Photography Tutorial – Concert Photography




http://froknowsphoto.com/?p=3183

This image was captured during SXSW in Austin Texas of the band SINAI. As you will hear in the video the lighting was not the best for the opening act which caused me to shoot the Nikon D3s at 8000 ISO.

What may surprise you during my editing of this photo is that I actually use fill light to its full potential to make my image pop even more.

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31 responses to “Photography Tutorial – Concert Photography”

  1. Ok, so shot my first Pit last night finally, i have my D800 took my 24-70, found times i could hav used 70-2000 but its first time in there so use what i got. Learned so much from doing this first one. Only have D800 at present so felt a little uncomfortable going high on ISO with the noise, this is what i got to learn more about. Was manual all the time tweaked some settings as band made sporadic quick movements, especially Sazzey MC so she was clean at 1/125, until she made quick movements with her hand or arm(lesson learned). What i also earned from last night and your last videos:- 1. Chat with security TICK, Chat to Band TICK, Be nice to all you meet connected to Bands TICK, get connections for next Appearances TICK, Chat with Manager at the Venue for next time TICK, Be more aware of your framing TICK. Now things i Failed and learned from, Don't carry unnecessary equipment, plan your positions before so its not a rush, check the lighting doesn't change, from set to set, Ear Plugs!!! Ear Plugs. However i would recommend anyone to just try to follow some of what Jared is saying, worked for me and everyone loved the pics and i have not even edited them yet. I think i am lucky that the event was not well known so i was only in with 3 other guys so mo push for places. Will try to get some more of these to hone settings, i really felt last night that the 24-70 was lovely but an 85 1.4/1.8 would have done me nicely, 50 would be meh!! but could def see where the 70-200 would have been nice for close work. Maybe the next video could be on how to make money from concert work as it felt just fun time for me, also the bands are skint themselves i think, maybe the money part is not so big with concert photography and i should treat it that way, ie make income from weddings/events/studio and have concerts and local gigs as fun.personal time, which this felt like.

  2. Hey Jared!!! My name is Tony and I've been following you for quite some time. A year ago I sort of went balistic and spent a great deal of money on my equipment. Here's just a quick summary list.

    Camera Bodies List
    1.  Nikon D800  36MP  FX Full Frame   
    2.  Nikon D7100  24MP DX Sensor    
    3.  Nikon D7000  16MP  DX Sensor  
    3.  Nikon D3300  16MP  DX Sensor  

    Lens List & Accessory
    Nikkor 35mm f2.0
    Sigma 50mm f1.4      
    Tokina 11-16mm f2.8
    Tamron 70-200mm f.2.8
    Tamron 150-600mm f5.3
    Tamron 18-200mm f3.5
    Flash SB-900

    Anyhow I wanted to say I like your tips. I have a question and I wanted to get your input. I've now started to master my camera settings and my editing skills and I think I've got it down where I can now master my ability of getting the optimum results. I shot this concert which was actually a church men's retreat and I've got quit a few response on how good they turned out. I'm not a pro but I run my own Photography & Video business doing weddings and special events. Do you have any suggestions how does one get gigs to shoot concerts and big performance. Anyhow if you have anything at all how do I crack into that type of shooting that would be great. In the meantime I'd like to share this page with you of the photos I shot at this concert I did and I would love your feedback of how they turned out.

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/130764012@N06/

  3. for those complaining there is no such thing as a bad digital camera only bad photographers. Noise and grain in black and white concert photography is completely OK. There is a reason people still shoot on actual film. I started on an old d70 like 7 years or something I bought used and learned the basics before I dropped money on a really good camera.

  4. I have a few comments, not to toot my horn, but I have worked with AC/ DC, Motley Crue, Prince, Chicago, Metallica, Toto, Hank Williams, Jr, Dio, Skynyrd, Lionel Ritchie, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and a significant number of musical artists over about a 20 year period. I would like to mention that the Production Manager is the key to getting into better positions and being allowed to get closer to the band than the barricade area. Actually the barricade area is an awful place to photograph because your camera is pointed directly into the stage lighting.(I was wondering what you would have said in one of your critiques if the photographer presented a picture that got the whole guitar in the frame but chopped off the lead singer's head?) If you're already inside, like you were as the guest of the band you shot, asking for an audience with the production manager is the next step to take. Band crew go to and from the tour buses all day, that's an intercept point for the smart photographer who isn't already inside. Wearing all black, like theatrical workers, shows the PM you won't be a big distraction, mentioning you know enough to stay away from cables and asking about the location of Pyro can make it appear you know your way around the stage. Offering to limit your on stage time and positions is a good step and having the stage manager for your band present to confirm they support your presence is a good plan. Also, although every photographer wants to photograph Skynyrd playing Freebird, but targeting ballads as prime shooting time usually presents a time when the lighting changes are less abrupt, softer scenes are employed, musicians are moving less, and the instrumental breaks still allow for arched backs and hiked guitar positions. Regardz.

  5. Hello, I just got my first DSLR (D3200) and would love to photo concerts at my local venue (UEA, Norwich, UK) I'm 35 years old and have no Training in Photography, I would use the photo's gained from the concerts to help build my first portfolio, do you think I should still ask the venue/band to shoot the shows? givin my lack of experience and training, A reply would be great, thank you.

  6. and thanks cause im going to use this Saturday to do the wailers.I love photography  i see life through my lens dont you?I cant afford the camera u have and no im not a stalker lol.Thanks cause i needed this.I have had art shows.

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