Shooting Concerts with Flash!

Hey all!

Does anyone have suggestions on how to use flash when shooting a (very poorly lit) show? I'm all for high ISO and fast glass, but sometimes those just aren't enough. I've used flash at a few shows, primarily bounced off the floor, or a wall. What are folks' preferred methods of using flash when shooting? I'd love to hear as many suggestions as you can throw at me!

You can visit my website to see how I've used flash. www.beanconcerts.com (the 4/06, 4/12, 4/19 shows)


Thanks!

Josh

Josh...
Welcome to the Performing Arts section...

We have exhausted the topic repeatedly... You might just try the search engine for a quick answer...

Tell us what gear you use... Also, try to post some pics here... and lastly, most if not all of us don't use flash...

I'll almost walk away instead of using a flash. I had one shot I did with a second sync setting that was useable. Anything else didn't count.

My favorite thing to do is to wear a gray t-shirt, and bounce flash off of myself. I like it mostly for the looks people give me....but the main thing really is to make sure that you're in an environment in which you aren't irritating the crowd or the performer.

Thanks all for the responses thusfar!

I should have been more specific in my initial post. I use the following equipment:
Body: 5D
Lenses: 28-70L, 135L, 35L
Flash: 580EX (with ST-E2)

I've done searches on this topic before starting this thread, but could never find many satisfactory answers. I very much appreciate techniques like that given by bacchanal - I'm always looking for new things to try which will yield great results! In particular, I'm looking for advice and techniques from those who have shot in similar environments - not generic flash advice that I can find on the Canon Flash Bible.

Anyhow, my dilemma is that in one club in which I regularly shoot, the lights are so poor that even at ISO 3200, 1/60 shutter speed, and the lens wide open, it's not enough. Hence, the need for flash. Additionally, the environment is such that band and audience members do not mind flash at all (in fact, there is nearly always a myriad of pop-up flashes going off at any particular moment in a set).

I've included some pictures where I've used flash, mostly bounced off the floor (grey industrial carpet). These were all shot with a 20D:

1.

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Well than, if ISO 3200 doesn't cut it... and the venue and performers don't mind flash... What else is there to do... But use it?

Personally, I'll eventually be considering the f1.2 lenses... while getting by with the f1.4 and f1.8...

Stick around, there are some who might find this post and offer insight...

These pics are pretty good... Next, we would ask you to go back and number them, so we can refer to the specific image... hang in there help might be right around the corner...

In the mean time, have you considered the new Mark III with ISO 6400?

Bounce off yourself, bounce of the audience, bounce of the ceiling, bounce off the walls...
Hold the flash at arms length, and aim at your subject (maybe use a diffuser)...

That being said, when looking at your website (nice design BTW), my initial thought was: He's *asking* for advise? He should be giving it!

René Damkot wrote in post #3269620
Bounce off yourself, bounce of the audience, bounce of the ceiling, bounce off the walls...
Hold the flash at arms length, and aim at your subject (maybe use a diffuser)...

That being said, when looking at your website (nice design BTW), my initial thought was: He's *asking* for advise? He should be giving it!

Yeah, I'd have to agree with that.

bacchanal wrote in post #3268344
My favorite thing to do is to wear a gray t-shirt, and bounce flash off of myself. I like it mostly for the looks people give me....but the main thing really is to make sure that you're in an environment in which you aren't irritating the crowd or the performer.

Do have any shots in which you've used this technique?

I don't know that I'd ever try it (I abhor flash), but I'm always open to new ideas, and would love to see some examples...

Yeah, nice work man. I like the emotion that your pics elicit while not being overpowering. I say if you don't have to use flash, don't. use. flash.

Welcome aboard, Josh ... never too many concert shooters ... there are a million bands and more all the time! Looks like you've already developed a style.

I really like your flashed work, not overpowering at all. Like said before, I really don't think you need too much help here... looks like you have it working for ya.

ISO 6400 and f/1.2 lens would not be able to get these shots:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=321232

i prefer to use ambient light whenever possible, but this massive anti-flash brigade on POTN is a bit over the top sometimes...

Steve Parr wrote in post #3270344
Do have any shots in which you've used this technique?

I don't know that I'd ever try it (I abhor flash), but I'm always open to new ideas, and would love to see some examples...

The only flash shots that I have online are this gallery:
http://bacchanal.zenfo​lio.com/p663407727/

Some of those were bounced off of my shoulder (flash was camera mounted, before I got my ocsc II), other are bounced off of the wall, a keyboard, or direct with Sto-fen. I was trying to expose so that I could get a good amount of ambient without a ton of shutter drag. Basically the gray t-shirt thing is great if you're in a place where you need flash, but you have high/dark ceilings or dark/oddly colored walls and there isn't much else to bounce off of...much easier with the off camera shoe cord though.