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Suggestions??

published by ADigitalKiller on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 3:16pm

I have a huge shoot this weekend. I actually get to shoot Jimmy Eat World (which is a really big thing for me, personally) at Bender Arena on Saturday. I'm REALLY nervous about my shots turning out. First, I've never shot there so I don't know what to expect. Also, up until recently I've been shooting with a kit lens /w flash. It's been pretty cool, but I am 99% sure I can't use flash at this show (or some of the ones coming up) so I bought a 50mm f/1.8. I've only shot one show with it and it was horrible. Not really my fault.. there was no photo pit, and awful, awful lighting.. it just sucked. I REALLY want to get some useable shots this weekend. Does anyone have any tips for someone trying out the no-flash thing for pretty much the first time!? I feel that non-flash shots should be crisp, in general, which I assume will put me at minimum shutter speed 1/120 (which will put me close to if not at f/1.8 to get anything even with decent lighting) and that's if they're moving slowly. With that said, how can I shoot at a relatively quick (sort of) shutter speed but still manage to capture enough light, as well as pull in atmosphere and stage lighting? Any tips would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!

THANKS!
Erika

Forums: 
Taking & Processing Photographs

Submitted by walter rowe on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 5:13pm.

J.E.W. is one of the bands that has a rights-grabbing agreement for you to sign when you show up. Think carefully about what you plan to do if they present it to you. Do you sign or walk? I personally would walk. Don't let the fact that it is your first bigger show cloud your judgement. You will not own the photographs you take if you sign their agreement. That means you cannot use them on your website, in your portfolio, as stock photographs, or for anything except the one article you are there to shoot. If you sign their agreement, the photographs you take will not belong to you.

You now have a very fast lens. I personally always shoot in aperture priority mode and let the camera select the shutter speed. I set the aperture to f/2.8 (as fast as my lenses go), set metering mode to spot metering, set the ISO to 640, and spot meter the subject's face. You want the eyes in focus if they are going to be in the picture, unless you are doing something artistic and purposely blurring the face into the background while focusing on the instrument or hands (which can be very cool).

Don't be intimidated by the surroundings. Don't let your excitement take over. Remain calm and concentrate on taking good pictures. You've read a lot here and elsewhere about the technique and art taking pictures. You have seen a lot of excellent examples. You've photographed bands before. Get in your zone and go for it. You'll do fine. Post a couple of your best ones after the show, and maybe some duds too for learning purposes.

Walter Rowe - Rowe Images
Professional Photographer
Columbia, Maryland - USA

Founder, MusicPhotographers.net
www.WalterRowePhotography.com
Columbia, Maryland - USA

Submitted by ADigitalKiller on Sat, 04/26/2008 - 10:32am.

Thanks so much for the advice, Walter. I usually go completely manual so I'll try aperture priority tonight!

Also, I'm not technically there for Jimmy, but for .. Dear and the Headlights or something (Equal Vision.. amazing label to shoot for!!!). Shooting Jimmy would just be for fun, so if I don't get to shoot them, it's not that terrible. Usually when I get to a show the bouncers just let you shoot everyone if you have a photo pass, which is good, but... stupid rights grabbers.

Submitted by Will Hawkins on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 7:27pm.

Ok, I never though I would see mention of this band again....ahhhh!

Will Hawkins Photography, LLC.
http://www.willhawkinsphotography.com
http://www.myspace.com/willhawkinsphotography

Will Hawkins Photography, LLC. http://www.willhawkinsphotography.com  

Submitted by andyfallon on Sat, 12/05/2009 - 4:39pm.

Hi Erika,

My advice would be to always hire a lens before you buy one. As with film camera's before digital "it's all about the lens" not the mega pixels. The great thing about a nice quality wide angle is that you can really open up to 2.8 and it will still be pretty sharp if your focus is spot on.

If a shoot is really, really important and you think it may be carear making then hiring a lens for £25.00 is well worth it.

Good luck with the shoot. Stick a gelled flash gun in your back pocket, just in case and enjoy the show!

Cheers,

Andy

www.andyfallon.co.uk

www.musicphotographers.co.uk