Band/Gig Photography

Jelster

Jelster

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Steve
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Bumped into a family friend today whose son is in a band. They have a couple of local gigs coming up and she mentioned that they needed some photo's for their web site. Having spoken to the lad in the band he's asked if I can shoot them at a gig tomorrow evening.

Now, I haven't been to a night club in a while, but would the 17-55 f2.8 IS be up to the job ? I also have a 50mm 1.8 as well, and a flash that can be used on/off camera. Anything else I will need (other than earplugs at my age :lol: )

Steve
 
try to work without the flash - or you'll kill the atmosphere.
 
Yea and I think your lenses are up to the job, I'd be tempted to take a longer zoom with me but I don't know how big the venue is so you might not need it.
 
Sorry but I really dislike those types of shots. Not a personal thing on you, just in general.

I always shoot gigs without flash, usually f/2.8 ISO 1600 to start and adjust as needed.
If light is really bad, then you may need the 50mm f/1.8, but beware at f/1.8 the DOF is really thin, so correct focusing is critical.

Presuming its a small local gig, the 17-55 should be fine. I cant see you needing much longer, although for the smaller gigs its nice to get behind the crowd and shoot so you get the impression of loads of people in front of you, so for that a longer lens might be usefull.
 
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If
a) you are allowed to use flash, or
b) you really need to:thumbsdown:
Then just balance it with the ambient light, as said above it can kill the atmosphere. But, it doesnt have to if used correctly.
You wont have problems with a 2.8 and 1.8.
I normally shoot
f2.8 @ 1/30-1/60, pop a little flash if really necessary @ 1/32-1/64 power.
This way my iso doesnt need to go much over 400.
Dean:)
 
I've shot a few gigs. Get down the front, 50mm on a crop body gets some good close ups and a wide angle gets great band/lighting shots. Watch for the lighting and use it to help with the shots
 
Byker28i said:
I've shot a few gigs. Get down the front, 50mm on a crop body gets some good close ups and a wide angle gets great band/lighting shots. Watch for the lighting and use it to help with the shots
Click to expand...

Agree with Byker about the lighting. It mays sound strange, but you get to know the light sequences and know when to shoot for best effect.
Dean:)
 
why would you ever try to limit the iso to 400 by ****ing everything else up on a decent modern body, especially a 7d.
 
No need to limit iso at all.
I got used to shooting that way back when i had 10D body. (terrible high iso) and it just stuck. Obviously, if the band are quite active, then up everything so you dont miss the shot.
Horses for courses really. I can shoot okay at 1/30, so it works for me. If people cant do that, then they dont.

Dean:)
 
Anything else I will need (other than earplugs at my age )
Click to expand...

you joke, but please don't be only joking. Earplugs are ESSENTIAL - you are right by the speakers, for longer than the punters, and you're there working rather than in a pure entertainment capacity.

17-55's perfect.
 
itsdavedotnet said:
you joke, but please don't be only joking. Earplugs are ESSENTIAL - you are right by the speakers, for longer than the punters, and you're there working rather than in a pure entertainment capacity.

17-55's perfect.
Click to expand...

I was seriously considering earplugs. Being a biker I have some custom moulded ones that are very good.

Steve

Sent from my iPad using TP Forums
 
The phrase "locak gigs" pops out.

Go check a couple of the venues. I was taking some shots at a local battle of the bands last year and the pub venue was very tight. I had no problems at all using a 30mm lens. Watch the lighting as well. If it's fairly modern pub gig LED lights you can pretty much forget about processing in colour unless you like garishly blown purples, blues and greens.

Collection here (exif should be intact on all these) and a sample.. 30mm, no flash..


Dog Days of Summer by SaltGeorge, on Flickr
 
a definite yes TO EARPLUGS.
FORGOT MINE AT A RECENT GIG, and the ears were ringing for hours afterwards.
try single point focus and spot metering of faces etc.
if your running wide open at 1.8/2.8 you get VERY short depth of field.
dont be fafraid of |Hi ISO if you need it.
ive been known to use 3200 , 2.8 and struggle to get 1/100th.
Sgma 18-50 is my fave gig lens for pubs/small clubs.
yours should be fine if your close ish to the stage.
 
Jelster said:
I was seriously considering earplugs. Being a biker I have some custom moulded ones that are very good.
Click to expand...
Good.

I use these:
http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders

I've used them for everything from small indoor events to download festival...to, the worst, crowds of screaming girls. They hold up great.


some people like the E-A-R combatarms ones too.
 
And try not to stand infront of paying punters (If indeed people are being charged, the point still stands though) I tend to go for ducking down infront of one of the speaker stacks, but depends on venue. And yes, earplugs are the most important thing you'll have with you...
 
RinSewand said:
And try not to stand infront of paying punters (If indeed people are being charged, the point still stands though)
Click to expand...

three songs and you're out seems to be the standard at most gigs I've attended with 'proper' photographers in attendance.

FWIW, I was pretty pleased with these taken with my iPhone last Friday evening. The light wasn't fabulous, but they're not even too shabby at 100%.


Peter Bruntnell by cybertect, on Flickr


Peter Bruntnell by cybertect, on Flickr


James Walbourne by cybertect, on Flickr
 
I've had different experiences with the 3 song rule. At one gig I was ushered away, and 3/4 others I've been left to my own devices. I think it seems most expect you to leave after 3 songs, but if you stay the bouncers don't really seem to do much!
 
For local gigs I'd be assuming pubs / small venues etc, where the three song rule doesn't seem to be enforced round here. I'd have thought it's usually a nice idea to stick to something like it however, or canvas the band on what they expect if it's a gig they're arranging and not done through a promoter. Impressive from the iPhone there though Musicman, especially #1!
 
Yeah I should have added they were all Academy size venues. Manc 2, Manc 3, Leeds Academy and Manchester Academy if I remember.
 
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