concerts

Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 251 Location: Metro Detroit

Hi all. I recently did a concert shoot at a venue that's notorious for very very bad lighting. The other two photographers there were trying to bounce flash off the ceiling. One of them I knew just converts the shots in post processing to B&W rather than fight to get decent shots with existing light.

I'm happy with the way mine turned out, since I used the existing light and got some pretty nifty shots when the stage lights cooperated. The best were when the stage lit up w/ the red or blue lighting. The orange and green just looked wrong.

That got me to thinking. I can recall a discussion on here about a few people who used color correction gels on their flashes, so I started wondering. Would it be feasible to put a red or blue gel on the flash, fire with less intensity, and use that directly towards the subjects during a concert to mimic the natural stage lighting?

It sounds too simple for people to not already be doing, so on that note I feel sorta hesitant to ask.. but the idea seems plausible so I just have to throw it out there.

Whatcha think?

Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Connecticut

I hate to sound rude but it is extremely unprofessional to use a flash at a concert and I would strongly advise against it. This has been discussed several times on this forum so I won't drone on...much.

I often shoot at concerts and would never use a flash. I want respect as well as good pictures. You can get outstanding results without a flash. It requires a fast lens and practice. These are not my best shots but the band chose to post these on their site:
http://www.roomful.com/photos/foxwoods/

If you are just shooting local bands at area clubs they may let you use flash but you should still ask the band and the club owners as well. I ask permission before shooting any venue. Trust me, get in good with the right people and it pays off. I get on guests lists and even get ushered back stage to shoot. Would love to see your shots, please don't be offended by my strong stance on this.

Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 175 Location: Midwest

I would definitely ask the stage managers, but definitely the band as the flash can distract and may cause problems. however, once cleared, the colored gels for the flash sound great.

but another problem may still be there, the shadows caused by the flash. I agree with FerretBabe that shots with the available light is more appealing, but you'd have to use a high ISO and a fast shutter.

the idea is very workable and let us know if you get the chance to test it out.

Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 251 Location: Metro Detroit

FerretBabe, I have to agree w/ you 100% about not using flash for a concert. It really messes up the natural lighting. I'm not talking about just using flash though, I'm curious about adding a color gel. That makes it no less distracting than the existing stage lights.

I bring this up because lately I've found myself beyond the part of just hoping for the permission to shoot. I've got it. It's not going away. I've been getting regular assignments on a monthly basis.

I do have permission to use flash, but I've never seen a picture with flash at a concert that I liked. The white doesn't mix well with the rest of the lighting. That's why I'm asking about color correction gels.

Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:39 pm

id say get a prime lens with a very wide aperture. if your shooting digital turn your iso up to 800 or 1600. if your shooting film just find some fuji superia or some 3200 ilford or kodak makes one too. i would recommend digital though as the color cast from the lights will screw with your color balance. this is much easier to correct with wb options on digitals.

Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Connecticut

This has nothing to do with your flash gel question but I thought you would enjoy this article regarding concert photography.
http://www.popphoto.com/howto/3463/secrets-of-killer-concert-photos-revealed.html