Photographing small gigs -no flash or flash?

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I’m a new gig/concert photographer and I’ve always used flash due to low lighting. It wasn’t until today that I’ve seen a lot of people say online not to use flash. A professional photographer advised me to get a flash for gigs/events, and when I’ve been at other gigs I’ve noticed people with flash. Typically what do people do and is it really that bad using flashing?
What are the usual settings with and without flash for gig photography?
 
I have never used flash just turn the ISO up on the camera, for me at least the lighting effects and smoke/dry ice can make the shot , I might be wrong but would have thought that flash would overwhelm that
Also I normally take a burst of around 3 shots at specific moments, to capture a moment, hard to do with flash
Definitely would ask the band if they mind you using a flash as would have thought it would be distracting
I’m not a pro or anything just try to capture the atmosphere of small gigs and festivals
 
Having been on both sides of the stage (performing and taking pictures) in amateur and paid capacities for both, and as a very regular gig-goer, I don't think I can ever recall an accredited photographer using flash during a gig.

For some artists I know, it might provoke an unwelcome and possibly painful reaction.

I would not do it.
 
I've never used flash for a gig, but I always have one with me for green room / backstage pics
 
My daughter used to take a lot, never used flash, and often just a compact.

Her photos looked good and certainly captured the atmosphere.

More recently at larger events she has been taking a film camera (A Canon 300 I gave her for the purpose, "disposable" in case security took it) and has got surprising results, no flash
 
Been doing gigs since black & white film days, never used flash for performances...as Mark says, golden rule "First three no flash"!
May be different for "Pub gigs" if you check with the band first and use sparingly (Expect to annoy other punters.)
HOWEVER...If it's a lively punky band I've seen impresive results with a light pop of flash combined with a dragged shutter, but tou need to know what you're doing and get express permission first!
If the light is low flash isn't the answer.
 
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The usual settings are without flash....
 
another vote for no flash, i became very friendly with the lighting guy and the small venues i did as they were a bit more ameanable to helping out somewhat just to make life a bit more easy, but you will no doubt resort to black and white at times, not photography related ish, but get some good ear plugs for when your down the front especially with metal bands
 
Brendan Mulachy said:
get some good ear plugs for when your down the front especially with metal bands
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In the late 80s I did a photography job for a metal band, and was able to walk about the stage, stand anywhere for the first 3 numbers. Got back to the car after the gig was over, went to start the engine (a rattly Chrysler Alpine) and it didn't start. Puzzled, I tried again and heard a faint but horrible graunch - the engine was already running, but I couldn't hear a thing. I've only lost hearing like that once before, and that was when I was the guitar player in a fairly loud band.

Whizz forward 40 years - I have mild by clear tinnitus now, at least partly because of the volumes on stage. Earplugs definitely recommended for loud gigs.
 
Another vote for ear plugs, I have perminent hearing damage from loud noises.
I did a local band once and they outnumbered the audience.. , worse, some of them left after the bingo :LOL:
 
I do a fair amount of gigs, and never use flash. Ive also always gone by the first 3, no flash rule. I get why you might want to though, especially if you are just starting out and only shooting in little venues with no real stage lighting to speak of. I always used to spend a minute or two watching the lighting, to see if it followed any specific pattern, so that I could see when it was maybe at its brightest point etc so that I could best position myself :D This doesnt work so much in larger venues/arenas as youll find that the lighting package is more dynamic, but for the small shows, they do often just follow a set pattern.
 
Nikon_Nick said:
I do a fair amount of gigs, and never use flash. Ive also always gone by the first 3, no flash rule. I get why you might want to though, especially if you are just starting out and only shooting in little venues with no real stage lighting to speak of. I always used to spend a minute or two watching the lighting, to see if it followed any specific pattern, so that I could see when it was maybe at its brightest point etc so that I could best position myself :D This doesnt work so much in larger venues/arenas as youll find that the lighting package is more dynamic, but for the small shows, they do often just follow a set pattern.
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Absolutly. "Pub" gigs tend to use pre-programmed lights that follow a set sequence...just keep your eye to the viewfinder, count the sequence and hope the "good" light coinsides with something interesting!
 
I haven't done any gig photography, but I've been in bands, and I definitely agree with the no flash comments. All the gig photos I've seen with flash make it look like the band is playing in a well-lit room, which destroys the atmosphere.
 
I thought flash was a definite no-no, I am surprised a professional recommended one. Better off with a lens of f2.8 or brighter (f1.4-1.8).
 
No flash and use earplugs. Wish I’d done more of the latter, but alas…
 
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