Some shots from a small gig yesterday

James07

James07

James07

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So, i was asked by a friend if id try get some shots at his gig yesterday, didnt have a clue what to do and it was raining so it was difficult but i gave it a shot and some of the pictures have really impressed a few people so far, BUT you people are the critique experts, so please advise :D

Im going to their next gig, when ever that may be, so i want to know where i went wrong and how i can improve for the next shooting!



















Thanks for looking,

James.
 
I feel these are screaming out for post processing.

Part of the issues here is everything looks a bit down, but that comes partly from the band, and partly from you.

I don't see a single person singing in your shots, and all the images just look very flat and dull. Typical gig shots have lights and stuff around which always adds to the photo atmosphere.

Some of these images you seem to be shooting at f11. Why?! For stuff like this you want to shoot reasonably shallow DoF wise. Depending on lens, depends on what value, but f11 seems a bit silly. I'd recommend looking at Bryan Peterson's 'Understanding Exposure' to give you a good summary of when to use what...

The major criticism really, is I don't feel the energy of the performance, which is exactly what you're trying to capture in a gig performance.

kd
 
My (humble) recommendation would be to try and get closer to the subjects and look for simplifying then completing some of the composition.

For example pic one is missing part of the bass, pic 3 has a bit of the bass hanging in, 6 you lost the girl's foot.

Also look for some creative shots, maybe something unexpected, say the guitar strings and a hand for example.
 
If you are their official invited photographer and they want your shots, you should have carte blanche to do what you want. Really you should be able to get up on stage and get in close, its also good for getting shots of them with their audience looking on.

But..... on that note, it looks like there wasn't much in the way of an audience or atmosphere, and you being on stage probably dropped the number of people watching by 25%.

Next time they pay a pub gig or something, I'm sure you will get much better photos.
 
Have a chat with them and find out if their next gig is in a venue with proper lighting. This will make it much easier to get atmospheric photos. You will also not to bare in mind an indoor gig will have lower light levels. What camera and lens are you using? Do you have a good understanding of exposure (you will not get good results shooting a gig under stage lights if you just stick the camera in Auto).
 
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Im currently reading bryans book on exposure, not too far through it yet though, im still learning and everytime i go out im learning something else especially from you guys which is good and what i need!

What f/? should i be using?

I think their next gig is indoors i think, theyre a really small band and not very well known, theres another band though which are a bit bigger and tend to get a few people following so im going to go to that and its an old friend who runs it so im hoping to get up close if he lets me, im hoping to get some better shots there.

The shots above unfortunately are the best ones i have :( but i have noticed what youve said and i will take note! :D Ill post another gig when i attend one :)

Thanks for the help so far.
 
James07 said:
Okay thank you. Going to spend some time this week getting some more shots, different shots.
Click to expand...

Something that helps, just get out there and take some photos. Getting to know your camera is very useful as it lets you change settings on the fly without having to think about it. Ultimately all you want to be thinking about when taking a photo is the composition of the photo itself, getting to know the camera, make sure exposure is fine before you get there and such like is what you need to be doing.

Apart from that, keep at it, and good luck. If you're enjoying it just keep at it :)

kd
 
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