access to shoot the show through a friend.

You got 15 keepers... keep doing that. Just keep moving forward and each time you'll get more keepers.

And I agree, RAW is your very best freind in situations like this.

Thank you!

RAW can certainly be your friend for uncertain lighting conditions but Manual is *not* your friend for concerts. Stage lighting can change rapidly and just keeping things in focus is challenge enough. Try aperture priority (mostly at wide open) and let the camera sort out the shutter speed. Spot metering is helpful with spotlit and backlit subjects.
A stop less of exposure compensation can help hold the low lighting effect but check the histogram occasionally to avoid major underexposure.

OK, great! This is very helpful. Thank you!

princess.chell

08-12-2010, 08:30 PM

Hi, looking for a little advice after lurking over this board like always...
My friend's band is playing at the House of Blues soon and got me a photopass for their set. I've never shoot a show from the photo pit with my dSLR (usually I'm there purely to enjoy the show and I'm in the crowd with my p&s). I have a Canon 20D and a Rebel Xti, both of which I'm taking so I can run two lenses at once, or that's the plan so far...:confused3
Anyone have any experience shooting a concert? Advice, tips, help? I'm thinking of renting a wide angle lens?

bob100

08-13-2010, 07:53 AM

MICKEY88

08-13-2010, 10:00 AM

princess.chell

08-14-2010, 01:24 PM

a wide angle lens would be nice but for low light concerts a large aperture lens would be better. e.g. f1.4, f1.8 or at a minimum f2.8

Ah okay, thanks :) I was kind of looking for a reason to rent a wide angle lol, but maybe I'll rent something else then. I have 7 lenses at home though so I'll have to see.

contact the venue and get details on what they allow, some places will let you in the pit for 2-3 songs and then you're outta there, it would be good to know in advance so you know how much time you will have

Yah it's the House of Blues and I know they have and "3 and out" policy but my close friend is in the band so she's going to see if I can stay for their whole set (7 songs). If not, I'm guest listed so I have full access so I'd just run to side stage for the rest of the set.