Shooting concerts

[Alex]

Hello,

I'm going to a concert on the 12th and was wondering if it is possible to shoot without tripod. I intend to use 70-300G lens. I guess, because it's not a fast lens, I would need to really crank up the ISO. Is this correct?

Thanks
Alex

[christiand]

Hi Alex,

I'd suggest that you give it a go with different ISO settings.
If you can test different ISO settings before you do the shoot, the better.

Some things you may have to test for yourself and then tell the crowd.

Cheers
CD

[Alex]

Thanks.

Will post the pics after the event.

Cheers
Alex

[gstark]

How far away from the stage will you be?

Will this be day or night time?

[stubbsy]

And at the risk of asking the obvious - are cameras allowed?

[Paul]

Only if its a P&S with a 10x optical zoom.

[Greg B]

Most concerts are very strict about no cameras recorders etc.

However, if it is a concert by the East Malvern Players or the Armadale High School Glee Club it will probably be OK.

[gstark]

Most concerts are very strict about no cameras recorders etc.

However, if it is a concert by the East Malvern Players or the Armadale High School Glee Club it will probably be OK.

Provided they're wearing wet swimsuits.

[Miliux]

Are we actually a loud to take photos inside concerts?

[xorl]

I've seen signs up at some gigs which say "no video recording" - but nothing prohibiting still cameras. I've seen quite a few people taking cameras (P&S mostly) to gigs.

If it is an indoor or night time gig the 70-300 is going to be way too slow. You would be better off with the kit lense and try to get as close as possible to the stage for a wide angle shot to reduce the required shutter speed. Even that is going to be tough. A 70-200 VR would be best tho'. I limp along with my 50mm f1.4.

Example: Xavier Rudd, July 2004
Details: f2 1/60, 50mm, 1600ISO.
PP: Only resize and crop for 4x3.

Other things to watch for:
- Strong primary colour lighting (red mostly). With the metering on the D70 you can blow out a channel very easily. Use manual mode.
- Rapidly changing lighting.

[Alex]

Thanks all for their replies.
I'm going to Mark Knopfler's concert at Rod Laver, I guess I will be better off with my 18-70 lens then.

As for the cameras allowed or not: I went to The Stones concert sometime ago and the ticket clearly said: No photography allowed, yet some people did take photos when inside. This time the ticket says nothing, so it's worth a try.

Cheers
Alex

[christiand]

Hi,

perhaps have a backup plan in case security checks your bag and say you cannot enter with that gear.
(get there early enough to take the camera back to the vehicle if this happens.)
Also if you get the camera inside do NOT let the flash go off !
I wasn't game enough to try it at last years Eagles concert.
A lady was spotted letting the flash go off on her camera and she was told in no uncertain words to stop !
I personally haven't had any experience myself with this.

Good luck.
CD

[Alex]

I was going to arrive early and see how the security react. If no, then I just take it back to the car.

Cheers
Alex

[birddog114]

I totally agreed with CD, theatres and places where they are enclosed, are not allowed taking photos with flash and you'll be nut when you're the only one with the flash pop up, disturbing the atmosphere and peace of other, than you'll be asking to put it away.
The best thing to shoot concert with the dark lighting are fast lenses in f/1.4 or 2.8 with higher ISO.