Hi Guys,

Sorry had to ask this, we'll be having a christmas party at PICC and there will be some band performers. And I want to take good pictures of our party, just want to ask for some tips on how to shoot in low light situations like this where lighting is like in a concert. Do I have to bring a flash?

Thanks,
Tracy

Hi Tracy, I prefer no flash shooting the band.make sure u have a monopod and a 2.8 long lens preferably. 800 iso or higher. All depends on the quality of light. if ur shooting ur ofcmates use flash .

Hi Guys,

Sorry had to ask this, we'll be having a christmas party at PICC and there will be some band performers. And I want to take good pictures of our party, just want to ask for some tips on how to shoot in low light situations like this where lighting is like in a concert. Do I have to bring a flash?

Thanks,
Tracy

you can bring your flash and use a fast lens. at one point, shoot with your flash on combined with a slow shutter speed... try it... experiment.

also, try to read DPP issue 5. there's a feature on stage and concert photography. it might help.

sounds like a good way to make use of a 50 1.4 or an 85 1.8 hehehe...

... also, try to read DPP issue 5. there's a feature on stage and concert photography. it might help.

You sure it's Issue 05?

Hi Guys,

just want to ask for some tips on how to shoot in low light situations like this where lighting is like in a concert. Do I have to bring a flash?

When I have some session work for singers, I usually bring along my camera to take photos before and after my gigs. Concerts are great because the lighting is usually conceptualized and really dramatic. You would be surprised that it is quite sufficient to take photos without the use of flash. However, there are certain parts on the show were the lighting director may want to dim out the lights. This is were a monopod will be helpful.

I'm posting here some photos....some taken without flash and some with flash.

with flash:
note: Canon f3.5 - 5.6 at 28mm-135mm IS lens

Lou Bonevie - Earthday Jam, Subic
http://static.flickr.com/102/310345319_31c6be0a87.jpg

Francis Magalona - Earthday Jam, Quezon CIty
http://static.flickr.com/110/310345316_c0bf201abd.jpg

without flash:
note: Canon f2.8 70mm-200mm IS lens

Rivermaya

http://static.flickr.com/104/310345311_008e8e4735.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/109/310345309_08389593f0.jpg

I prefer the photos without flash because there is more depth to the photo. Also, stage effects are captured better without a flash.

I would suggest you use fast lenses without flash to capture the real "colors" and the drama of the lights. The photos below were taken during the last concert I covered. All photos were shot with a 50mm f/1.8, not by choice, but because it was the only fast lens I had then.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/Bluesman68/JoeyG2.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/Bluesman68/SideA.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/Bluesman68/SideA3.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/Bluesman68/SideA2.jpg

All the photos were taken with openings between 1.8 and 2.2 and ISO 800. To me, concert photography is similar to sports photography in a way, you need to anticipate the next move of your subject as there's a big chance the spotlight's gonna be focused on him when his part comes.

HTH!

Deo P.

You sure it's Issue 05?

Daniel Boud. Stage Photography. Kharu cover. Wedding Issue. :)