Some recent bands I've shot...

[rkb249]

How We Are
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v17/xriotnrollx/IMG_5988.jpg

Bracewar
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v17/xriotnrollx/IMG_6241-1.jpg

I Rise
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v17/xriotnrollx/IMG_6393.jpg

The Agent
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v17/xriotnrollx/IMG_6413.jpg

Ceremony
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v17/xriotnrollx/IMG_6505.jpg

Crime In Stereo
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v17/xriotnrollx/IMG_6586.jpg

More from each band on my site! Comments appreciated.

[tipsy]

full of energy, whih is always good.

however my main two criticisms are the use of flash. and secondly, the lacking of colour shot. i always like lots of colour.

but a nice action set in general.

x

[narlus]

not bad, here are my thoughts:

1- good action capture, though a wider image might give a bit more context, esp as you can't see his face (where a tighter shot would work better)

2 - the central figure has his back to us; i know it's more of a crowd shot, but the color of his shirt and relative size in the image dominates.

3 - good, though too much shutter drag imo

4 - very good

5 - now this is a good crowd capture, though it could use a bit more high tones...seems more 'black and grey' vs black and white

6 - you should have knelt down; not bad as is.


overall, i think they are pretty good, and hope to see you posting more. tipsy, getting good crisp shots of metal/hardcore bands in action w/o using flash is pretty impossible. if you've got any, please share them.

[tipsy]

tipsy, getting good crisp shots of metal/hardcore bands in action w/o using flash is pretty impossible. if you've got any, please share them.

I wouldnt know, dont have any. I've never shot a metal hardcore band. I'm an indie/alternative rock shooter as you probably guessed by now. Sure i'll find out at reading later this summer though ..
x

[René Damkot]

getting good crisp shots of metal/hardcore bands in action w/o using flash is pretty impossible.

True, but I would have liked a little less flashed / differently (better) flashed shots as well:
As it is, #4, 5 and 6 are nice moments, but badly lit... At least try to bounce the flash, and capture a bit of ambient.

Looks like there was at least some light by the look of these shots. (No Exif though, so I can't say for sure)

Just my € 0.02

[rkb249]

Thanks for the input guys. I don't have an external flash unit (going to pick up a 430ex soon though), plus the lighting in the clubs I shot was very dark (1 & 3-6 in a very dark bar, and 2 was in an roller rink with weird blacklight-esque lighting.) Shooting without flash in those places pretty much results in a ball of light.

[simonSE15]

rkb249, you're right. I dont know why everyone has this obsession with not using flash. sure its preferrable if you have good lighting but if not, that's why they make flashguns right?

#3 & #6 are quaity pics. rotate #4 90degrees cw & crop the wasted space and that will look good too :-)

[René Damkot]

I dont know why everyone has this obsession with not using flash.
I'm not opposed to the use of flash per sé. I'm opposed to not using it well.
Straight on flash has the tendency to come from the camera, so be pretty flat lighting. If you also don't allow for a decent amount of ambient to enter the image, you will loose any atmosphere there is pretty quick...

A well balanced, bounced or off camera flash can be pretty good.

[tipsy]

A well balanced, bounced or off camera flash can be pretty good.

Well said.

x

[simonSE15]

I'm not opposed to the use of flash per sé.

I know you're not Rene but the attitude does seem prevalent on this forum. Flick through any UK music mag and you will see how often flash is used in published music photographs.

[tipsy]

I know you're not Rene but the attitude does seem prevalent on this forum. Flick through any UK music mag and you will see how often flash is used in published music photographs.

Care to provide an example? I just flicked through the an issue of Artrocker form a while back (i know we've both shot for Artrocker, you more than me probably) and i found very very little flash use. Simple fact is, that where possible, no flash almost exclusively provides better photos than using it.

Granted, there are times where its impossible to get a snap without flash though, and i'm the first to defend it's use in these situations.

It has its advantages, i just find that when possible, it's better not to use it . if not for the photos sake, then atleast not to annoy the perfomer. I know a lot of people argue that theyre used to flashes in the crowd p+s cameras, so we should be allowed, but lets face it. our flashes are a hell of a lot more powerful and blinding than a p+s.

x

[simonSE15]

Look at how many shots in NME are flashed. Put it this way, my order of preference is:

1) well exposed shot, no flash
2) well exposed shot, with flash
3) underexposed shot, no flash.

I think getting good shots with flash is quite difficult and am Im not claiming Im any good at it. But it is a skill and shouldnt be denigrated.

[tipsy]

Look at how many shots in NME are flashed. Put it this way, my order of preference is:

1) well exposed shot, no flash
2) well exposed shot, with flash
3) underexposed shot, no flash.

I think getting good shots with flash is quite difficult and am Im not claiming Im any good at it. But it is a skill and shouldnt be denigrated.

That's exactly what i'm saying, no flash is by far preferable, but flash is better than underexposing. Still, very few large gigs allow flash, so the point is moot.

(i like that word 'moot' im trying to use it more in conversation)

x

p.s dont even get me started on NME grrrrr!

[JustinL]

Sorry, I think these are ALL amazing. Full of enegry is an understatement!!! I feel bad for that photog in pic#5 though!

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Great Shots!! Shooting a Hardcore band in a Roller Rink sounds like an interesting night filled with fantastic people watching.

Find a comfy chair backed against a wall, throw in some earplugs and enjoy the show:D

[rkb249]

Sorry, I think these are ALL amazing. Full of enegry is an understatement!!! I feel bad for that photog in pic#5 though!

Shooting from in the crowd at a punk show is a blast. If get a good spot, you can go nuts for the band without damaging your equipment and get really cool shots.