Photographing in a bar/club

[MrStorm]

Apologies if there's already a topic or four on this subject but I did do a search, honest...

I've just been made aware of an upcoming gig by a folk/rock band in a town near me that I would be interested in going to mainly for the purpose of taking photos and I'm wondering if anyone could give me any advice on the sort of protocol I should expect for such an undertaking?

Now I'm aware that every band and every venue is potentially different so I'm hoping to do anything necessary like attempting to contact the band and/or venue in advance if needs be as the gig isn't until February and I'd like to make sure I'm fully prepared for when the time comes so as to ensure I don't run the risk of any problems like being told five minutes after I arrive that I can't shoot.

The venue is a fairly small place from what I've heard, perhaps 200 capacity and while the band is from the other side of the world they aren't exactly selling out Wembley stadium every week so I'm hoping they won't have the usual awkwardness you would expect from a bigger "star".

So if anyone has any knowledge in this area I'd love to hear about your experiences along with any advice you could give. I'm by no means a professional and I don't plan to use the photos for anything other than my own enjoyment/portfolio if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance

 

[seriousrikk]

I've done plenty of shoots like this.

For smaller gigs like this, step one for me is approach the venue and ask. All the smaller venues I have shot at have been fine with that approach, many are able to give permission outright and if not they can often give you details of the band manager/promoter who you can talk to. Be prepared to tell them why you want to take photos and what the intended use is - again the smaller the show/band the more relaxed they will be about this.

Also, if you have never shot live music before, I recommend you see if you can get to a local pub before the band you want to see and just have a go. Let the bands playing know, chuck them a few photos on social media afterwards, and you pretty much have a free pass to practice that benefits you and the bands.

Also, have a read up on 'etiquette' for photographing gigs. Some things will not be appropriate, some will, the key is make sure you taking photos doesn't diminish other folks enjoyment of the show.

 

[seriousrikk]

And, don't forget to enjoy the band. Often overlooked but they are up on stage for people to hear & enjoy their music.

 

[dinorock]

just say "i'm with the band" or get hold of one of the band tell them you'd like to take some pics and let them do it for you

 

[MrStorm]

Some brilliant and very much appreciated advice there @RichardtheSane , had a look at your website also and you've got some cracking shots on there, just the sort of style I'd be aiming for.
Would you mind my asking what sort of lens you use for the gigs you've photographed? My current alternatives would be a Sigma f2.8 18-50mm or a Nikon 70-300mm kit lens. Obviously I'd be hoping to use the Sigma, do you think it would be suitable?

 

[k114l3d]

I have done some nightclub photography in the past and i found using the kit lens at 18mm works well. Firstly its a cheap lens so you dont have to worry too much if some idiot spills beer on it

and also you can get a nice wide effect with it. I use it with a speedlite on manual. usually around 1/4 of a sec shutter speed with a f3.5 aperture to give a nice blurry effect. Always shoot rear curtain sync as well to make sure the lights appear BEHIND the faces of someone. And depending on your camera i try to keep ISO around 400.

In terms of approaching people i usually just smile and point at the camera. Once the first shot goes off and a massive flash happens loads of people come and tap my shoulder for a pic.

Oh also always bounce flash. i use a stofen diffuser aimed at 45 degrees off the ceiling (as im indoors)

Hope this helps and happy shooting

 

[chris-red]

If it's a band playing you don't want to use flash, the band are they to play for the crowd not to have a photoshoot, you will p*** the people off watching. It all depends on how dark it is most of the time I have shot gigs it has been at max ISO (3200) and 2.8 or faster lenses. Even then I struggle to get a fast enough shutter speed. You'll want manual or a heavily stopped down Av, The camera will be wanting a good exposure, but as the scene is so dark this won't look right, also unless you have a mega high ISO a normal exposure will give you blur. Stage lights can help, I have in the past watched the moving lights tried to follow the pattern and take the shot when that light will be on the subject. Difficult but rewarding.