"Heaven and Hell" Backstage tips

[smaisch]

Hello all. New to DSLR's, but learning quickly.

Recently purchased a Canon Rebel XSI kit, and two seperate lenses (one telephoto and one 50mm).

I have the opportunity to go backstage and photograph Black Sabbath on their "Heaven and Hell" tour as it comes through my fair city. It will be an all access pass, standing backstage as they perform, in their dressing rooms, and on their tour bus.

Since I am new to digital photography, I was hoping for some tips on low light shooting and getting the best image I can on the run. I will have limited equipment due to time constraints, and being rushed around at a rockstar pace. So no tripod, light metering, off camera strobes, etc. This will be total run and gun with a camera, some lenses, and my bag.

I have been backstage at many concerts, and in the tunnels and dressing rooms the lighting is dim but adequate. Backstage it is nearly pitch black.

How would some of you prepare for this, and how should I have the camera set up ahead of time? Any tips on low light photography with the XSI? How can I use the on camera flash without over exposing the pics and killing all the shadows and details.

Sorry if I sound new, I am. And I want to make the most out of this experience.

Steve

[mercury-666]

i found that you cant go wrong with a wide ap.

your 50 should be helpful.

[smaisch]

i found that you cant go wrong with a wide ap.

your 50 should be helpful.

These are the lenses I have. Just FYI...

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002BA_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html)

[infinite012]

You're going to have a tough time with the equipment you listed. My opinion, for what little it's worth, is that you completely ditch the 75-300 lens for this event.

Your 50mm f/1.8 will be your fastest lens and you will quickly find that it will be your only lens to give you acceptable* shutter speeds.

The 18-55, while it has a decent range for the camera, will not be fast enough to stop movement if, like you claimed, the lighting is "pitch black."

With either lens, you will still probably need to use high ISO to get an acceptable* shutter speed.

*"Acceptable" can be taken in any way you would like it to. If you want a slower shutter speed for creative shots, then any of your lenses will do.

[smaisch]

You're going to have a tough time with the equipment you listed. My opinion, for what little it's worth, is that you completely ditch the 75-300 lens for this event.

Your 50mm f/1.8 will be your fastest lens and you will quickly find that it will be your only lens to give you acceptable* shutter speeds.

The 18-55, while it has a decent range for the camera, will not be fast enough to stop movement if, like you claimed, the lighting is "pitch black."

With either lens, you will still probably need to use high ISO to get an acceptable* shutter speed.

*"Acceptable" can be taken in any way you would like it to. If you want a slower shutter speed for creative shots, then any of your lenses will do.


Should I go with Higher ISO and no flash, or flash and ignore loosing the shadow details? I guess I should learn the camera. i don't even know if I can set the flash intensity.

:rolleyes:

[canonnoob]

do you have an external flash?

[smaisch]

do you have an external flash?

Negative. Not yet. I may have one before the event but its just a possibility Right now its just on camera flash.

[blackshadow]

Steve - I suggest you head to the Performing Arts section of the forums and take a look at the FAQs in the discussion forum - many of your questions will be answered there.

I shot Heaven and Hell a couple of years ago (from the photo pit) and there was plenty of light - I doubt your 50 will have the range you need when trying to get shots from side of stage - they have a pretty big stage setup. I've found that shooting from side stage usually provides limited shots when compared to shooting from the pit - you need to be on the lookout for performers to turn etc.

Good luck with it and if you want to take a peek at some of my shots of H&H take a look here (http://www.photos.blackshadow.com.au/gallery/6436475_D6WDZ/1/407850882_NzveH)

Also - get yourself an external flash and something to soften the light such as a lumiquest softbox - it will make for better photos in the dressing room, tour bus etc

[smaisch]

Steve - I suggest you head to the Performing Arts section of the forums and take a look at the FAQs in the discussion forum - many of your questions will be answered there.

I shot Heaven and Hell a couple of years ago (from the photo pit) and there was plenty of light - I doubt your 50 will have the range you need when trying to get shots from side of stage - they have a pretty big stage setup. I've found that shooting from side stage usually provides limited shots when compared to shooting from the pit - you need to be on the lookout for performers to turn etc.

Good luck with it and if you want to take a peek at some of my shots of H&H take a look here (http://www.photos.blackshadow.com.au/gallery/6436475_D6WDZ/1/407850882_NzveH)

Also - get yourself an external flash and something to soften the light such as a lumiquest softbox - it will make for better photos in the dressing room, tour bus etc

Wow, those are fantastic shots. I will indeed look into all your suggestions, and am heading to the performing arts section right now.

[mercury-666]

Good luck with it and if you want to take a peek at some of my shots of H&H take a look here (http://www.photos.blackshadow.com.au/gallery/6436475_D6WDZ/1/407850882_NzveH)




aaaaah ronnie james... *melts inside*

[Madgwick]

You are one lucky noob to get backstage with H&H, these guys are pro's and OWN the stage, I'd love to have a chance to shoot them, there every move is pic worthy, just relax take a breath and snap some extremely nice photos man.

[DwightMcCann]

Are you near me? I think you should hire me to do this for you! If in Australia, hire Blackshadow. If in Northern Europe, contact Rene. :-)

[Robp412]

How the hell did you manage that! hahah