Live in Concert - First Post

[samisbuff]

Howdy All

I work doing lighting for concerts and I've always had a passion for photography. Naturally, I often combine the two. I recently stepped up to a digital SLR (EOS 350D) and bought an EF 50mm f/1.8 II to cope with the low light levels onstage. I've posted one of my favourite first pics with the new gear and I'm keen to hear some C&C.

It's a photo of Reggie Dabbs playing in Townsville as part of the recent 'Youth Alive' North Queensland tour.

Regards,

Sam...

77180

Tv: 1/100 Av: 2.8 ISO 800 50mm

[Brad_T]

Great shot - I like the nice saturated colours, and the look of concentration on his face. On first glance for some reason the part of the sax out of focus doesn't really do it for me - the photo doesn't quite seem balanced right.

[DwightMcCann]

Welcome to POTN. Nice shot with a lot of emotion.

First, if you want the best feedback you should go to the User CP section (menu item under the name of the section of the forums you are in, all the way to the left) and turn on the Image Editing OK indicator. Some folks cannot abide having anyone else edit their images and this little item tells us that it is OK with you to edit and repost.

You didn't specify if you are the LD or a technician and if you are associated with a venue or a group. But in any case, you are probably coming from a slightly different place than most of us because of your experience. We have a very large proportion of concert shooters from "Down Under" so you may even make some local connections.

So, post more and watch for others ... there is unlimited information to be discovered here.

[Kevin]

Welcome to the forum Sam. Nice shot. There is lots of great info here so use the search option.

[narlus]

First, if you want the best feedback you should go to the User CP section (menu item under the name of the section of the forums you are in, all the way to the left) and turn on the Image Editing OK indicator. Some folks cannot abide having anyone else edit their images and this little item tells us that it is OK with you to edit and repost.

sorry for the slight thread hijack, but thanks for posting this. i was wondering what 'image editing ok' meant under the user avatars.

back on thread, i do like the shot. the DoF which yields the sax out of focus is probably a necessary evil of the required aperture, i am guessing.

[flyb0y]

I like it alot. Great emotion and colors. I kinda like the extreamly shallow DOF. IMO it focuses on the artist's face and his emotions while still showing his tools but not as the main subject.

[samisbuff]

Thanks Dwight!

I work for 'Brisbane Concert Lighting (BCL)' primarily as an LD, but I also work on a couple of shows here and there as a systems engineer, which gives me heaps of spare time while the show is running to take photos.

The other advantage is that I get backstage and onstage accsess as much as I want, which is handy for getting shots like this...

[DwightMcCann]

Sam, I understand about access. I shoot live entertainment in two venues. One is a bar and grill with dance floor/stage. I can do pretty much whatever I want there. The performers that I shoot are generally second tier national country singer/songwriters on the Nashville to You Acoustic Radio Tour. Of course, if anyone else wanted to do what I do at this venue they could probably get away with it. Knowing the owners, the promoters, the technicians and the bartenders just makes it easier.

My other venue, the Chumash Casino Resort, has world class performers (most of whom you know), strict badge assignment with lots of security and control. While I always get an All Access badge (to go with my PhotoID/security badge) I am still very limited in what I am allowed to do unless I negotiate special treatment with the group. Even though I am the "house photographer" I rarely, if ever, get any more access than the media photographers who come for some performers ... I generally try to offer them assistance, guidance and information about water and plumbing as well as best shooting spots. Being on the lighting crew there wouldn't get you any additional access with a camera.

[Greg P.]

Welcome to POTN. Nice shot with a lot of emotion.

First, if you want the best feedback you should go to the User CP section (menu item under the name of the section of the forums you are in, all the way to the left) and turn on the Image Editing OK indicator. Some folks cannot abide having anyone else edit their images and this little item tells us that it is OK with you to edit and repost.


Huh? im not cool with anyone, save one person i know (he's a photographer as well, probably the reason im a photographer too) working on my stuff. and anyone who is cool with other people working their stuff, ESPECIALLY if theyre gonna repost it (with or without credit), certianly is not an artist in my eyes.

[DwightMcCann]

Huh? im not cool with anyone, save one person i know (he's a photographer as well, probably the reason im a photographer too) working on my stuff. and anyone who is cool with other people working their stuff, ESPECIALLY if theyre gonna repost it (with or without credit), certianly is not an artist in my eyes.

Well, then, that's easy isn't it ... just don't turn on the flag. Piece of cake. No sweat. Already done. You didn't even have to say anthing. I'm not sure why you threw that last "not an artist" slap in the face, but I guess as long as I am happy to compare my work to yours it shouldn't be a problem for me.:rolleyes:

[Greg P.]

i didnt mean as a dis to anyone, so i apologize, but cmon, editing other peoples work? maybe im just old fashioned lol.

[narlus]

greg, i took it as an opportunity for someone w/ more PP knowledge to demonstrate results on something you would be very familiar with, and could do it simultaneously.

i'm certainly no aspiring photog; i just do it for fun.

that said, i'd be pissed if someone grabbed my images and took credit for them. well, at first i'd be pissed. then i'd probably be happy, as that means i'd actually produced something worthwhile. ;)

[Greg P.]

You make a point, cuz there are two sides of it, yes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but ya know what, i dont really want anyone, over the internet at least, being able to even touch my work. if its in person, thats one thing, but not online. I have great fun being a photographer, i love it, but its not just a hobby for me, so i guess i take it a little more serious then someone who just does it for fun.

[DwightMcCann]

Greg, I think you need to have a little more faith that other people exercise good judgment, are careful in what they do and say, and that they may have good to excellent reasons for what they do that are not part of your personal experience. Before lashing out about "artists" you might have asked what the value of allowing others here to edit your work might be. Much of the great art of our times is created in collaborative efforts (you know, like a band) and while being a control freak about your own images is OK, to suggest that those who are less obssessive aren't as artistic as you comes across as a totally gratuitous putdown. Instead of saying "you are wrong" you might try asking yourself "what is it that I am not aware of here?"

[Greg P.]

See, collaboration is fine if youre partners in a business, but i feel that aside from that, no, i dont want my work being touched at all by anyone other than me. I didnt intend to lash out at anyone, so ok, i apologize for that, but i stand behind my opinions and reasons.