Concerts and the a80

[ds77]

Hi all,

I need some tips on using my a80 shooting a live music concert. Its in a small place, I will beable to get within 5-10ft of the stage no problem. I would love a drebel or I would be using that. SO the a80 is all I have to work with. What can I do to make the best of it then? I have tried this all before with some shotty luck.. I want to make this time a bit better, so maybe some of you good people have some helpful suggestions. :)

iso 50 I seem to get the best stuff with.

Been trying to use 1/100 or 1/60 below that its tough to keep still.

Biggest problem is band members moving when they seem to be so still for so long untill I decide to click away :)

help would be much appreciated.

[Moppie]

Iv had some success useing ISO 200, and full manual with F2.8 and shutter around 1/30-1/100th depending on whats happening and stage lights etc.
You will get motion blur if they are very active band members though.

So, use the flash.
F5.6, 1/60th of a second, and adjust the flash strength to suit distance to subject. (usualy 1/3 to 2/3s of full).

[ds77]

Iv had some success useing ISO 200, and full manual with F2.8 and shutter around 1/30-1/100th depending on whats happening and stage lights etc.
You will get motion blur if they are very active band members though.

So, use the flash.
F5.6, 1/60th of a second, and adjust the flash strength to suit distance to subject. (usualy 1/3 to 2/3s of full).


Thanks for tips. Unfortunatly no flash is allowed inside the venue, so I will have to make due. :(

[Moppie]

Well ISO 200 will clean up quite nicely with a programe like Neat Image, and will let you use faster shutter speeds, sometmies almost enogh that you can capture things like the performers faces, even if thier hands are blured :)

[Reflection]

If they're quite quick, try focusing on the mic stand, and when the singer comes to it, move the focus box to him/her and click (I don't know if I'm making any sense).

I've used it several times for concerts, and it's usually quite effective. Take a few test shots in the lighting perhaps as they're setting up, see what works best, then you can be ready.

[langer]

yes stage dynamics could be a problem. I am photographing a band who's lead vacalist is very very active on stage. He looks left and right unpredictabily. so when I am on the left of stage, he might look right for 2 mins and when i am on right side he looks left etc.. I usually shoot with wide 20-35mm at about 4.5 - 5.6 with Flash to accomodate for the Depth of field. If Flash is out of the question, then use wide open aperature and faster speed but it depends entirely on the stage light. I mostly shoot in nightclubs and bars. Lighting are pretty dim for photography unlike a open air concert which has slightly better light.