First post in this forum. Sion Gwenallt at the Real Institue.

[tony fanning]

I went to a meeting of the Real Institute (they show short films and foreign language films usually) at Betws-y-Coed north Wales to shoot local singer songwriter Sion Gwenallt performing. I do portraits and weddings normally but would like to do events as well and so used this as a practise session really.
This was my first go shooting someone on stage.

Let me know your thoughts on composition, exposure etc please.
All shots at ISO1600 1/20th @ f2.8 with 17-55 f2.8 IS

[tony fanning]

two more

[tony fanning]

last two

[René Damkot]

I like the third image.
Exposure and focus seem good, but there are a lot of stands and stuff in the fore- and background...

[johnstoy]

We really need to get you started using a free third party picture storage service... for example, I use photobucket.com and export pictures to them for storage (800x600)...then you just copy and paste the image link right into your posting window...this way you will be able to post eight large images in your new posting thread...

I like the fact that you know to try and capture the performers face away from the microphone...:D :D ;)

you'll quickly find that 1/20th of a second for shutter speed won't cut the mustard in Performing Arts...While f2.8 lenses are great zooms, you might want to consider primes in the 1.2, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 range...as 2.8 is borderline for some events...

These are very nice pictures and you're on the right track to a successful concert and performance shooting experience.

Lastly, there are FAQ's and Sticky's at the top of the first page of the Performing Arts Section with posting guidelines and answers to your most commonly asked questions regarding this section...Go for it...and Welcome...

[tony fanning]

Thanks Rene- not a lot I could do about the light and mic stands.
Johnstoy- I`ll have to save up my pocket money and get a fast prime;)