Hello, a newbie here at FM, looks like a tremendously resourcefull site and look forward to using it on a regualr basis.
I am also a true novice to the world of photography yet learning on the fly.
I would appreciate those who have any level experience with concert photography to express their tactics to aquiring great exposures. I frequently have seats in the first five rows at moderately sized venues all the way to small shoe box stages.
Firstly, get the fastest glass you can. Ideally f1.4 or f1.8. f2.8 is the highest you wanna go really. If you can, get in touch with the bands/artists/venue and get right at the front. I use a 50mm f/1.8 and I have just bought but yet to try out in a live environment a 85mm f1.8 I have used a 24-70 f/2.8 with okish results but the images need a lot of noise reduction afterwards. Using Nikon cameras, the noise is often a problem as you need to use high ISO's for low light work. I often use ISO 600-800 unless the light is really bad and then clean the images up in photoshop afterwards
It depends what sort of light the venue has and the type of performance. I shoot mainly rock/metal bands so there is a lot going on and no-one standing still. If you shoot say a folk band, then you have a better chance of getting a good sharp shot. Another trick is to try get the artists attention, but without distracting them so they give you some good poses right in front of the lens.
In December I am going on tour with a band around Europe to take photos and stage manage them, so Im looking to get another lens to get the best results I can. Should be a good opportunity!
High ISO fast glass and a good noise cleaner or two for post. i use 2.8 zooms and a 300/2.8 any thing with IS is a +. i use zooms so i minimize my lens changing depending on the light think iso 1600 3200 and even 6400. choose carefully because your DOF is generally minimal at best
go with the flow. that is don't expect perfection all the time because sometimes its just not going to work because everything is working against you. if you get a few good images be elated. if you get ok images be happy you have accomplished something. if it blows try try again. the definition of a good image is one that tells the story of gives the wanted feeling it is not necessarily the one that is technically perfect.
also flash use is frowned upon in the extreme
the first 2 are what i refer to as parlor concerts. venues that are pretty much invite only and 20-30 patrons
the 3rd is at a 900 seat theater
4 is a 75 patron school house with a big fat 0 for lighting iso6400 all the way
last was at the Palladium in NYC when you could see real music being played. then unfortunately it declined into disco hell and went the way of the dinosaur
