!!!!!!!!

I thought that was an attention grabbing thread title.

I was wondering if I could get some critique on what I consider to be some of my best concert photos; cause I just found out yesterday that i'm gonna get a photo pass (my first) for the honda civic tour (fall out boy, the academy is..., paul wall, cobra starship) in july, which I am unbeliveably excited/nervous for. And it's gonna be at the honda center in anahiem, so has anyone ever shot there?

I also currently only have one lens (the 50mm f/1.8 ), and I'm trying to figure out what would be the best lens to get next, so any help with that would be appreciated. :]

btw, the rest of my photos are on my band photography set on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/​gp/61761105@N00/6H5j8X

1.

Looks like you're doing well. I think you need to be a little more aware of the mics in the faces though...as in 4, 6, and 7. Try to find a moments/angles where you can get clear shots of the performers face. Some of us are fairly adamant about not cutting off guitar heads if possible...think of it almost as an extension of the arm or something. Use your histogram in RGB mode and watch out for blown channels (esp red, which is really easy to blow). Sometimes blowing highlights is okay, for instance, I don't find that I mind the blown highlights in #2, but they can ruin other shots in a hurry.

Another lens or two will certainly give you more framing options, and there are several different ways you could go depending on what you need and how much you can afford. I'm a big fan of my 100/2, which is basically the same lens as the 85/1.8, and I think the extra reach and performance/dollar would be to your liking. Both make great gig lenses for getting faces/drummers etc. If you're using a crop body, a lot of people like the Simga 30 1.4 for wider shots. Of course if you shoot in places with decent light and you have the cash, an f/2.8 zoom would be the ticket (17-55IS, 24-70L, or one of the 70-200 2.8s).

I have shot with a photo pass at the Honda Center in Anaheim - when I was there, the photo pit was very narrow (6 feet deep maybe) and went all around the rectangular stage that was set up for Britney. I was not able to back up and becuase there were so many photographers and so little room, I was virtually stuck in one place. The pit is right up against the stage, so we were shooting almost straight up and then across the stage with the floor of the stage being at eye-level for us. We were not allowed to use flash and typcially with a multi-talent show, you will get to shoot only the first song or two of each act, so you have to be prepared to shoot quickly.

I would suggest getting some kind of zoom lens - my experience was that the performers were either right on top of us or all the way across the stage. And, if you can, I'd bring a small step ladder/stool to get you up a bit over the edge of the stage. Of course, the set up might be totally different for your show.

Who are you shooting for/how did you get the pass?

wanted to comment on these last noght but couldnt, i really like number 1 nice timing, framing on 3 is cool and Number 5 is cool but focus looks to be on his tummy.

Nice set tho and welcome!

#1 is very nice. #5 would have been nice if in focus.
BG in #2 is very distracting.
Agree with the previous comment on the 'faces'...

IMHO noob/warned but ex rock guitar guy -- crop #3 tight, hang that on the wall; I really like that; nice catch on that mood.