 Amanda R. Milam |
Concert Photography I'm going to a Kenny Chesney concert in July. I am in the 8th row and have a Canon Rebel 2000 SLR film camera. What brand and speed of film will be good to take pictures with? I will be using a Canon 75-300mm lens with the camera, any suggestions on how to make my pictures better will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Brandon Currey |
You're going to have to be sneaky with getting the camera and that size lens in. Putting it in your purse won't work. You may have to hide it on you. It will be tough. If you are able to get it in, it is still going to be tough to not get caught with it during the concert. Kenny puts on a great show. Have fun!
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Mandi Benoit |
I say the same as Brandon ... you may want to check with the concert venue beforehand, because chances are you won't be able to bring it in. I had the same dilemma a few weeks ago when I went to see 3 Doors Down. I called ahead of time and they said "no cameras". One of my friends didn't listen and she brought hers. She had to walk all the way back to the car, and it was a general admission concert so needless to say she ended up with not-so-great seats. HOWEVER, if you have a good camera phone they can't stop that ... hehe lol :) Kenny ROCKS. you'll have a great time ;)
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Amanda R. Milam |
Well, I thought the same thing, that they may not let me bring a camera. While I was looking on Ticketmaster.com, Some of his shows stated " No video recorders, and no professional cameras". The venue that I'm going to only said "No video cameras" so maybe I won't have a problem. The only thing I was worried about was the flash. I emailed the venue yesterday, but have not got a response yet. I told them what kind of camera I had and asked if there would be a problem with using a flash. OK, now let me ask this: If they say that I can bring the camera, but can't use the flash what do I need to do in order for my pictures to turn out good? Thanks for the information.
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Bob Cammarata |
Try to fenaggle a back-stage pass! :) All kidding aside, it's doubtful you will get past the gate with your camera with any "name" performer such as ol' Kenny, but if they do let you in with it, it's wise to be prepared for the worst possible lighting scenarios. A film of at least 800 ISO (or even 1600) would insure that you would have some flexibility if the lighting gets real dim. You will likely experience color shifts due to the lights they use, so negative film might be better to use than slide film. (Negative film is easier to correct during the printing process.) Black and white film is another option, and will negate any need for correction. From the 8th row, your lens should yield great frame coverage. P.S. Don't forget to enjoy the show!
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Amanda R. Milam |
Thanks for all the information. If I'm able to get my camera in (I'm taking my boyfriend's Canon A95, just in case), do you think that Fuji 800 speed film will give an OK picture? I also bought a Canon 420EX flash, although I don't know if I'll be able to use it or not, but does anyone know if that should be powerful enough from the 8th row? Even if I don't get to use it at the concert, I needed the flash for a wedding that I'll be taking pictures at in July so I needed the flash anyways.
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John A. Lind |
Amanda, Good luck in getting the camera in. It's not likely they'll allow it. If I were photographing a concert from that distance, I'd be using Fuji Press 1600 (there is a consumer version of it, but finding it is another matter). Sounds like you've got the consumer version of Press 800, which might work. I wouldn't risk it going into it with ambient light levels completely unknown. Concert lighting is quite variable. Fuji Press 800 and 1600 are quite forgiving of man-made lighting even though they're daylight films (labs usually don't have too much trouble color balancing the prints). Forget the flash. In a concert venue, there are no walls or ceiling to contain the light (compared to inside your home), and it dissipates rapidly with distance. While the flash you have is fairly respectable, I doubt it has enough horsepower to light up the stage from the distance you'll be. Even if it did have enough steam, the light from it would completely overrun ambient stage lighting and your photographs would bear no resemblance to what you remember seeing there (nor would they be quite as dramatic). It would also be a dead giveaway to security that you're using a camera. - John Lind
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Jon Close |
Amanda, see http://photo.net/learn/concerts/mirarchi/concer_i. A very good and thorough tutorial on concert photography.
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David Oppenheimer |
hi, i've had best results using Provia 400 speed slide film if its really dark set the camera's iso manually to 800, then tell the developer you shot the 400 speed film at 800 and they will make correction during developing, this is based on professional advice and experience, also to get the camera in , ware it over your back and drape a coat over it, keep strap short to be above waist line, choose a line where they seem to be less interested in searching, ( you may also try to construct some form of laminent which can help you get away with alot) check out my concert photography site www.performanceimpressions.com Dave
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David Oppenheimer |
hide camera till you get to your seat then bust out a lamenint, few will want to come close to actually read it, shoot with confidence, look like you belong there with it, check out my site
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Liza M. Franco |
Just a thought, you can make your own press pass. Don't claim to work for anyone you don't work for, be honest. I do a lot of freelance work, however I don't work for one specific publication. I simply made a pass that stated that I am a freelance photographer and made sure to put a head shot type photo on it. You can have it badge laminated at one of the larger "Office" stores and get the neck lanyard or a badge clip usually for under $2.00. People tend to take you more seriously and are a little more willing to help if you look and act professional. I recently contacted the head of marketing at a large ampitheater to find out the proper protocol for obtaining a press pass at a concert, which by the way gets you to the front of the stage for usually the first 2-3 songs and then you must sit in a paid seat or move from that area. It is preferred that you work for a publication, and contact them as far in advance as possible. I was told at least a week and a half. Sound confident and act professional. Contact your local newspaper and offer to shoot the concert for them for free. The concert article listed by Jon Close is an incredible article and has so much information to get you on your way. Most of all, if you do get in, act as professional as possible. Flash is not usually used and is considered as being inconsiderate of the performer. As mentioned above it really doesn't do much good under concert conditions. I know it will be hard, but remember to act as if you are there on assignment and not as a starstruck fan. It may be the deciding factor between you gaining credibility and future access or not. Good luck, I hope it goes well for you. Liza
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