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Anonymous
Hey guys,
I could do with some pointers for low-light concert photography with a DSLR. I got the basics I think such as always shoot in Manual (biggest aperture, shutter, iso etc) but its the composition and angles I need some tips with.

Anyone have any experience with concert photog?

I'm hoping to shoot some pics for a friends band during their first gig.

thanks guys

Pic not related (i know the pp is slightly terrible)
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
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>> Anonymous
Depending on what kind of band it is, consider the crowd and their movement. If there's moshing/slamdancing, it's probably better to stand behind the band. You can stand really close to the equipment (amplifiers, etc.) Try to stay out of the crowd's view of the band; you'll look like a dork if you're taking photos right square in the middle.

All that is really based on my personal experience and opinion. Apologies if what I've said is really obvious; I only do this stuff for fun.
>> Anonymous
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Shoot in all ranges from wide to tele depending on the position of the players or how each one is emoting. Here's a wide shot with everyone balanced out.

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>> Anonymous
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and here's a tele up close.

It's okay to shoot in shutter priority. Exposure can be fixed in photoshop but not blur.

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>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
     File :-(, x)
If you can, use a flash. Even a pop-up flash if you got it.

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>> Anonymous
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also go for as many angles as you can especially where the audience wouldn't normally be. I was up front for the two up there. Here's one from the side.

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>> Anonymous
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And sometimes, down low. This gig had no stage so I had to get really close to the floor.

and flash is sometimes good if there is really shit light so you'll have to create your own but my gig had okay lighting and good ambient lighting would look better. If it's a small place, bounce it off the ceiling. If it's a big place, bounce off a card or use a diffuser. Front flash can drain a photo of energy.

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>> Anonymous
Wow, thanks a lot for the info. I think know kind of what to do now. I guess it's just up to practicing and getting used to the environment.
Thanks again