Advice for doing live metal photography

[RockMyMonkey]

Now I have been taking photos of band's playing live for years, but now for the first time I have a REAL camera. For my birthday my wife got me the brand spanking new Canon Rebel XTI EOS 400D.

So now I have to learn how to use a real camera. I learn more from a DVD then a book (visual learner). So what DVD's would you all recommend? Heck, if there are any really visual books I might be able to get something out of them, but I prefer a DVD.

More then anything I want to know how to get a crisp photo when the band uses tons of red and blue gels. I got this camera because my photos always turned out blurry when the red and blue lights came on.

I do have the manual, so I will be reading that a few hundred times already. Not against reading. I am just a very visual learner. Thanks.

 

[Hubster]

One thing to keep in mind is that shutter speed is much slower with less light (common at gigs). This is what causes many photos on point and shoots to come out blurry without a flash (which can be a cool effect sometimes).

 

[FenriR]

Just remember that taking an expensive camera into a moshpit is a bad idea

 

[Johanna]

I have no idea about dvds but from my own experience I can say: avoid flash, use a lens with a large aperture like f2.8 or below. If possible on the 400d, use spot metering cause that will make your camera evaluate the light better at gigs. Just as a previous poster said you generally have to use pretty slow shutter speeds to get enough light = Using a high iso like 800 and 1600 is probably needed to get a shutter speed that doesn't cause unwanted blur. Look into lenses cause that's what really makes a difference IMO.

There is probably a ton of pages on the web that explains this better than I do though cause I really don't know the words for these things in english.. heh

 

[RockMyMonkey]

One thing to keep in mind is that shutter speed is much slower with less light (common at gigs). This is what causes many photos on point and shoots to come out blurry without a flash (which can be a cool effect sometimes).

Stupid Question #1: Most shows have a no flash rule, so flash is almost never an option. So should I slow the shutter speed on purpose or are you saying it does that automatically?

Just remember that taking an expensive camera into a moshpit is a bad idea

Most of the time I don't have to. I get to take the photos from inside the security pit. Depending on how insane the crowd is I have done photos from the very front of the stage when there is no security pit though. It is some very strategic work though.

I have no idea about dvds but from my own experience I can say: avoid flash, use a lens with a large aperture like f2.8 or below. If possible on the 400d, use spot metering cause that will make your camera evaluate the light better at gigs. Just as a previous poster said you generally have to use pretty slow shutter speeds to get enough light = Using a high iso like 800 and 1600 is probably needed to get a shutter speed that doesn't cause unwanted blur. Look into lenses cause that's what really makes a difference IMO.

There is probably a ton of pages on the web that explains this better than I do though cause I really don't know the words for these things in english.. heh

Wow, thanks for the info everyone. This is all good stuff to keep in mind as I try to read the manual a few hundred times. My wife is already looking to get me some sweet lenses for X-mas. So any that you would recommend specifically for doing live shows?

Also, the guy at the camera shop said that we should always have a clear filter on so that it protects the lens. I have had a few friends say that filters make the photos less crisp.

 

[Bone Daddy]

Stupid Question #1: Most shows have a no flash rule, so flash is almost never an option.

Whenever I've asked, they said no flash after the 3rd song. But it hasn't stopped me from doing it.

 

[sixxswine]

Whenever I've asked, they said no flash after the 3rd song. But it hasn't stopped me from doing it.

I have heard the same fucking thing....
What's that about?!
I 'll stick to interviews, less of a hassle...

 

[RockMyMonkey]

Whenever I've asked, they said no flash after the 3rd song. But it hasn't stopped me from doing it.

Interesting. That has never pissed anyone off? Never burnt a bridge for you?

I think the person a few posts above was trying to say that with a high end camera like I just got, you can get better photos without the flash (if I understood correctly). So I am currious to play with that now.

As far as the three song rule, I have always heard that was only for standing in the security pit. I always have taken more photos from the crowd. It makes for a nice mix in the end. With a good zoom you can still get some great shots.

 

[Bone Daddy]

I have heard the same fucking thing....
What's that about?!
I 'll stick to interviews, less of a hassle...

The only times I have actually ASKED, that was the response I got. I've taken photos at many, many shows and usually can get some good shots without flash. Depends on your camera and the venue lighting.

Sixxswine,
the reason "no photos after the 3rd song" is because by that time, they are getting sweaty and don't want any bad photos taken. :Smug:

 

[Bone Daddy]

Interesting. That has never pissed anyone off? Never burnt a bridge for you?

No, no one has ever stopped me after I took the time to ask if it was ok. I think it's because I don't get up in their faces about it.

 

[General Zaroff]

the reason "no photos after the 3rd song" is because by that time, they are getting sweaty and don't want any bad photos taken. :Smug:

that's not metal

 

[Bone Daddy]

Most touring acts of all genres have that rule.

 

[Puckfiend]

A photographer buddy of mine suggests using prime lenses for low light situations. Might wanna check them out.