My First Concert Shots – Composition & Emotion

[xuxuines]

Hello everyone! Hope you're all ok.

These are the first images I've shared here. I took them during the Traditional Festival of Our Lady of Remedies in Montalvão, a small village in Alentejo, Portugal.
Unfortunately, my Canon 450D had a full memory card, but I didn't want to miss these colours, so I took my wife's Samsung A52 and tried to compose a few shots of the band.
I don't think I could get results like these with my camera yet , because I am a begginer, but I really like how they turned out, even though the phone did all the technical work.
Since the only things I was intentionally trying to control were the composition and capturing some emotion and atmosphere, I'd really like to know what you think.
On the photo of the singer, I know we're supposed to leave some negative space in the direction he is looking or moving. But in front of him was just visual garbage so I placed him very close to the edge of the frame. I was trying to create the feeling that he could jump into the public.

PS:these images have been compressed.



Any feedback is very welcome!

 

[denum129 154]

Hmm...let's see. The first thing that comes to mind is the lighting, which is notoriously bad at concerts, many times. Here it seems the lighting is behind the band versus in front them. Consequently the band members are not well illuminated. This makes it very difficult for you to get properly exposed shots. I find it best to get closer shots...from the waist up if you can, and you did pretty well there. Your composition is not bad, and the members are showing they are having a good time, but the lighting doesn't do these shots any favor. Perhaps on your next concert shoot the lighting will be more from the front and you can get some better exposure, thus better detail and less grain etc.

 

[cgw129 154]

Concert lighting is like the weather--unpredictable and uncontrollable. From the top, it's #1, 3-4 for me. Appreciate the camera limitations but, still, you caught a nice series. Unsure how much editing affected these. Usually a little contrast boost can add sharpness. I'll unashamedly fave the drummer shot--huge potential for a great image after some serious editing. Thanks for posting!

 

[xuxuines]

Hmm...let's see. The first thing that comes to mind is the lighting, which is notoriously bad at concerts, many times. Here it seems the lighting is behind the band versus in front them. Consequently the band members are not well illuminated. This makes it very difficult for you to get properly exposed shots. I find it best to get closer shots...from the waist up if you can, and you did pretty well there. Your composition is not bad, and the members are showing they are having a good time, but the lighting doesn't do these shots any favor. Perhaps on your next concert shoot the lighting will be more from the front and you can get some better exposure, thus better detail and less grain etc.

Thank you for your tips. I will try to usem them on the next opportunity. Lighting is a struggle for me.

 

[xuxuines]

Concert lighting is like the weather--unpredictable and uncontrollable. From the top, it's #1, 3-4 for me. Appreciate the camera limitations but, still, you caught a nice series. Unsure how much editing affected these. Usually a little contrast boost can add sharpness. I'll unashamedly fave the drummer shot--huge potential for a great image after some serious editing. Thanks for posting!

Thank you for your feedback. I am still very noob at editing but I will try your tips to see if the editing can help.

 

[terri46 18]

Given the poor lighting of these tight, close club-type venues, I'd say you did well. I like all your compositions, with the last one from more of a side angle being the strongest (my opinion).

Have a play with increasing the contrast as @cgw suggested - it can cut through some of the glare of the lights and improve facial definition.

But these are all fun, capturing great energy and movement. Remember that these venues are among the toughest lighting scenarios out there, so go easy and don't overprocess. Keep up the good work!

 

[xuxuines]

Given the poor lighting of these tight, close club-type venues, I'd say you did well. I like all your compositions, with the last one from more of a side angle being the strongest (my opinion).

Have a play with increasing the contrast as @cgw suggested - it can cut through some of the glare of the lights and improve facial definition.

But these are all fun, capturing great energy and movement. Remember that these venues are among the toughest lighting scenarios out there, so go easy and don't overprocess. Keep up the good work!

Thank you for your feedback and the encouragement.

 

[Splitpair9 7]

On the photo of the singer, I know we're supposed to leave some negative space in the direction he is looking or moving. But in front of him was just visual garbage so I placed him very close to the edge of the frame. I was trying to create the feeling that he could jump into the public.

Two suggestions use a longer lens or a telephoto and add a circular polarizer which will help you cut through the fog on the stage.

Note, if you don't have a longer lens consider renting one before laying down your hard earned cash on a new or used, one from a reputable retailer.

 

[xuxuines]

Thank you for your suggestion. Renting was almost expensive as buying it. As I have an older canon 450d I bought in second hand a 55-250mm IS. I know that is old and doesn't have much quality but for me to learn, is more than enought.

 

[IpseLux7 6]

Photos are fine. Better than fine, they are great. I particularly like the singer's and blue lighting.
Let me state the obvious, you have zero control over stage lighting. You could play with auto light balance and see what that does but I think these are fine. The color is what it was in the concert, as is the light direction.
Exposure is good. Images are sharp. A zoom might get you a little more variety.
You are not shooting school portraits here, so experiment a bit by trying monochrome shots too. Concert photos often are best, contrasty and monochrome, especially if the band is energetic.
Nice job. I like these.

 

[Splitpair9 7]

Thank you for your suggestion. Renting was almost expensive as buying it. As I have an older canon 450d I bought in second hand a 55-250mm IS. I know that is old and doesn't have much quality but for me to learn, is more than enought.

Who are you renting from?

I rent almost exclusivity from Lensrentals, and as an example I can rent a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens for $95 per week plus shipping and insurance if I wanted it, that's a $2400 lens, so at $95 is nowhere near as expensive as purchasing one.

 

[zombiesniper126 25]

If you can afford it I would suggest the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II.
It's a great focal length and the extra light you gather really helps in those poorly lit situations. Plus it's a great value.