Concert Shots- HELP! - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/08/2005 05:06:20 PM · #1

I have a 50mm 1.8 that I'm using with my Nikon D70. I took some shots at a show I went to last night and they all looked great in the viewfinder, until I uploaded them and tried blowing them up. They are graining and mostly out of focus...and the ones that are clear are so dark that they have lost almost all chances of repairing in photoshop. I'm going to another show on Monday night and would love to have some pointers to take better shots...any have any?

I was mostly shooting 1/60 (because it was so dark)@ 1.8...I'll post some shots, but they are so big right now!!

Help!

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

07/08/2005 05:09:29 PM · #2

Can you post some examples? It sounds like their underexposed. When you try and bring out detail in deep shadows you're bound to get a fair bit of noise.

What ISO were you shooting at?

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/08/2005 05:32:42 PM · #3

Sure....although I'm not sure how! If you send my your e-mail address, I can send you my kodakgallery.com album...it's the only way I know how to post pictures online (unless you want to teach me)!

Thanks

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

07/08/2005 05:41:03 PM · #4

//imageshack.us/ then copy the link it gives you and post the link here.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

07/08/2005 05:46:30 PM · #5

Originally posted by jrose1:

It looks like you're a member so you can load images into your portfolio (My Home > My Portfolio). All you need to do first is save the images as jpg in a size that's around 640 x 480 then use the browse button. That allows you to browse your computer to select the image to upload.

That's about all I can do right now as I'm pressed for time. Good luck.

07/08/2005 05:53:29 PM · #6

Let's see if this works:

didn't work! I can host them in my profile, but the image is took big right now...

Message edited by author 2005-07-08 17:54:05.

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

07/08/2005 05:54:42 PM · #7

[quote=jrose1] Let's see if this works:

didn't work! I can host them in my profile, but the image is took big right now... [/quote all you need is to put the...
//img263.imageshack.us/my.php?image=7948548252050alb9gk.jpg part.

edit: if you host in your profile be sure to use the thumbnail button (on the right of the 5 icons, with the two rectangles while posting).

Message edited by author 2005-07-08 17:58:15.

07/08/2005 05:55:32 PM · #8

Oh cool....I also just uploaded it into my profile...this is one of the better ones, and I think it's terrible!

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

07/11/2005 09:36:33 AM · #9

Can anyone help? Show is tonight and I need pointers! I can send you more samples, just ask!

Thanks

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

07/11/2005 09:41:48 AM · #10

Ask the band if you can use flash. This is usually not a problem unless you're dealing with a signed band at a larger venue. If so, ideally you want to use external flash bounced off a wall or ceiling with a nice long shutter speed so that you're also getting all the ambient light.
These shots were taken in pubs with almost no light, but with bounced flash:

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

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

07/11/2005 09:42:34 AM · #11

Also, I assume you're using NeatImage?

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

07/11/2005 10:11:29 AM · #12

I don't know what NeatImage is....please explain =)

It is a friend of mine who has just been signed (Ari Hest), and although I'm sure he wouldn't mind, I'd prefer not to use a flash...I haven't gotten comfortable with standing in front of people and being in the way, so a flash would just call more attention to myself! The venue is relatively small (for those in NYC, it's Bowery Ballroom) and always very dark! I can run out at lunch and pick up almost anything at B&H that would help me take better photos!

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

07/11/2005 10:29:59 AM · #13

Neatimage is a standalone application (or PS plug-in) which exists solely to reduce noise or grain caused by high ISOs. It sounds like this would help to start solving a lot of your problems. I'm not going to talk in depth about it in this thread but people should be more than willing to help if you have specific questions about it. At some point in the future, I'll create a tutorial on this program.
As far as getting in the way, if you want great gig shots, you're going to have to get used to having a bit of attitude! You simply won't get great shots if you're scared of being in the audience's way. Most of the great shots in smaller venues are taken from being right at the front by the performers, and I have at times asked if I can get on stage with the performers if that's what it will take to get the shot. You have to feel that you are PART of the band, and that empathy will help you look for good shots. You can't be shy. If you are in front of loads of people, you can show a little bit of consideration by crouching down. I sometimes look for something to stand on, like the speakers at the side of the stage (but make sure security and technicians are okay with this). Simply, great shots are all about composition, and composition is about having the right vantage point. Do whatever it takes. That's your job. People will see your SLR and automatically give you respect. Keep moving, and it won't bother anyone. I really do think you should give flash a go though... meter for the ambient light... go to manual with those settings and use flash to freeze the action. Only do this for part of the show, as it will take a while to become comfortable with flash. Also, never use flash directly... make sure you bounce it off walls and ceilings. If you're using a prime (50mm is fine), I advise using a flash attached with a PC sync cord (but a D70 doesn't have a socket, so you'll need an adaptor for the hotshoe) and holding the flash in the left hand so you can point it at the best place for bounced light quickly and easily. Your right hand will get tired, but it's worth it!
Hope this helps,
Bob

07/11/2005 12:49:29 PM · #14

Thanks for the input about the flash...I think I'm going to try again without it...it's not the best place to be carrying around so much equipment (or awkward equipment!)...if anyone else has any suggestions I'd be happy to try them tonight!

Thanks for everyone's help!!

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

07/11/2005 01:05:25 PM · #15

I didn't read the whole thread (sorry!) but 1/60 is way too slow for a concert. Even in low light - you have to deal with it. Grainy is okay, anyway. Use a faster shutter and an ISO on the D70 of around 200-400 should be fine. Even 800 sometimes (the D70 is pretty close to my 10D). You also have GOT to be Ready for that ONE shot where there's enough light to get a clear picture. Spend less time looking at your LCD and more time just holding your camera up and waiting. Once you've worked otu good settings (I got great/clear shots of Green Day with my 10D and 70-200L F2.8 using: 1/180-1/250, F2.8, ISO 200-400) you'll be able to focus more on just waiting for that good shot.

P.S. I personally believe NI is evil, but it may help recover shots you already have. I prefer to bump the levels and keep all the grain - in band photography grain is cool.

Message edited by author 2005-07-11 13:06:35.

07/12/2005 02:26:16 PM · #16

I'm guessing the Green Day show that you shot at 1/180-1/250 2.8 was a pretty well lite stage at a rather large venue...this location (last night) is tiny and the lighting is extremely poor...there were a couple of times that they really popped, but they were few and far between!