Photographing a live band - help needed please :)

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Robert
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Hi everyone,

I've had a look around and can't find a thread for this, if there is one and i've missed it, apologies.

I've been asked to do some photos for a band at one of their shows coming up soon. This something i've never done before so any advice on camera settings etc... would be greatly appreciated. The venue is going to be fairly dark but there will be various coloured lights flashing on and off the stage whilst they are playing, red, yellow, green, blue etc...

Sorry if this is a bit of a basic question but any help would be really appreciated. I'm going to be paid, if the results are good, so I want to get them the best I possibly can :)
 
First up, have a read of this excellent guide

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=165114

Also, give us an idea what equipment you have to shoot with? Live music photography can be achieved with a wide range of equipment. But a camera capable of high ISO and a fasl lens are pretty important.

Personally I use an F2.8 zoom. Regularly find myself up to ISO6400 to get a shutter speed above 1/60th. I aim for a shutter speed of 1/125 if possible as this produces a lot more keepers for the more active bands. Higher if possible... I shoot one shot AF although this is personal preference - many music photographers love AI servo. I also shoot single point focussing on the artists head/eyes usually.
 
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Depends on the 'look' you're going for. I agree with the above - high ISO 3200 & 6400 a must and fast lens, but for my style I also use roughly the following settings:

ISO 640-1000
Shutter speed 1"-1/10
Around f 5.6
Direct flash zoomed to 24mm @ 1/128 or 1/64

I'd also look at getting something like a Rogue flashbenderhttp://www.expoimaging.com/product-detail.php?cat_id=13&product_id=21 - they create a great portable foldable softbox effect for a less harsh look.

Both of the above can be seen in the flash use images here:
http://www.christonicolle.com/2012/09/23/event-evie-effies-21st-birthday-bash/
 
robbie listen to richard im not sure christo has the right end of the stick

dont use flash unless it is you trying to freeze the action with a fast moving band and you positively have to

how far you are from the stage and the size of the venue will determine the focal length of the lens you need but whatever it is it has to be fast to get acceptable shutter speeds, i tend to work in small clubs so i tend to use a 17-50 2.8 or my 50mm 1.8, so i can get a mixture of individual shots, head shots and of the band as a whole.

try to shoot slightly to the sides of the person you are shooting so they dont look like they are eating the mic, if your taking shots of the guitarists then try to concentrate on making sure you get the whole of the guitar in the shot without cutting off the head

i like speeds of 1/100 or 1/125 but with the drummer il slow it down if i can to get the movement in the sticks but if they drum like animal in the muppets then it dosnt always work out too great

dont be shy get down the front be assertive but dont hog the front people have come to see the band not the back of your head

again...dont use flash

if the lights have lots of different colour castes then you may be looking at converting to black and white or play around with levels in PP

have fun
 
Agreed 100%. Using flash for gigs ends up with soleless bleached pics most of the time.

Unfortunately it's one of those areas of photography where having the right kit really does make a huge difference.
 
As I said, I agree with all the above - just saying it depends also on the 'look' you're wanting...and then gave a few additional options...

Last bit of advice from me - get to meet the band before hand, have a joke etc. When you're shooting you'll more likely get a cheek wink or face as they play - those are great images to nail!
 
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