Improving in concert photography
Hi there!
I just recently started to photograph concerts for
our local university campus website. I've shot a
couple of concerts now and I am wondering how
you guys handle this type of shooting?
My approach so far has been, to get a few frames
of the concerts poster or any other feature that
shows the bands name, event location and/or date
of the event. I also try to shoot a few frames that
show how ppl get into the concert or, after it, how
they get out.
The goal is to go home with a set of pictures that
assemble to a small picture story that shows how
it was being at the event.
Then the more difficult part starts. I try to get a
few decent shots of each (!) of the band members.
And of course there will be at least one guy who's
standing in bad lighting, typicaly the drummer or bassist.
Others won't show the slightest emotion - rendering every
picture of them kind of .. well, "unexiteing" to say the least.
Sometimes I wait, and wait, and wait but its seldomly
rewarded with a smile or sth I can use in a picture, worse
sometimes the band member will get nervous, then I quickly
pull off.
What do you do if you just can't seem to get the right shot,
time is running out, you're feeling you're beginning to become
a distraction to the performers and/or visitors blocking the
road like a prey with a big-o-lens. Do you stay at the concert
for the whole event no matter what?
I've seen other photographers being quite agressive, climbing
on stages, or standing on the mixer platform in the back without
asking the ppl who work there. They dont seem to care much
not to disturb the event.
Another todo on my list is always to get a some overview
shots to show the atmosphere. I do this mostly from
the other side of the room/hall so I get the heads of
the crowd as a nice foreground for the enlightened
stage. Sometimes it's not possible so I try to get these
shots in the crowds and take my chances to get a
decent shot holding the cam above me but only with a
marginal success rate.
Oh yea, and those microphone and lighting stands, I
hate them, they ruin every 2nd picture, when faces,
hands or expressions hide behind them. *argh*
Maybe you can give me some hints on how to do this kind
of photography. I'd like to hear about different or better
approaches as well!
Here are some frames from the latest concert I shot.
A cover band that plays funk music from the 70s to today.
Critique welcome!
I just recently started to photograph concerts for
our local university campus website. I've shot a
couple of concerts now and I am wondering how
you guys handle this type of shooting?
My approach so far has been, to get a few frames
of the concerts poster or any other feature that
shows the bands name, event location and/or date
of the event. I also try to shoot a few frames that
show how ppl get into the concert or, after it, how
they get out.
The goal is to go home with a set of pictures that
assemble to a small picture story that shows how
it was being at the event.
Then the more difficult part starts. I try to get a
few decent shots of each (!) of the band members.
And of course there will be at least one guy who's
standing in bad lighting, typicaly the drummer or bassist.
Others won't show the slightest emotion - rendering every
picture of them kind of .. well, "unexiteing" to say the least.
Sometimes I wait, and wait, and wait but its seldomly
rewarded with a smile or sth I can use in a picture, worse
sometimes the band member will get nervous, then I quickly
pull off.
What do you do if you just can't seem to get the right shot,
time is running out, you're feeling you're beginning to become
a distraction to the performers and/or visitors blocking the
road like a prey with a big-o-lens. Do you stay at the concert
for the whole event no matter what?
I've seen other photographers being quite agressive, climbing
on stages, or standing on the mixer platform in the back without
asking the ppl who work there. They dont seem to care much
not to disturb the event.
Another todo on my list is always to get a some overview
shots to show the atmosphere. I do this mostly from
the other side of the room/hall so I get the heads of
the crowd as a nice foreground for the enlightened
stage. Sometimes it's not possible so I try to get these
shots in the crowds and take my chances to get a
decent shot holding the cam above me but only with a
marginal success rate.
Oh yea, and those microphone and lighting stands, I
hate them, they ruin every 2nd picture, when faces,
hands or expressions hide behind them. *argh*
Maybe you can give me some hints on how to do this kind
of photography. I'd like to hear about different or better
approaches as well!
Here are some frames from the latest concert I shot.
A cover band that plays funk music from the 70s to today.
Critique welcome!
“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
― Edward Weston
― Edward Weston
0
Comments
Sorry - no tips from me, just admiring the photos.
You're too kind!! Looks like I'm the only concert guy in this forum
― Edward Weston
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=31120
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
Get backstage. Shoot from the side and push your shutter speed to lose the fat guy standing offstage across from you.
Use the stage lights to frame your listless bass player in a halo effect, or use motion blur to obliterate his features....