My First Concert - All-American Rejects at Randall's Island - Critique and PP please!

[ALT1MATE]

I wish I had my nifty fifty but alas all I had was my Tammy 17-50. Out of 300 pics I only had a handful that were properly exposed. ISO 1600 on a 400D blows... Perhaps the community can help me this handful that I found to be ok.
Both my laptop's screen and my 22" monitor aren't calibrated so please help me with the color levels as well.
Any advice on what shots to take in the future would be appreciated. All I know is that next time I'll be sure to be in the front row with a Canon 85 1.8.

1.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/IanMedina/SL83eyXFywI/AAAAAAAACds/V-OXWyGsPKw/s576/IMG_6105.jpg

2.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/IanMedina/SL83v6B9AJI/AAAAAAAACgs/Kt5pUFU6SIk/s576/IMG_6095.jpg

3.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/IanMedina/SL83yyL7eeI/AAAAAAAAChU/Lvc-ltVuUJg/s576/IMG_6169.jpg

4.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/IanMedina/SL83yV5wpWI/AAAAAAAAChM/uN2N9hjeI8g/s576/IMG_6163.jpg

5.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/IanMedina/SL83xVpCjJI/AAAAAAAACg8/g7c5EPCyCDg/s576/IMG_6125.jpg

6.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/IanMedina/SL83upuTG-I/AAAAAAAACgc/gYm4rK9s5Jg/s576/IMG_6060.jpg

[johnstoy]

This set is nicely framed, with interesting composition in subject and colors... The sharpness isn't as prominent and exhibits some softness, and is a typical result of low light... I'd try to sharpen the images a bit more, and adjust/tweak the shadows/highlights... Trying a few different versions of post processing, helps determine the best course to take for that particular show's results.

While the f2.8 lens that you used is considered faster than most for general photography... f2.8 is marginal for concerts... F2.8 on a lens with image stabilization is something to save for and eventually purchase. The fast primes, like the moderately priced Canon 50mm f1.4 is fast and sharp and crops well... the 85mm f1.8 is a little bit slower to focus (it hunts for contrasts) in low light, but is real sharp, and both are good investments...

If you're going to shoot at Randall's Island regularly, and have the go a head to do shows often, than start planing on getting the fastest IS lenses available...

I remember Randall's Island from NYC high school track and field championship track meets... Got some medals there including a gold in the hurdles... It's a pretty big place with seating for thousands plus... The concerts there could be big.

Good luck with your lens acquisitions...

(Pic # 7 doesn't post...might check the link again)

[ALT1MATE]

#7 was a dead link.

These shots were actually cropped because 50mm wasn't enough even in the front row. I'll definitely get the 85 1.8 so I can save on the cropping.

I was thinking of getting an UWA lens but I'm not an avid concert-goer. Plus I'd really have to be at the front row all the time. Perhaps I should wear a vest next time and go right to the front...

[johnstoy]

The crops look good... The 50mm f1.8 offers reasonable sharpness... In low light, the Canon 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm f1.8 are noticeably sharper, and boast real good reviews from most...

The number of pics taken, is actually determined by what the end objective is... And how much the stage lighting changes and how much movement occurs on stage...
If you can move around the place and still return to your front row spot, than use the prime lenses to take pictures of the entire stage from the back... It will diversify your set, and you'll find composition a bit easier...

With primes, your *legs* are the zoom...

Shooting from the front row is easier than any other place... The 85mm will bring you almost too close to contain the musician and the entire instrument... Portrait style shots of the individual performers is mostly what you'll be getting... Soon you'll be wishing for two camera bodies... One for the 85mm and one for a wider lens...

[René Damkot]

Some images look soft. Did you harpen after resizing?

Yellow shirt suffers from clipped red channel I'd think.

#4 is best technically, #1, 5 and 6 timing wise.

Not bad, could be processed a lot better if you shot raw.