gig photography

A recent gig by UK band Wishbone Ash. I used a combination of 10D and 20D with 28-70 f2.8 and 20-35 f2.8 550ex flash was used on some shots for fill-in as there were virtually no front lights.

All shots were rated at ISO 1600

http://www.gillyworld.​com/ee15/list.php?exhi​bition=101

Wow... those are pretty nice shots.

I'm loathe to use a flash when I shoot bands, but these are pretty sweet...

Steve

These are really fine work executed under some of the most difficult lighting conditions a photographer can be presented with--the colour and atmosphere of the concert practically leaps off the screen. I'm particularly partial to this one:

http://www.gillyworld.​com/ee15/photo.php?pho​to=4621

where you caught the performer at maximum stretch--it makes for a truly dynamic image.

Wishbone Ash.......man, there's a name to conjure with. Haven't heard it uttered since I left the U.K. twenty-four years ago. Obviously they're still in fine form, by the look of things!

regards,
Terry

Hi Alan, EXCELLENT work! These photos seem to just "POP".
Question; Did you use in camera flash reduction for your 550? These turned out quite well.
-Bruce

Ballen Photo wrote:
Hi Alan, EXCELLENT work! These photos seem to just "POP".
Question; Did you use in camera flash reduction for your 550? These turned out quite well.
-Bruce

I used Exposure compensation in the flash (-3) with the camera in AV mode

Alan

Very nice. Did you point the flash at the subject or bounce? Does a diffuser help in these situations? I'm just starting out taking bands and am worried that when I have to use flash, the band or audience may get pissed at me.

My gigs at the mo are really small, audience and band extreme close proximity.

Th flash was pointed staright at the band - there was nothing to bounce off!! I don't like using flash, but in this instance there was little in the way of front lights so I had to.

If you can check with the venue/band beforehand about flash use. I also find that talking to the other people in the audience is a good way of making sure they are ok about me taking the shots. Give them a card with your web site address so that they can share the pictures as well

Alan

Impressive shots. This might seem like a silly question, but how did you know what exp comp (-3) for the flash.

Gilly thanks for the tips. When I have to use flash and there is nothing to bounce off, I use an A4 piece of paper folded in half and held on to my 580 with an elastic band. The flash is pointed straight up, the paper to the rear. The light that hits the band bounces off the paper at the back.
I think it works well at close distances, not sure about further away.

Here's one I prepared earlier...

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I never know if they're going to let you take a camera into venues or not. I went to see Garbage at the scala in Kings x but only took a small point and shoot with very disappointing results. It was a shame really as the venue was tiny. I have tickets to see them again next month at Brixton but again don't think they'll let you take a decent camera in.
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