shooting live bands

[Kellyj69]

I would like some suggestions as for shooting live bands . ie camera settings, suggested lenses, obviously lighting becomes an issue

I have pretty much free roaming on stage etc .. These photographs will be taken at small venues, bars etc ..

Thanks

EXIF

shutter speed 1/25th
f5.6
ISO 1600
focal length 55mm

shot with my Rebel Xs w/ kit 18-55mm lens

I know theres a section for critique, but I'm not specifically asking for critique on this shot .. just giving an example of what I shot .. and asking for setup suggestions.

theres more at Blue Finger Disco - a set on Flickr

[benjamieson]

Hi KellyJ

I've only touched on this one (Sime is the master of concert photography!) but I'll try to give up what I've learned!

First thing is dealing with low light - a lens or two with f/2.8 or wider would help you!

Next thing is dealing with the lighting in general - it tends to be constantly changing - all part of the show, but makes getting good exposures hard - you need to watch it, look for patterns in the changes and shoot lots and lots!

Next is trying to shoot something that captures the band - don't go for endless full length shots - get details, moments, silhouettes, light flares behind a band member, etc. Try to anticipate crescendos in songs, watch for interactions between band members - feel your way through.

Oh, and shoot lots! (yeah, I know I already said that one, but it's important!)

A couple of my own attempts:


Local band - horrible lighting!


Carrie Underwood - actually shot from a few rows back with an 85mm 1.8


Fergie rocking out! Caught her hair well on this one!

Go for it... and, um, shoot lots!

Ben

[Wombat]

If you can, get 50 mm f/1.4 lens. Best in low light shots.

[benjamieson]

Originally Posted by Wombat

If you can, get 50 mm f/1.4 lens. Best in low light shots.

I disagree with this. In gigs, especially in small pubs and bars mentioned by the OP, this is going to severely hamper the ability to compose shots.

An f/2.8 zoom combined with ISO800-1600 will serve the OP far better for what he is going to be shooting.

Ben

[Sime]

Yep - What they said :-)

It's a lot easier to shoot in light, but the pub stuff, I find, is the most tricky as usually it's either not lit (50mm 1.4 or 24-70mm 2.8) or lit with an LED setup (cheap and cheerful) and RED or PURPLE! Which usually see's you desaturating everything... (Just checked out your set - lots of red, blue and purple! -- fun fun eh)

Based on the shot above, like Ben said, the light mostly, is constantly changing and you've got to change along with it.... Your lens may well have been wide open at the long end, but get your shutter up (my general rule, which is mostly always broken is if I'm at 50mm I want a minimum of 1/50th shutter speed) ...obv depending on the look you're going for etc...

If you want to stop the action....



1/200th - but you're gunna need more light...

...just keep plugging away, try get your shutter speed up where you can... don't be scared of tipping your ISO up to 2000 and seeing how you get on...

Most of my stuff was shot around 1600 -> 3200 -- but the 5DMk2 is great in low light.

most of all, have loads of fun :-)

s

[benjamieson]

Originally Posted by Sime™

RED or PURPLE!

What is it with local bands and the red/purple????

It's impossible to deal with - the first shot I posted above was just that, red & purple ultra bright spots, leaving 90% of the players in complete darkness.

Resorted to ISO6400 (almost usable on a 7D) and black & white!

PS: @Sime™ - your work is, as usual, outstanding!!