LIVE BAND PHOTOGRAPHY (6 Images)

[Steve Parr]

I think I may have figured out the whole "live band photography" thing.

Last night, my company threw one of their bi-annual get-togethers where people get up and make music. My band wasn't playing, so I took the opportunity to take some pictures.

Let me say that the 85mm f/1.8 is an amazing lens...


http://bigsteve.stringdancer.net/images/fmr004.jpg

http://bigsteve.stringdancer.net/images/jeffhouck.jpg

http://bigsteve.stringdancer.net/images/mmfbernie1.jpg

http://bigsteve.stringdancer.net/images/earth1.jpg

http://bigsteve.stringdancer.net/images/earth2.jpg

http://bigsteve.stringdancer.net/images/earth9.jpg

All of these shots were shot at IS0 200, at 1/30 of a second, with either the 85mm f/1.8 or the 50mm f/1.8, no flash; just stage lighting. I'm still fine tuning some things but, overall, I'm happy with how they turned out.

Comments, critiques, suggestions appreciated...

Steve

[Jetmech1]

Nice pics. I really like my 85mm lens.

[DionM]

I would have maybe traded ISO 200 for ISO400 or even 800 just to get the shutter speed up a bit from 1/30th?

Good composition and atmosphere though, just a tad blurry.

[exposingmyself]

i like the cropping (from heads to top of pic) in pic 4. i think the others need cropping at top-lots of black space there.

then my other favorite is number 3 (how long did he hold his breath for? :shock: ) i like the drumming holding up his drumsticks in motion in the bg.

[steibeldj]

Looks great. I agree with previous post, next time push the ISO up a notch and try to run 1/100. You'll get rid of the camera motion blur and still get subject motion blur. Worst case, you can boost the brightness up in PS.

[Steve Parr]

Looks great. I agree with previous post, next time push the ISO up a notch and try to run 1/100. You'll get rid of the camera motion blur and still get subject motion blur. Worst case, you can boost the brightness up in PS.

I thought about that, but was a little concerned about having to boost it too much. I'll give it a shot, though.

Thanks...

Steve

[Olegis]

The second one is my favorite !

[Dante King]

Nice shots Steve. Man, dont you just love that 85? Its got so much going for it. I agree, you could have gone higher iso. Reb and this lens would be nice. Over all much to be happy aobut with this series!

[drisley]

#2 and #5 are impressive.
The 300D is one of the "cleanest" cameras in the world, at any ISO.
Definately use ISO800 or 1600. Don't be afraid. Even massive prints from these settings would be super clean.

[Steve Parr]

I've got another shoot coming up on 4/25, so I'll do some experimenting.

Thanks!

Steve

[jfrancho]

Steve,
These are all awesome! I generally agree with the posts suggesting you bump the ISO, but only to offer a wider range of styles. I personally prefer the Charles Peterson (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062586408/qid%3D1113833904/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/103-2177233-7872669)school of live shots, but I always try to take some sharp shots, frozen action, slow sync, etc., especially if the band wants to use them. Your shots make that 85 very tempting, but I am usually in small clubs with very small stages, so my next prime will likely be in the wide end. Again, Great job! I take a lot of cues from your work. Thanks for sharing.

[D4VE]

They are great shots.
A friend of mine tried this with his 300D and didnt get very good results, but there was a bright background and he was further away.
You've done a great job though!

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Cool!

[cricket]

I think you did a great job, and that the band should be happy that you worked hard to get such great shots!

Working with slow shutter speeds is not easy, and live music is a challange!

Great job!

[Steve Parr]

Thanks, all.

Everyone I shot seems very pleased with the results, so I guess that's something.

I'll take on board the suggestions about bumping the ISO at least another notch and composing a little differently.

Thanks again!

Steve