Some Concert Photography and Band Promo Pics

WickedMemoriesPhoto · Apr 4, 2013

I recently purchased a Canon T3 and I am interested in doing LIVE concert photography and band promotional photos; I am interested in some feedback on some photos that I took at a show last week. My main concern is lighting; I feel that is my primary weakness. Can anyone recommend some books on lighting as I cannot find any classes in my area on lighting or photography. Thank you.

Promo Pic #1 - Frankie Sil of Davey Suicide

Promo Pic #2 - Frankie Sil

Promo Pic #3 - Frankie Sil

Promo Pic #4 - Needlz of Davey Suicide

Promo Pic #5 - Needlz

LIVE photo #1

LIVE photo #2

LIVE photo #3

LIVE photo #4

morthncds · Apr 4, 2013

Good stuff. Just keep shooting and you will find your style. Just check on the internet....Google - concert photography - and you will find all kinds of helpful hints. Also, some of these would look great in black & white for a dramatic effect. B&W can also save you if you shoot some pics that are not exposed as well as you want or the "dreaded" red stage lights (throws my colors off). Good luck to ya.

MK3Brent · Apr 4, 2013

That first guy.

morthncds · Apr 4, 2013

Oh, I forgot to tell you about Neurotica Photography, she's on this forum. She's got some great stuff to look at. http://neurotica-photo.com/

TATTRAT · Apr 5, 2013

I know it's no fault of your own, shots look good, but damn that acoustic tile/drop ceiling just kills it.

WickedMemoriesPhoto · Apr 5, 2013

Thank you for the feedback; it is greatly appreciated. I'll be uploading more photos as I secure more events and learn how to use my gear better.

imagemaker46 · Apr 5, 2013

I would learn how to use my gear and then secure more events. The set ups aren't too bad although I find them a little flat. Some of them look a little soft as well, are you using the 18-55 kit lens that came with the T3?

WickedMemoriesPhoto · Apr 5, 2013

Yes; using the 18-55 and I just purchased a 75-300mm lens.

Derrel · Apr 5, 2013

TATTRAT said:
I know it's no fault of your own, shots look good, but damn that acoustic tile/drop ceiling just kills it.

Uhhhhh, mmmmm.....yeah...that ceiling says ,"We get payed $40 FOR THIS GIG!" Photos seem a bit small to see much.

Juga · Apr 5, 2013

morthncds said:
Good stuff. Just keep shooting and you will find your style. Just check on the internet....Google - concert photography - and you will find all kinds of helpful hints. Also, some of these would look great in black & white for a dramatic effect. B&W can also save you if you shoot some pics that are not exposed as well as you want or the "dreaded" red stage lights (throws my colors off). Good luck to ya.

Shoot in RAW and convert to B&W in post processing would be my suggestion if you decided to go that route because if you change your monochrome to B&W and get a great shot that would have looked even better in color then you will be out of luck. Just much easier to convert afterwards.

Steve5D · Apr 5, 2013

The first rule of concert photography (well, one of the "first rules"): Leave the flash at home.

There are a couple of reasons for that. First, it absolutely sucks the mood out of any concert photo. Second, if you don't learn to shoot without it, you're gonna' be flat-out screwed if and when you start shooting larger acts in larger venues, where flash is not permitted and you only get to shoot, if you're lucky, three songs.

The promo shots? They're fine, although I would've just gone ahead and included the feet in the third one and not cut him off at the ankles. Also, for me, the lattice in the promo shots... I don't know... looks like it was shot on the side of someone's garage...