Jazz in Pittsburgh (newbie falls in love with live music photography)

[Christina]

My brother-in-law's friend is working on publicizing the amazing jazz scene here in Pittsburgh. Every Monday, there's a lively jazz jam session - and it's free! They asked if I'd come and take some pictures for to help get the word out. I was hesitant as I'd never done anything like this before - but I loved it! I first went back in April, and then went back again this past Monday. It was challenging but I was pleased with what I got. I'm interested to learn a bit more about this type of photography and welcome any suggestions.

More here. (http://christinamontemurrophotography.com/blog/?p=415)

1.
http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p488553656-4.jpg

2.
http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p612570022-4.jpg

3.
http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p1004811700-4.jpg

4.
http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p564825618-4.jpg

5.
http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p49720810-4.jpg

6.
http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p603722687-4.jpg

[50D Newbe]

Very nice shots!!

[johnstoy]

Interesting colors and composition... I'm one of many who find faces more interesting than those (still life) pics of just instruments... That's just too easy to get... ha, ha... If you have been able to get these decent colors, and compose around performing faces, you're on your way to successful PA photography...

Now the trick is to tweak, the focus, depth of field, and sufficient exposure to balance the pics all out...

Note added:I noticed you're using the 5D... What lenses are you using? Is it an 85mm f/1.8? and a 50mm f/1.4? and a zoom at f/2.8 at 32mm?... Where in Pittsburgh are you finding these gigs? (I lived in Pgh. for a few yrs. back in the 70's)

[narlus]

the 1st one is too dark for me. i like 2, 3 and esp 6. nice job w/ this set.

[Christina]

Interesting colors and composition... I'm one of many who find faces more interesting than those (still life) pics of just instruments... That's just too easy to get... ha, ha... If you have been able to get these decent colors, and compose around performing faces, [/quote]

The shots of the instruments were all taken between sets - I had free rein to roam around on stage and took full advantage. ;) I did get a lot of shots of faces but the ones in the OP were my favorites.

A few more...

http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p61479632-3.jpg

http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p843442754-3.jpg

http://montemama.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p580690681-4.jpg


Note added:I noticed you're using the 5D... What lenses are you using? Is it an 85mm f/1.8? and a 50mm f/1.4? and a zoom at f/2.8 at 32mm?...
Exactly right. I used the 50mm f1.4 a bit, but mostly the 85mm f1.8 and mostly ISO 1600 or 3200. It was quite dark in there so those were really my only options. And it did make it pretty much impossible to get a shot with more than one person in focus since I had to shoot wide open.

For the shots on the stage between sets, I went to the 24-70 f2.8L as I wanted wider angles, and also I could get away with this because I was adding light with a 580ex in several of the shots (it's placed just behind the drum in #5).

Where in Pittsburgh are you finding these gigs? (I lived in Pgh. for a few yrs. back in the 70's)
This club is called Ava and it's in East Liberty. That area has been seeing a lot of rejuvenation over the past couple years.

[snyderman]

Yep. Those are really nicely done. Great composition. What I like most about them is that even though jazz is played in a band environment, it's very personal from a player perspective. You captured that well.

A couple (on my monitor) are just a tad dark. Lightening just a bit might get your message across more quickly. Just a thought.

dave

[412]

Nice shots...Is Ava near the Shadow Lounge?

[Christina]

Nice shots...Is Ava near the Shadow Lounge?

It is right around the corner, next to Abay.