Indoor Concert Photography - DPChallenge Forums

06/03/2005 06:14:00 PM · #1

Are their any members here that take a lot of indoor concert photography? If so, I'd be interested in any tips they may have about shooting at concerts. Obviously in most cases, you can't just set up a tripod, so are people shooting with a pretty high ISO to compensate for the lack or light and movement of the performers? . Just curious as I spend a lot of my free time seeing live music, but I'm never completely happy with how my few attempted pictures come out.

Thanks,
Dave

"One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain"

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/03/2005 06:17:38 PM · #2

Damn, I just saw the Elton John thread after I posted.

Bobster - Do you have any other advice from your most recent experience?

Dave

"One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain"

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

06/03/2005 07:18:00 PM · #3

High ISOs are very handy... that's why I didn't get a Nikon D70. Otherwise you need really good fast glass.

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/03/2005 07:21:55 PM · #4

Oh yeah, if you're not shooting big names, most bands are quite relaxed about allowing flash... I use an external flash which I bounce off the ceiling, but with a slowish shutter speed to I can catch the lighting.

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

06/03/2005 07:23:05 PM · #5

you'll probably need some fast primes. I don't know much about nikon lenses and their lineup but for a canon user i would say a 100mm 2.0 or an 85mm 1.8 and then a 35mm 2.0 or maybe a wider prime, the 50 might be useful sometimes too. I use my 80-200L 2.8 and it's not fast enough usually but i had the chance to use a tripod and get decent support from that. I can handhold once I hit about iso 1600 (1/125 or faster shutter).

pitsaman

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

06/03/2005 07:54:28 PM · #6

Lens with F1.4 or F1.8 Aperture:

Here is 85 mm f1.8 :

petrakka

06/03/2005 08:02:43 PM · #7

if you get access, set up slave flashes, then everrrryything will be much better. other wise yeah, high iso, fast lens.

runger

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

06/03/2005 08:10:12 PM · #8

petrakka,
I am currently on tour with some bands and I have the kit lens, along with a 50mm 1.4 I love it the only thing about it is it doesn't have a very wide angle for me to work with. Which only pushs me to be more creative. Good luck, and if anyone else has ideas I'll be checking this thread regularly I am haveing a blast. www.savethelosttour.com

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

06/03/2005 09:54:06 PM · #9

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Pitsaman - Nice shot. That's exactly what I'm trying to capture at shows. A nice clean image of the performer and also all the great stage lights that you get indoors.

Take it easy all,
Dave

"One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain"

khdoss

Nikon D300

06/03/2005 11:22:05 PM · #10

this link really helped us
concert

karen

CorySmith

06/03/2005 11:45:31 PM · #11

thanks for the sharing the link khdoss, i learned something :)

crabappl3

06/03/2005 11:50:09 PM · #12

Not the best but these were all handheld. Most using the D100 and 70-200 f/2.8 VR. With fast enough glass, and bright enough concert lights you can get nice results. I believe I either center weighted or spot metered my shots so to try and minimize the blow out by the bright stage lights.

The Vanished in concert

-danny