Concert Photography

I shot my first concert the other night. Although I knew the distances from the pit, I wasn't sure what lenses would be best. I put my 70-200, 2.8; 24-70, 2.8; 16-35, 2.8 and 24, 1.4 each on a 1D Mark 4. After all was said and done I found that the 70-200 and 16-35 were by far the best for me. Is that the experience of others?

Any C & C would be appreciated on the gallery which is at:

http://www.sportsactio​ndigital.com …c#!i=1724762861​&k=4VDw3XF

I found the rapidly changing lighting to be the biggest challenge. Could only shoot the first three songs which meant that when the band was really cooking at the end of the first set and second set that I couldn't shoot.

very nice, i like my 70-200 for concerts, but most of the time i go with my 300. can't see the exif on them.

rick_reno wrote in post #13975888
very nice, i like my 70-200 for concerts, but most of the time i go with my 300. can't see the exif on them.

If you move your mouse to the right side of the picture a popup comes up. If you click on "i" you can get the exif info.

slimenta wrote in post #13970618
I shot my first concert the other night. Although I knew the distances from the pit, I wasn't sure what lenses would be best. I put my 70-200, 2.8; 24-70, 2.8; 16-35, 2.8 and 24, 1.4 each on a 1D Mark 4. After all was said and done I found that the 70-200 and 16-35 were by far the best for me. Is that the experience of others?

My main two lenses are the 70-200mm f/2.8L and the 24-70mm f/2.8L. I've never used the 16-35mm for shooting a show.

As for getting to shoot only the first three songs, that's pretty much a standard thing. Some bands, though, will permit only one or two songs...

I like the lighting on #9. Since you commented on the first 3 songs (a lot of time you only get 2) I've found it's still important to be patient and wait for the artist to move away from the microphone -- so it's not in his/her mug all the time. You'll hear a lot of people say not to frame the artist in the middle all the time also as you really limit the look of your shots.

SmileForDaBirdie wrote in post #14033488
I like the lighting on #9. Since you commented on the first 3 songs (a lot of time you only get 2) I've found it's still important to be patient and wait for the artist to move away from the microphone -- so it's not in his/her mug all the time. You'll hear a lot of people say not to frame the artist in the middle all the time also as you really limit the look of your shots.

Thank you!

slimenta wrote in post #13970618
I shot my first concert the other night. Although I knew the distances from the pit, I wasn't sure what lenses would be best. I put my 70-200, 2.8; 24-70, 2.8; 16-35, 2.8 and 24, 1.4 each on a 1D Mark 4. After all was said and done I found that the 70-200 and 16-35 were by far the best for me. Is that the experience of others?

Any C & C would be appreciated on the gallery which is at:

http://www.sportsactio​ndigital.com …c#!i=1724762861​&k=4VDw3XF

I found the rapidly changing lighting to be the biggest challenge. Could only shoot the first three songs which meant that when the band was really cooking at the end of the first set and second set that I couldn't shoot.

This drives me nuts!