Live band photography

Howdy folks...

I've searched to forums for such questions, but have found nothing. So if anyone could give me a hand I'd love to hear what you have to say.

I have a passion for both photography and live music, and like to combine the two. But I feel I'm at the need to get better. So is there anyone who takes live photos and could share their expertise.

My main problem is getting clarity and a good precise shot with the "No flash rule"...?

Welcome aboard Swound...

For info on photographing live music, look no further than this excellent Dwight McCann thread...

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=81761

I'm sure that will help!

---- Gavin

Read this.

A flash would distract performers, you get the same thing in theatre, which I do a bit of. Also, flash washes out the stage lighting, so you get flash boring pictures, instead of lively, interesting pictures as a concert-goer sees them. The trick is fast lenses and getting the necessary shutter speeds.

i like to consider myself a concert photog... hehe...

what equipment do u use? fast lenses? what camera body etc.

I shoot with a 20d and i often have to shoot at iso1600 when shooting small clubs and even have to push it to 3200 in some of the lower light venues...
ill use iso400-800 for the large well lit places

I shoot live shows with a 50mm1.8. It's cheap, small, and shoots relatively well. If I had more cash, I'd probably get the 50 1.4, a 35mm and an 85mm with a 1.x aperature.

The hardest part? Shooting with such a wide aperature, things move in and out of focus really quickly. This shot would have been great, if I had better control of my focus. (Been working on other techniques to improve focus tracking... it's tough with a 20D.)

i have the 50 f1.4 and i usually stop it down to say f2 in order to shoot concert. f1.4 is just way to hit or miss for me.

i only shoot my f2.8 lenses wide open since they are not as finicky as my f1.4 etc hehee

I recommend "Concert Photography - How to shoot and sell music business photographs" By Jon Sievert. It's a really good read. It doesn't focus too heavily on digital but is a very good investment nevertheless.

If you can get close to the stage the 50mm f1.4 would be a good choice. It has decent AF, and is a nice sharp, fast lens.

You can look at my live music pictures - I think you can see the EXIF via the link below each. Some are good, many are just so-so, a few are really nice. Also try a search here for "Live Music", "Music", or "Band" and you will turn up quite a few applicable threads. The Dwight McCann thread has a TON of photos, stories, advice, and links.

I my have gotten lost in the thread, my "read this" above is a rather large multi-part concert photography tutorial from an expert. I found it invaluable for theatre photography, i've not tried concert photography yet.

I'll second tim's endorsement. I found that site after I tried my first live band. What a help it has been.

Let me 3rd Tim's suggestion. That article helped me out alot! Get a nice sharp/fast lens (i use a 85mm f/1.8). Here is a pic I took just tonight at an Erika Jo (Nashville Star Winner) concert taken with the 85mm, iso 200, f/2.8, 1/200th.

HOSTED PHOTO
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i'm new to concert photography (and my 20D for that matter). just wondering what other manual settings you use for clubs with low lights (2-3 spotlights). i'm having problems exposure and blurring. i use a tamron aspherical xr lens. thanks for your help.

Fast primes are a must have.

I shot these guys (Story Of The Year; my daughter knows who they are) last January, with whatever light happened to be in the room at the time, with the 85mm f/1.8:

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Here are some threads to help out

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=79713

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=96859

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=62296

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=77622


Good Luck