SoSpacey

So I am a music photographer. And we have a section on music here and a lot of people on here have a real love for music. But I avoid posting up my music photography as I think its a bit self-promotional, and just because people like music doesn't mean they care about photos from live shows. Should I be?

Would anyone have interest in seeing photos from shows I cover? Feel free to say no, and voice it. I don't want to be taking up space on the boards for no reason.

If there is an interest, how should I post?
- new thread for every show?
- monthly recurring thread?
- one big recurring thread?

Let me know. Or ignore the thread and I will get the idea.

I don't post in here as much as I used to. One reason being time.

If you do want to check out some of my work to see if it's worthy, go here:
www.irocktheshot.com

Recent Shows:
Foster the People
Anthrax
The Damned
G Love & Special Sauce
New Found Glory
Elvis Costello
Bush
Cyndi Lauper

Upcoming shows:
Evanescence
Fitz & The Tantrums
Chris Cornell

Flashback

Some nice pics. Like the Slash (Anthrax photos) one. He always seemed like a nice guy running into him around the city, like at the old (RIP) Scrap Bar.

Anyway - like the idea and would like to seem some others post pics as well.
Sorry - none from me.

Chrisedge

I like the idea of ONE thread for Music Photos. I almost started one for Live Music Videos, since I shoot lots of concerts and do editing, etc...

wm lopez

If they are like they used to show in ROLLING STONE magazine in the 70's that would be cool.
Or even those Milley Cyrus sexy ones.

The Bus

Here's a shot of Yo La Tengo playing the Sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia, PA in 2007.

Jason

Strictly an audience shooter with a point and shoot (so far), but this is something I would love to do more often.


Geoff Tate of Queensryche


Buddy Guy

SoSpacey

okay, cool. if anyone wants some critiques, ask when you post. i am happy to give some pointers about concert shooting.

you can always hit me up on Facebook with questions as well...happy to help.

www.facebook.com/joepapeophotography

i'll post a few in a bit.

Ropes Pierre

I think this is a great idea for a thread, and look forward to what will be posted here. Nice way to highlight a visual aspect to what is sometimes only seen as an auditory thing.

SoSpacey

Ropes - where is NYC-ish?

The Bus

My problem is I always used a camera just a level below "prosumer" (so a Canon G6 for example). Concerts are dark. Non-SLR digitals don't do well in dark places.

Would love to get to an SLR but that's a $1000+ purchase that's not in the cards for now.

statcat

I never was too into concert photography. I just started to film every show I go to by small time bands in clubs though. Everyone in the bands was happy to get copies of what I filmed so it's pretty cool.

SoSpacey

Most modern SLRs will perform fine at concerts. Its the lenses that will get you, although there are some good budget lenses that work well in low-light.

There are some glorified point and shoot cameras that work well at concerts, like the Canon G12, S95/100 or Panasonic LX5. You won't be able to produce a photo set for an editor to publish, but you'll be able to get a few to post on Facebook that come out remarkably well.

SoSpacey

Here's a few highlights....

1 Soundgarden - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/07/photos-soundgarden-at-prudential-center-7-8-11/


2 Anthrax - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/09/photos-anthraxs-secret-show-at-the-best-buy-theater-9-12-11/


3 Bush - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/10/phot...atre-10-13-11/


4 Dave - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/09/photos-dave-matthews-band-at-the-carvan-on-governors-island-8-26-11/


5 Elvis Costello - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/10/phot...eatre-10-6-11/


6 Flaming Lips - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/08/phot...enter-7-28-11/

clckworang

Oh, neat! I'm an amateur concert photographer. It's something I really enjoy doing, and my friends who accompany me to the shows love it. I need to learn more about lenses and all the different settings on my camera, though. I'm really lost when it comes to that sort of thing.

While I haven't been to any shows in more than a year, I might post some of my shots I like from past shows here as well. Feedback is welcome but at least be a little gentle.

Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction, May 12, 2009

DSCN0272 by clckworang, on Flickr

Chrisedge

I guess my question would be, how do you get the permission to shoot? It's like you have experience to get the work, yet you can't get the experience without having shot some bands.

hippie68

this. I am actually taking photo classes and my main goal is to do concert photography. May I ask how you got started in the field. Great pics btw.

Jason

The biggest problem I have with point and shoots is the lag after pressing the shutter. With the constantly changing lighting and performer movement, I miss a lot of shots.

There are a few p&s cameras that open up to around f2.0 these days, and most newer cameras (both p&S & DSLR) can shoot at higher ISOs without too much trouble. Some even shoot in RAW.

The Bus

I've gotten some OK shots with the G6:

SoSpacey

Its a good photo. I might just boost the contrast a bit. Be careful of the crop at the legs. It looks like you cropped Dave at his ankles. Go a little higher and a little tighter to the left to get him out of the center of the frame. Nit-picks, but good photo.

Isnt that the question in most every field I work for a few outlets at this point, including one the larger promoters in NYC. My first photo pass was a Dave Matthews show in AZ in like 2001 and I only got it because I traveled in to the arena with the opener, Soulive, and they wanted some shots to use and saw I had a professional camera. Digital killed me for a while as I couldnt afford the equipment. Once I could, I asked Blues Traveler for a pass (I have seen them around 45-50 times over the years, and know their now tour manager) and then marketed my work to some outlets.

Most people start by shooting smaller bands in smaller venues that allow people to photograph. Once you develop a portfolio and start meeting people it will open up some doors.

Thanks. See above for this answer.

Yeah, thats why I say you will get a few good ones and not an entire set. The mroe you know the music you are shooting the easier it wwill be though. If you know when a song will build up and where the break is, you will be able to anticipate the musician doing something which will help, especially with a point and shoot.

All three cameras I mentioned have fast lenses and handle high ISO well.

Thats a good shot, especially from an older G6 that didnt handle high iso well. But you did the important thing right, you nailed the focus and you got the drummer's face and sticks in the air. The shutter speed is perfect because it allows some motion to the stick which is something you want.

SoSpacey

Evanescence

1


2


3



Whole set:
http://irocktheshot.com/2011/11/phot...nal-5-11-1-11/

Hokeyboy

I gotta pull my wife in on this thread... she loves her concert photography.

davidh777

I always liked your shots in the Hot Chick thread, SoSpacey

Michael Corvin

Awesome pics SoSpacey. Ever have your photos run in mags?

Chrisedge

A couple of mine...

Dave Alvin (Canon 350D with 50mm 1.4)

IMG_0430 by chrisedge, on Flickr

Cheap Trick (Panasonic ZS3)

P1000957 by chrisedge, on Flickr

The Edge (Sony DSC-M1)

DSC00255 by chrisedge, on Flickr

Bono (Canon S300)

IMG_4428 by chrisedge, on Flickr

I have some good lenses to use, 50mm 1.4 / 17-55mm 2.8 IS / 70-200mm 2.8 IS, but need a much better body since mine is really old. (350D) But I do more HD video stuff anyways so not too into it unless I could get a pit pass. Just realized all 4 pics are with different cameras...LOL

SoSpacey

do it

thanks David.

There are so few print magazines anymore. I am a constributor at Spin but they only publish 6 live photos every month. I've been a contributor since January and have had 2 make the final cut. One from Band of Horses and one from Erasure, believe it or not.

I do a lot of work for an online magazine, The Waster.... www.thewaster.com

I've been published in Black Book Magazine (online) when I did a feature on actor Frank Vincent. I can show you those if you have interest.

One cool thing I have coming up is 2 of my photos were licensed for Chris Cornell's upcoming live CD (November 21st release date). Psyched about that.

All good photos but that last one is exceptional. I love the motion is his arms.

Similar lenses to what I use but I shoot with a 24-70 instead of the 17-55. I actually like the 17-55 better but my 5D2 is my main body and it wont work.