Small College Gym, BIG Name Act, Student Photog, Help!

[Hoptography]

So, I'm a student at a small SUNY school in New York. I am the head photographer and photo editor for our school newspaper, and we just got wind that Bob Dylan is playing a show in our gymnasium!

We are trying real hard to acquire a photo pass, and if we do, I'll be behind the camera. I'm mostly concerned that I have only shot small club and bar shows of local bands, and I want to make sure I don't screw anything up with such a huge name as Bob Dylan.

Here's What I Know:
-Our Gym has piss poor lighting, I shot a comedian and had to use ISO1600 with my 50mm 1.8 and flash from the front row.
-I have a student's budget setup (XTi, Kit 18-55 Lens, 50mm f/1.8, 70-200mm f/4)
-I can borrow a friends 380EX Flash

Here's What I Don't Know:
-How good his on stage lighting will be
-How I can use the pictures I take/Legal things

I'm planning on shooting RAW, but other than that, I'll have to see what the lighting is like.

Any advice, tips, suggestions, comments? I really want this to turn out as best as it can!

[narlus]

From what I've read, Dylan doesn't give out photo passes anymore.

[bandic00t]

Bob Dylan is such an icon. If you get the chance, make sure you take advantage of it. Thank you for asking questions here to make sure that you do so.

[40Driggs]

I would suggest renting a 70-200 f/2.8 IS lens and borrowing your friends flash. There are other options out there, but this will cover a great range. If you can get a good idea of where you will be at, then a prime might be preferable for the low light advantage.

[bacchanal]

If you get the pass it is highly probable that you will not be allowed to use flash. The 50 1.8 would be your best bet for sure, but I'd also consider getting ahold of an 85 1.8, or a 70-200 2.8 IS.
I'm not sure if Bob travels around with his own lighting, but you might want to get with the show organizers (at your school) and see what is up. Maybe you can bring the theater department in on this one.
Get your school to fund a 5D and some Ls for the school newspaper! ;)

[Hoptography]

I'll look into other lenses, I'd have to rent. I'll see if the paper would help me out with that!

We have 2 XSi cameras w/ kit lenses, kind of went with the idea of having a few photogs rather than one beastly setup!

Thanks for the advice, and I'll hope and fight for a photo pass!

[londonblue007]

major label acts tour with lighting rigs or the college will be required to rent a lighting rig. the 6 concerts i produced at my college all had lighting rigs either with the band or rented by the school. none of these bands were of the caliber of Bob Dylan. (Dropkick Murphys, Third Eye Blind, Guster...) either way, the 50mm 1.8 is a good choice.

good luck

[90c4]

Good luck with the photo pass. Last time I saw him fans were told to put away cell phone cameras. I had snuck in my camera but only fired off 2 shots since my seat was in the front row right by a security guard. Let us know how it goes.

[ChrisRabior]

If they're not bringing in their own lighting, forget renting an f/2.8 lens. If your gym sucks as you said with f/1.8, consider renting an f/1.4 or faster.
Of course, I'd be more worried about getting the go ahead to shoot him before worrying about equipment.

[blackshadow]

Why not go through the venue and have them stipulate that part of the conditions for the concert is that a photographer from the student paper is to have photo access?

[Coppatop85]

use the XSi instead of the XTi, it has spot metering, and better ISO performance.

[_aravena]

It's your school? And you're trying to get a pass? I think the school could answer that rather quickly.

Nifty and high ISO if needed. Also a few prayers before might help. I've shot ISO 1600 and even 3200 and managed some usable shots from my 20D. It's possible.

[Hoptography]

Well, tonight's the night, and though we begged and pleaded for weeks, you guys were right... He absolutely, 110% does not allow photography at his shows. We were told that people using camera phones would be given 1 warning, then be kicked out.

So, needless to say, I'm a bit bummed, but was obviously expecting this outcome.

[narlus]

well, kick back, enjoy the show, and hope that he plays 'ballad of a thin man'.

[Coppatop85]

That's too bad my friend, enjoy the show at least!

[Hoptography]

Well, I won't be seeing the show now, as a photo-pass would have been my free ticket in, if my paper could have gotten it.

I did get to take a few, very quick, pics during the soundcheck just a few minutes ago. More just to check out the gear and equipment, as I'm a gear-whore myself! If anyone wants to know what kind of equipment he uses, I'll let you know, but as for photos to share here, I don't see any worth posting.

Thanks for all the advice though, I am now considering checking out the 85 1.8 for any future events and also indoor basketball and volleyball!

[kauffman v36]

that sucks in my opinion. hes coming to perform at your school and he wont even allow the official school paper to take photos...what kind of garbage is that? i know hes bob dylan and everything but cmon, isnt that taking the whole superstar thing to an extreme. its just not right IMO. he could do you the favor of allowing one photog from the paper come and take pics to use in the school paper...sheesh. somebodys on a high horse.