I had an opportunity to see Chris Isaak up close. Because my confidence with a flash is so low, I used my auto setting plus my 580 flash. I have done no post processing. So what could I have done different and what can I do now? Thanks!

For starters try to rotate images #1 and #3 for better C&C
But #3 is my favorite because of the action that you captured and the blue lights give it a cool effect.

#3 is the stunner by far. Love the lighting and the color, plus the composition is excellent.

How fun for you!

Sorry when I reduced them they turned. Thanks.

These are very soft. Without the EXIF data on the shots it's hard to comment on what you could have done differently. Needless to say that flash (especially a 580 on camera) is not really acceptable at most concerts, so you'll need to learn to shoot with fast glass and/or high ISOs. Sorry can't be more help...

Sorry new guy. I checked the exif data box. What can I do different there? Camera is 40D lens 28-70 2.8L.

We need shutter speed and ap more then we need the gear.

What on earth is he wearing I sure hope he doesn't think those outfits look good!

you have excellent equipment to begin with(40D lens 28-70 2.8L)...assuming that flash usage is not allowed, next time go aperture priority...shoot at ISO 800 with aperture set to 2.8...if flash is allowed you should use a diffuser or bounce if possible...
your sense of framing(composition) is good for a beginner...

Thanks for the comments.
If flash and diffuser again...what settings then?

full-manual...f/2.8, 1/250 ISO 400 should work in most cases...
make sure your white balance is right for the situation...

love chris isaak but what's up with that suit? haha

i'd suggest getting some faster glass and forget the flash, but that also depends on the venue you're shooting-in addition, i'd suggest shooting in either manual of Av modes for more control over your exposure and finally, choose the AF point closest to the eyes or whichever part you want to have in focus-that will alleviate the issue of soft eyes which pervades most of these shots-hope that helps

glad to know another nashville photog hangs out here-have a good one

daniel

That is quite the suit! Yeah, I would also suggest higher ISO and/or faster shutter speeds.

Tim

How were you able to get so close and use a flash? What a cool opportunity.

Chris Isaak is one of my top favorites. Seen him perform several times. He puts on a good show. His TV show was good, too.

Corporate Event. Great show. BTW when will the TV show ever be out on DVD?
Thanks again for the thoughts.

Nice shots, but as others have pointed out they are a bit soft, and I find the crop in #1 just a bit tight.

As for the suits, I saw Chris Isaak at the House of Blues in Chicago three years ago and he was wearing the same suits. The mirrored suit is amazing as the light hits it, especially if you are not as close as the photographer was here (and most people are further away in a concert setting). He is one cool cat.