Shooting Blue Rodeo Concert - Need Advice

[cyanaura]

I'm heading to shoot a Blue Rodeo concert next week and would like some advice from those with concert experience. Flash or not? Which lense would you use to get the best shots? Tripod? Looking forward to your comments and will post pix after the show...

[Ken Fong]

What is the lighting like and how close are you to the subject?
Most likely, the flash will not help you at an event like that unless you are very close to the subjects. Your best bet is to use a fast lens (2.8 70-200 zoom) preferably with image stabilization, then pump up your ISO (400, 800, or even 1600). You will get a lot of noise at those ISO settings, but you can remove it later in Photoshop (Photoshop Elements, Photoshop CS2, Noise Ninja, or Neatimage). A tripod is helpful if you can set one up...you might want to check if it's allowed. For better mobility, consider a monopod. You can rent all this from a photography store if you have one nearby. Have a great time!

[cyanaura]

Thanks a lot, Ken. I have everything you mention except for a monopod... I think I'll try the shoot without one, and see how the IS functionality works for me. Will post images after the gig.

[cyanaura]

http://www.stfx.ca/people/jbastin/blue%20rodeo.jpg

[cyanaura]

Those 2 were shot in RAW format, ISO 800, 1/60, f/2.8, 70-200mm@70mm. I accepted CS2's default RAW camera automatic settings. Other than that, they weren't adjusted except to be smallified. Most of my shots turned out pretty well, considering I was allowed to shoot during the first 3 tunes only... Advice welcomed...