Behave, be quiet, don't get in the way, and do not detract from the performance.
Here is what Dwight had to say in another post
"I am the contract "House Photographer" for the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California. I have been shooting all their entertainment for 2-1/2 years. Most of what I shoot is world class performers. I have shot about 100 of these events. Twice I have shown up, unpacked gear, run through my checklist, had cameras ready to go, and then been told that I was not allowed to shoot. The first time it was by the road manager about 30 seconds prior to the start of the show with the friendly words, "Put that camera away or I'll have you thrown out!" The second time was much more gracious by Englebert Humperdinck's people who advised the venue of the rule. I got paid for both just as though I had done the work because the casino management works that way ... first class with everyone. My experience leads me to believe that it is usually the result of a small percentage of people (in this case photographers) who break the rules and abuse their privilege that destroy it for the rest of us. A couple of times recently I have been told that after I shoot my one, two or three songs that I "must leave the building!" That tells me that some photographers are shooting and then sneaking around shooting when they aren't supposed to. I expect I could just pack up my equipment (it is in Pelican cases on the floor in plain view) and stay for the show but I usually opt to go home and process the images. I mention this because while I have no great moral/ethical outrage about stolen IP by people who "sneak" cameras into shows or togs that violate the rules, I am outraged that they would do so with the result that now I am treated so badly by the talent!"
Asking for help 6 days before your event is a little short. If you just got yuor 30D, it will take 3 months of heavy shooting before you know what your camera will do and not do. I get paid to shoot events like this and most of my blown shots are because of people who do not know what they are doing getting in the way.
Until you can change the setting on your camera IN THE DARK, without a flashlite, I would not shoot at night.
I apoligize if I sound digusted, cynical, mean, or angry, but roaming in the pit or alley with people that are not prepared or do not know their gear or get in the way (not just mine, but everyone's) is really a pain in the you-know-what.
It is best if you just go and observe the other guys who have a clue. Ask questions. See what they do. Afterall if you go fly fishing, the best tactic is to observe what is going on the stream after you arrive rather than jumping right in and flailing around.
The picture below is of a very very popular Mexican band performing in Las Vegas. To get this shot I had permission from the promoter (he hired me), the band (to shoot from ON STAGE), the band's manager (to shoot their band period), and the sound/lighting crew (to stand on their speaker container). Without this kind of cooperation, these kind of shots would not be possible.
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. I was outside taking some "practice" shots. 30D is a large change from the S2 IS, LOL. I will be shooting daytime and nightime concerts for a period of 4 days. I was wondering if you all can give me some advice on what settings I need for the day, dusk, and night. My practice photos are... let's just say there is no need to keep them. So any advice on ANYTHING would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
