Concert Photography Advice...

Juless · Dec 7, 2011

Hey Everyone, I just want to know if anyone can give me some advice on how to improve my concert photography and help me book more jobs, or find them. I am only fifteen but this is what I really enjoy. The pictures that I am posting below, were taken with my Nikon d3000. Thanks y'all!

3-18 055 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

3-18 057 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0114 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0054 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0048 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0103 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0091 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0036 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0099 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0094 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

DSC_0096 by jules is lost in a big world, on Flickr

The rest of the photos are on my flickr but those ones are my favorites.
thanks again! feedback is great!

the bands are The Summer Set, My Girl Friday, The Downtown Fiction, Plugin Stereo, and Meadowland/Jax.

Destin · Dec 7, 2011

Before you can book more jobs, you need to improve your photos. They aren't terrible. They're definitely a good start in the right direction, but you need to learn basic elements of composition and lighting a bit better before you move forward.

I know exactly where you are because I've been there and done that. I'm currently 19, and have been teaching myself photography for 4 years. I've just now gotten to the point that I feel I have the proper knowledge and equiptment to charge to shoot a concert.

You have too many photos posted to give C&C on any specific one, but some general issues I see are: Missed focus, Poor compostion, too harsh of lighting, etc. Where are the wider shots the show at least a whole person, of not the whole stage?

Also, almost all professional concert photos are taken without using flash. If they do use flash, it's off camera, gelled to match the stage lights, and at a low power setting. Concerts are all about the mood of the ambient light, and flash tends to ruin that.

You need to get a lens that is faster (wider aperture) like a 50 1.8, or an 85 1.8. You'd have to get the more expensive AF-S versions though as your D3000 does not have a built in AF motor. My go to concert lenses are a 50 1.8, and a 70-200 2.8. A wide angle lens such as the tokina 11-16 is also good for concerts, but again, won't AF on a D3000.

If you want to see some of my work to get an idea of what to aim for, and to know that I'm not talking out of my @$$, here's a link.

Edit: once you improve your photos in a few years, and have some more appropriate gear, you can start looking into shooting bigger name bands. But you may as well take some time to improve your photos, because at 15 your age is going to make it hard to get good gigs. I'm 19 and people still look at me like I'm too young to be shooting the concerts I do.

I'm sure that erose will be chiming in on this thread soon enough..

MLeeK · Dec 7, 2011

You might want to learn some more about how to properly get the photos in that situation because although those are decent shots, they aren't going to get you hired. You need fast lenses and the ability to shoot in the dark conditions. If you are going to use flash you REALLY shouldn't be using the on board flash. You need a speedlight and then to learn how to use it. It would be nice to have the ability to use that speedlight off camera so a trigger/receiver kit would be of a HUGE benefit. Then try spending some quality time with David Hobby: Strobist
Check these for an idea of the difference: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-beginners-forum-photo-gallery/265058-daughtry-concert-photos.html

Destin · Dec 7, 2011

MLeeK said:
You might want to learn some more about how to properly get the photos in that situation because although those are decent shots, they aren't going to get you hired. Check these for an idea of the difference: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...o-gallery/265058-daughtry-concert-photos.html

Half of those shots are blown out. That's not the best example. I'm not saying that mine are the best example either, but better than that...

Destin · Dec 7, 2011

OP, check out the two videos in this post to see one of the best concert photograhpers in the world at work..

Fstoppers Original: David Bergman Photographs Bon Jovi | Fstoppers

Ron Evers · Dec 7, 2011

Destin said:
MLeeK said:

Half of those shots are blown out. That's not the best example. I'm not saying that mine are the best example either, but better than that...

Click to expand...

I agree, but many of yours are under exposed. I looked @ Red & Skillet.

MLeeK · Dec 7, 2011

Not the best examples here... I was in the middle of the crowd on these ones
Brantley Gilbert

Kip Moore

e.rose · Dec 7, 2011

Juless,

I tried checking the EXIF data, but it didnt' seem to have any info.

How are you shooting now? What mode are you in?

Also, I agree with not using flash. I *hate* using flash when I don't *half* to. That being said, I find myself shooting in smaller less club-like bars than I did when my husband was in his previous band where there were always lots of lights and in the cases of these SUPER small places with no permanent light fixtures, I *do* have to use flash.

BUT... it's a last resort kind of thing.

Everything looks better without the use of flash because you're including the ambient stage lighting and what not, but in the cases where there just ISN'T ambient light available, I use just a *touch* of flash.

I'm still actually getting used to incorporating flash into my band shots, because I spent so much time shooting *without* one, but like I said, I'm trying to find a good balance between ambient and using the flash just to supplement the light that's already there in cases where I need it.

fjrabon · Dec 7, 2011

stop using flash. You won't be able to use it on most gigs, as the musicians HATE it. Get a fast lens, learn how to use the concert lighting. It can be hard to predict, but the better you learn it, the more you can use it to your advantage. You may occasionally miss a couple of shots, but natural stage lighting almost always makes for better shots than flash, even if it's off camera.

MLeeK · Dec 7, 2011

Ron Evers said:
Destin said:

MLeeK said:

Half of those shots are blown out. That's not the best example. I'm not saying that mine are the best example either, but better than that...

Click to expand...

I agree, but many of yours are under exposed. I looked @ Red & Skillet.

Click to expand...

Oh no... they're not mine!!!

Ron Evers · Dec 7, 2011

First off, I agree fast glass & no flash is required.

Since we are into show & tell, I offer some from a less loud environment suited to old folk like us.

1. 45/2

2. 50/1.4

3. 58/1.4

4. 50/1.4

5. 50/1.4

fjrabon · Dec 7, 2011

also, don't be afraid to shoot something besides the performer's face. An image that a band recently bought for their website from me was this:

DSC_0099 by franklinrabon, on Flickr

The thing about concert photos is that after a while, they can really start to look the same. Most musicians pose int eh same exact way for most every song. Get your 'money' normal shots, but also search for some more unique ones. Especially if the band has been photographed a lot before. While they will always want standard images, they also might buy an image that really pulls off a different look, that they haven't seen a million times before.

MrsLittle · Dec 8, 2011

Destin said:
MLeeK said:

You might want to learn some more about how to properly get the photos in that situation because although those are decent shots, they aren't going to get you hired. Check these for an idea of the difference: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...o-gallery/265058-daughtry-concert-photos.html

Click to expand...

Half of those shots are blown out. That's not the best example. I'm not saying that mine are the best example either, but better than that...

Those photos were taken by me. Before you judge my work, please keep in mind, that taking pictures of a bigger concert venue are a lot different than underground clubs where you can up close and personal. I do acknowledge that some of them were a little blurry, but I gave it my best shot. #4 was my cleanest shot.