Ozomatli - concert pics

[abel]

As you may remember, last week I emailed the publicist for Ozomatli since I noticed they were performing here this week. They were very kind enough to issue me photographer's pass even though I am not affliated with any magazine or newspaper. Lisa and I got to the venue early to pick up my credentials and as it turned out there was a big mixup and I thought for a second that I would not be able to get my equipment inside. After about 20 mintues or so I finally got my pass in hand. The Clear Channel representative that gave it to me gave me all of my instructions of what I can and can not photograph during the concert. Oh yeah, and then there's the fact that I could only shoot for the first song of each band. Ouch.

The first band I shot was Kinky which is a spanish based alternative rock band. I jumped in the photo pit and started firing away. I never knew how fast a song went by until tonight. It seemed like it was only a minute but I managed to rattle off about 40 photos of the band.

Canon 10d & 50mm f1.4
Iso 800 - 1/125th - f2.0
http://www.nitrocross.com/images/pad/2004-08-Aug/14aug04a.jpg

After I photographed Kinky, Lisa and I went to find a spot to sit down so that I could review the images and see if there was anything I should tweak or do differently for the next set. I was pretty pleased with the product so I pretty much left my settings and such the same. Finally Ozomatli came out on stage and I had my camera in hand as I jumped into the photo pit. This band is made up of 10 members, yes I said 10 so it was kind of difficult to get a good angle on any one particular member. This is Raul, he was definitely the most animated of the group so he made for a great subject.

Canon 10d & 50mm f1.4
Iso 800 - 1/125th - f2.0
http://www.nitrocross.com/images/pad/2004-08-Aug/14aug04b.jpg

Here's Uli and Shef providing some backup vocals. I pretty much just got in there and ran of multiple amounts of shots adjusting settings here and there since I knew the first song would be ending very quickly.

Canon 10d & 50mm f1.4
Iso 800 - 1/125th - f2.0
http://www.nitrocross.com/images/pad/2004-08-Aug/14aug04c.jpg

Then one last shot of Raul at the end of the song. Honestly, I don't even remember hearing any music the entire time I was photographing, I must have been completely zoned out concentrating on making sure I do everything right.

Canon 10d & 50mm f1.4
Iso 800 - 1/125th - f2.0
http://www.nitrocross.com/images/pad/2004-08-Aug/14aug04d.jpg

All in all tonight was a great success. I learned a ton and I know that will definitely help me out when it comes to photographing Dave Matthews Band later this week. I feel much more confident in my camera, my lens and my ability so I should be able to produce some really nice photos for Dave Matthews.

Thanks to all of the concert photogs on the forum that helped answer my questions!

[mattchase]

Sounds like you had a good time Abel, and the shots turned out good. Sorry to hear they only allowed 1 song, most places I've been have at least allowed 2 if not 3 songs, and like you said, they do go by real fast. I'm a big fan of Elton John, but I can't even remember what songs he played when I was shooting him at Caeser's, and I had 2 songs so wasn't as rushed as you were!

I'm looking forward to seeing your DMB photos.

[abel]

hey there matt... hows it going up there in vegas!?

thanks again for your very detailed email on your tips and tricks for concert photography. it helped out a ton!

wednesday night is my time to shine. the day ive been waiting for. wed is my bday as well so that will make for a good bday present.

im still considering if i should even swap my 50mm f1.4 out with my 70-200 f2.8 for the last of the 3 songs... still debating. what do u think?

[abel]

i think i may rent a 28-70 f2.8 instead of using my 70-200

[mattchase]

I think you would get by better with the 28-70, as I said before (in my email) that is the range I find I use most often for concerts. If you knew you were going to be stuck in the back somewhere, then the longer lens would be good. But if you are up front, the 28-70 would be best or even a 17-40 lens would be good.

[abel]

i have a 17-40 but wasnt sure if it being an f4 would cripple me...

i wonder if i can get away with and F4 at about iso 800... hmmm. ill prolly just take the 17-40 and the 50 f1.4 and not hassle with renting a lens for the DMB concert.

it will be a busy week as it is and renting a lens is one more thing to worry about ... concert is wed night 2.5 hours from here , we get back in town thursday morning and then fly out thursday night to new orleans for the weekend