part 6 of best places for people photography

Live concert - Pie Q

Israel, Tel Aviv Pie Q in Live concert , 2010
Canon 1Ds Mark III, 125mm, 1/320 @F/2.8, ISO1600

As you can see by the high ISO I used, th light conditioned were very difficult. Although my camera is pro one in that ISO level i pay with lot of noise but this is the price for sharp images. Since we are talking about rock band we have to gain high shutter speed, not lower than 1/125 (of course that when you want to emphasis the movement u can photo less than 1/30 shutter speed). Since I used the Canon 70-200 F/2.8 on 125m”m, I have to take this shots not lower than 1/125.

Last weekend I went to my son’s show with his Band Pie Q. My son is the band’s drummer. This Band is considered as one of the most promising in the metal/prog scene in israel.

Challenges in Rock concert photography is the following:

Light - first it is low ligh. Second it is changing all the time. Both the color and light level itself. Thisrd – it is not constant light across the stage or the scene you wanted to take.

Movement - the people on hte stage are moving all the time and the crowd if you stand there are dancind and push you from one side to the other. Adding the fact that the light is low you have to decide about the approach. Either to go for sharp and crisp photos and then pay with high ISO and maybe noise, or for slow shutter speed that will emphasis the movement on the stage. Usually I prefer the last one on dancind or ballet show.

Lens focus - It is a minor issue but need to be considered. most of the time you point into the light, into the projector and that migh prevent from the lens to be focusing. The only simple answer for this is try to avoid from it and not to fight with it, otherwise you might loose one of the vest shots in this show.

Full of emotion - Pie Q in live concert - tel aviv

Israel, Tel Aviv Pie Q in Live concert , 2010
Canon 1Ds Mark III, 200mm, 1/125 @F/2.8, ISO1600

I used this rare opprtunity when i had clear frame with the two cimbals,

the singer with high energy in the middle and the drummer

with two open hands hit the combals. The light here in the

background is lighter than in the forground, which is against the rulles.

But when you have difficulties with light you can choose a light silhouette,

like the follwing picture.

Silhouette of keybord man in live concert

Israel, Tel Aviv in Live concert , 2010
Canon 1Ds Mark III, 200mm, 1/200 @F/2.8, ISO1600

You shoud think  like you shooot in your own studio and you

don’t have control on the lights – thier level, color and directions.

After a while you will be able to forecast how the light will appear.

Just be there to take your shot.