Live Music: Beneficial

[jfrancho]

Local unsigned rap group taken at the Penny Arcade, 7/9/2005.

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/27807362-L.jpg

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/27807372-L.jpg

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/27807342-L.jpg

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/27807345-L.jpg

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/27807352-L.jpg

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/27807393-L.jpg

[DwightMcCann]

The first one is a little too blown for me, but the fourth and fifth are stunningly good. The guy in the last one looks like he's giving directions to the indoor plumbing. So, any tips on how you created that one with the glowing hair?

[jfrancho]

Thanks, Dwight! I agree, the first is "high key" to say the least, but it was a rare moment of emotion for this guy. He was about as exciting as indoor plumbing. For the "glowing hair", I waited for the four bright white lights behind him to go on, and switch to manual mode, which I leave preset for 1/50 sec. and wide open. This is usually how I get these motion shots, since 1/50 sec. isn't fast enough to freeze the performer. It usually takes a few shots to get the exposure right, which usually involves dropping the ISO, instead of increasing the aperture or shutter speed. This was the third of five attempts, and although the hair is blown out, I got what I wanted. Even soft shots take some technique. Infact if you look closely, I don't think there is a single thing in focus in that picture, but it works for me. My favorites were 3 and 4 - gotta love drummer shots that come out clean.

[DwightMcCann]

Hmmm, yes, yes, yes, yes ... but for the hair shot, it isn't that nothing is in focus, it is that there is camera motion in addition to hair motion! But how did you get him to "throw" his hair ... that's like a glamour shot? Or is that part of his vibe? :-) Still, #4 and #5 are favs. Gnarly, Dude!

[jfrancho]

There doesn't appear to be any camera movement, since under 100% magnification, there isn't any telltale "ghosting" or "double edges" in any of the stationary objects. Most of these items are soft due to the narrow DOF f/1.4 offers. Well, maybe there was a tiny bit of camera movement, but not much - I was braced against a huge PA speaker. As far as "getting him to throw his hair," he did this as part of his schtick, I guess. He'd be stationary, flinging his head around like a metal guitarist, yet he was in this rap group. It worked. He sure had a lot more stage presence than the vocalist.

[DwightMcCann]

Well, just casting my eyeball on the lights in upper left and front of equipment with lettering in lower right, they both look like jiggle rather than DOF to me, but who am I to "argue"! :-) Who cares? It's a super shot even if you had thrown your camera in the air to get it!!!

[jfrancho]

even if you had thrown your camera in the air to get it!!!Now, do you recommend the RC-60 wired remote, or the wireless? Is this what you kept your Fuji for?

[jfrancho]

Dwight speaks the truth. There is some shake, though it wasn't easy to find. This should read a fuzzy "Ampeg". There are a few more letters there than should be (doubles).
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/28774092-L.jpg

[jfrancho]

One more, cos I'm bored....
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/27807370-L.jpg

There's that ubiquitous "EXIT" sign that turns up in all my live pics.

[DwightMcCann]

Lordy, I like this one, too ... and SHARP, too! :-) You gotta come out here or I gotta' drag my family back there, cause we need to shoot together!

[jfrancho]

Thanks. The only reason this one made the cut was all the sharpness preaching from you. I really wish I had the whole Les Paul in the frame. Oh well. Speaking of beautiful instruments, this guy's backup guitar was a Hamer Standard (http://www.hamerguitars.com/?fa=detail&mid=394&sid=196#), an Explorer type body with flame maple top.