Local Bands; First time concert shoot

[Dom87SS]

some pics i took at a local show this weekend. Was my first time shooting RAW images (i cant believe how freaking big they are) and first time shooting anything like this. All were shot in manual mode with my XSi and kit lens 18-55mm, f5.6, ISO was set to 1600, and i shot most at 1/15-1/20. I know i still have a lot to learn, but this was a good learning experience in its self. No post process was done, i just converted the files to jpeg and uploaded them. C+C welcome.

Judas Rising

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1568/img28235495542.jpg

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1146/img28705554655.jpg

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1497/img28485525874.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9525/img28205448408.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9323/img28715568979.jpg

Heaven and Hell - chicago

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/391/img29225603256.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/7529/img30666003268.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3894/img30295865120.jpg

[Dom87SS]

Nemesis Theroy

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/5401/img33085384829.jpg
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3989/img32526576430.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8550/img32366510635.jpg
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/721/img32316493961.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3774/img32176427980.jpg
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4294/img31306232341.jpg
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1130/img32476559681.jpg

[René Damkot]

Had to convert the second post to links, to comply with the Image Posting Rules (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=157528) (maximum 8 per thread)

Second is pretty darn good for the equipment used, last in the first post is okay as well. :)

The ones with flash don't benefit from it IMO; gives a point and shoot look. If you use flash, drag the shutter to allow ambient as well.

[Dom87SS]

ya i only used the flash for the first few shots. then tried no flash, and didnt use it for the rest of the night. i just like how they looked compared to the "natural" light of the room.

nemesis theory has a small show coming up at a bar close to my house. i think im gonna go back and try shooting some more in a few weeks.

[DDCSD]

Had to convert the second post to links, to comply with the Image Posting Rules (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=157528) (maximum 8 per thread)

Second is pretty darn good for the equipment used, last in the first post is okay as well. :)

The ones with flash don't benefit from it IMO; gives a point and shoot look. If you use flash, drag the shutter to allow ambient as well.

I agree with what Rene has said.

Get a nice fast prime or a f/2.8 zoom and you'll be in business! Those small local shows can be really tough, they always seem to have all the lights behind the band and nothing in front of them.

Flash will make a shot look crisper, but it really sucks the atmosphere out of it.

[Dom87SS]

im hoping to get a 70-200mm f2.8 IS but it isnt in the budget at the moment so ill have to make due with what i have for now.