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ian
Member
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# Posted: 28 Dec 07 21:32
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I'm looking for some tips (or links to guides) on the best way to take photos of stage shows, music concerts etc (using a Digital SLR).
I have been asked to take some pictures for a small local band, and have also been asked to take some photos of our local school shows (full musicals, theatrical lighting, special effects etc). The photos I took previously were not sucessful - even pushing the ISO to 1600 I couldn't get a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the movement (I avoided flash because I couldn't get very close, and didn't want to ruin the atmosphere), and of-course the colour cast from the lights was very strong.
I guess taking photos of a dress rehersal would be preferable, but any other tips?
Example below (ISO 1600, F/5.6, 0.8 sec)
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KevinHall
Member
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# Posted: 29 Dec 07 00:53
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Hi Ian
You can go about this in one of two ways - or even mix it up if you like.
1 - Flash is obviously one way to do this if you are close enough and the use of a strobe is permitted. Many like to gel the strobe to blend the light temperature with ambient (stage lighting). It sounds like this may be what you are trying to avoid though.
2 - Available light is possible but you will want at least a lens with an aperture as wide as 2.8 and better still a prime that opens up larger than that. Great low light glass for Canon would be the 50 f1.4, 50 f1.8, or the 85 f1.8. The 50 f1.8 is especially a steal for the price. More expensive L glass would include the 35 f1.4, 50 f1.2, and 85 1.2. Not only do the larger apertures of these lenses allow shooting in lower light conditions but also allow the camera's auto focus work more efficiently.
For stabilization make sure that you are tucking yourself into a very solid shooting position, control your breathing, and squeeze the shutter. Use your mind to find other available ways to stabilize yourself or the camera (prop on a chair, lean against a wall, etc.). Most opportunities will not allow for a tripod but may permit a monopod.
For color cast you can measure the light temperature with a light meter and then dial it into the white balance in your camera. If you do not have a meter shoot in RAW and you can dial in the proper temperature in DPP when converting the RAW files later on your computer.
Hope this helps.
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Nathan Servi
Member
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# Posted: 29 Dec 07 03:13
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Dear Ian,
I think that Kevin has said it all, his suggestions are absolutely perfect.
I'll try and add some from my personal experience. A good prime lens can indeed be quite inexpensive, and its usually the best of going about in these situations.
I think that the best option would be to find another lens with a bigger diaphragm. Its also true that you should try and move around the stage to find the best positions and light to suit your needs.
When i did my photoshoots at gigs in bars and big stages I realised that its much better not to push the iso too high, as the noise becomes very disturbing if the temperature of the lights is high. Even if shooting in RAW when i can later work on the temperature, I think that you should try and limit yourself to ISO's of about 800.
As kevin said, try to use a tripod or monopod, this is the best way of keeping it steady at least on your side. For the movements of the performers, try and study the subject for a few minutes before the beginning, and you shoud soon be able to find moments of not excessive movement where its ok to have shutter speeds of up to 0.3 a second. (clearly here you have to be steady).
for the light, kevin's suggestion is the best; shoot in RAW, and adjust everything later on, because the results are just so much better that its worth the time in post production.
Hope this helps as well,
Cheers,
Nathan
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ian
Member
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# Posted: 29 Dec 07 11:51
Reply
Thanks for the input guys.
For others who maybe interested I also came across some useful tips here http://www.boudist.com/archive/2007/02/07/concert_photography_mastercl ass.php
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CatNut
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jan 08 21:04
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Sorry .... you'll need to forget your manners and get right in the way.
I spent 30 years working in the music business and have tripped over more photographers than you can shake a stick at. But the biggest pests were the guys who were getting the great shots.
Musicians will forgive any intrusion if you make em look good.
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Claudia Walker
Member
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# Posted: 25 Apr 08 18:01 - Edited by: Claudia Walker
Reply
What a great feeling to attend a special event or a concert .I recently was searching for concert tickets to attend Jimmy Buffett concert but I found that tickets prices are highly priced, but I came across a new website for comparing tickets prices for free:http://www.ticketsreview.com Before I used not to research enough to see if there were better seats and certainly better pricing. Now I’m gonna compare the tickets prices before booking, and it’s for free. I think you may need this link:
http://www.ticketsreview.com
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Vidar S
Member
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# Posted: 25 Apr 08 23:36 - Edited by: Vidar S
Reply
Ian, Hi!
Kevin Hall mention the 50mm f/1.8
These picture was taken with the lense. I can highly recommend it!
ISO: 1000
Exposure time : 1/50 sec
f/1.8
ISO: 800
Exposure time: 1/80 sec
f/1.8
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