Australian Idol 2005 Final Concert

[Yellow_Fuzzy]

http://reddam.qualsec.net/gallery/data/media/2/IMG_2434.jpg (http://reddam.qualsec.net/gallery/data/media/2/IMG_2434.jpg)
Canon 350D, 55-200mm@200mm f/5.6, ISO 800, 1/160sec

http://reddam.qualsec.net/gallery/data/media/2/IMG_2331.jpg
Canon 350D, 55-200mm@110mm f/5.6, ISO 400, 1/60sec

http://reddam.qualsec.net/gallery/data/media/2/IMG_2512.jpg
Canon 350D, 18-55mm@18mm f/3.5, ISO 800, 1/15sec

http://reddam.qualsec.net/gallery/data/media/2/IMG_2374.jpg
Canon 350D, 18-55mm@18mm f/3.5, ISO 800, 1/20sec

http://reddam.qualsec.net/gallery/data/media/2/IMG_2494.jpg
Canon 350D, 18-55mm@18mm f/3.5, ISO 800, 1/15sec

[BottomBracket]

Wow, that last pic is incredible. Looks like a fun event, thanks for sharing. Seems that the color is a bit off though, but it may be my monitor. Welcome to the forums!

[Valpre]

The last shot is quite mesmerizing.
nicely!

[DwightMcCann]

First two look underexposed and maybe a bit soft but the third and fifth are splendid.

[bikerider]

As Dwight says, #3 & #5 stand out, lots of atmosphere, well exposed and composed.
Roger.

[Yellow_Fuzzy]

Thanks for all the nice comments so far. I do agree, 3 & 5 would be my favourites, i think the main problem was the apture on 1 & 2, the lens i used has a maximum of f/5.6 at 200mm, and it was impossible to use a tripod or monopod because there were people everywhere.

Shots like 4 & 5 make me think the kit lens isnt all that bad, but shots like 1&2 make me want a 70-200 f/2.8.

These were my first concert shots, I didnt have a media pass, just took my camera with to the event, and im really happy with how some of the shots came out. Next i think i need to invest in some lenses with a faster maximum apature.

Regards,
Zac

[Wazza]

Great shots, especially the last.

[vodoux]

like the last one too. The right side is a bit empty but it still really nice.

[Nidz]

I like the last pic.

[blackshadow]

I won't launch into a diatribe on my disdain for Australian Idol but on your photos.

I really like shot number 5 - 3 isn't bad.

As for ways to improve the live shots I would suggest the following:

For shot number 2 I would have been using your max zoom to focus in on the performer more.

Shoot at higher than 800 ISO - 1600 or 3200 would be my suggestions.
Try using either the Av setting with the aperture wide open for low light and when the light is better use the Tv setting with a shutter speed around 1/250-1/320 when using the full zoom to eliminate any blurring due to camera shake.

Faster lenses will help you too.

[dandan]

i love the last one, looks awesome.

#2 is soft tho.

[Shabookie]

3&5 are perfect in my eyes.

On the 2nd shot my eyes go across the water to the other things taking place.
I would have like to have seen the cam turned to landscape and focused in full blast at 200mm right on the performer with more crowd.

The 4th shot is ok. It just seems a lil over center and the blue and green flare on the left makes my eyes wonder.

Great shots.

[CookieMonster]

pretty nice shots done with the kit lense

[greg76]

were all those taken hand held?

[Carzee]

Ditto all the backslaps on the last one.

[TeeJay]

Love number three, just proves the kit lens isn't all bad!

[Yellow_Fuzzy]

Thanks all of the very nice comments, yes all the shots were taken handheld. Since that event i have purchased a 50mm f1.8, but still use my kit lens quite a bit when i need something wide.