Music Photography - Post Here
 

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

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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...

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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

<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205740_5741598060_501693060_223170_7033_n.jpg">

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/...a71fe0faa3.jpg
Geoff Tate of Queensryche

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/...736d133c51.jpg
Buddy Guy

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Ropes - where is NYC-ish?

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Here's a few highlights....

1 Soundgarden - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/07/photos-soundgarden-at-prudential-center-7-8-11/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s3/v25/p570947977-4.jpg

2 Anthrax - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/09/photos-anthraxs-secret-show-at-the-best-buy-theater-9-12-11/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v29/p714750943-4.jpg

3 Bush - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/10/phot...atre-10-13-11/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s10/v2/p448481893-4.jpg

4 Dave - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/09/photos-dave-matthews-band-at-the-carvan-on-governors-island-8-26-11/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v32/p877593641-4.jpg

5 Elvis Costello - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/10/phot...eatre-10-6-11/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v30/p994862400-4.jpg

6 Flaming Lips - full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/08/phot...enter-7-28-11/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v28/p423791237-4.jpg

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/...a305bb5568.jpg
DSCN0272 by clckworang, on Flickr

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

I've gotten some OK shots with the G6:

<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/196476_4914148060_501693060_143100_8322_n.jpg">

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Evanescence

1
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v37/p894924322-4.jpg

2
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v31/p810016591-4.jpg

3
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v37/p256575670-4.jpg


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

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

A couple of mine...

Dave Alvin (Canon 350D with 50mm 1.4)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1413/...2628acdf_z.jpg
IMG_0430 by chrisedge, on Flickr

Cheap Trick (Panasonic ZS3)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/...9e144e14_z.jpg
P1000957 by chrisedge, on Flickr

The Edge (Sony DSC-M1)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1393/...b09daa4f_z.jpg
DSC00255 by chrisedge, on Flickr

Bono (Canon S300)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1050/...165cd7e9_z.jpg
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

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

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.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Hey, great thread. I have a 7D with a 70-200 2.8 and the 17-55 2.8, all of which I'd love to use at a concert. No press pass, though, so I've been forced to use P&S. I've used an S5, an S90, and am now using an SX230 IS.

The S5 was horrible with high ISOs. The S90 is better, but basically useless for lack of zoom unless I am in the first couple of rows. The SX230 is an okay compromise for zoom and less noisy at higher ISO, but with the small max aperture, it's hard to get sharp shots.

So, I guess I'd like to know how much post processing you do. Do you shoot in raw? Any tips or post processing tricks you care to pass on?

Oh, also, what white balance setting do you use?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. By the way the poster "Chrisedge" in this thread is super talented at audio recording concerts. Chris, you don't know me, but thanks for sharing your tapes. Can't tell you how much I've enjoyed them.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Most smaller venues will allow you in with your gear. IDK what you listen to but try out some smaller bands if you want to shoot.

I won'[t say my photos are straight out of camera. Anyone who says that is either lying or a middle of the road music photographer.

I shoot RAW. Tungsten White Balance. Manual exposure. All of my post work is done in Lightroom.

Import
Flag the ones I like
Correct white balance - i shoot tungsten because it is closest to what is used in venues. still needs correcting.
Crop
Adjust contrast, pop the vibrancy, black levels, fill light, curves, noise reduction
export

that's my workflow.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Great photos! Thanks for sharing!

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Panic! at the Disco
http://irocktheshot.com/wp-content/u...05-590x393.jpg

Full Set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/11/phot...allroom-11411/

The Pretty Restless
http://irocktheshot.com/wp-content/u...rminal-5-4.jpg

http://irocktheshot.com/wp-content/u...minal-5-14.jpg

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

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Thanks. The nit-picking is appreciated. :) Any of the photos in my Flickr haven't had any color correction or cropping. They are just as when I shot them, although I keep some that are color corrected on my laptop. Cropping is something I have some problems with. I just don't know where to do it. I keep second-guessing myself. The ideal thing would probably be to give them to someone I trust and ask that person to do the cropping. Ha, ha.

I'm enjoying seeing all the photos. I keep thinking about posting more on here, but I don't want to get too out of hand and annoy everyone. Plus, I don't go to too many shows, so there would be quite a few of the same bands/people.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Thanks for the complement. Just did the Foo Fighters Audio and Video and will be posting this weekend probably. By far my best video work and the audio isn't too shabby either :)

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Checked out the Muse video. That opening might be one of my favorite openings ever. I covered that tour and when they told us we could only shoot from the soundboard I didnt know what to expect. If I did acid, that opening with the figures on the stairs falling off when they reached the top would have made my face melt.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Some recent stuff...

1. RIP Hubert Sumlin. The legendary Blues guitarist of Howlin' Wolf died this weekend at 80. One of his last, if not absolute last, public performances was with Elvis Costello in Hubert's home area in NJ back in October. Here is the 2 of them backstage after the show.
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/10/phot...eatre-10-6-11/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v28/p407635804-4.jpg

2 Chris Cornell - I have a couple of photos licensed for his new Songbook release and had the chancew to shoot his at Carnegie Hall and the Count Basie theatre in NJ. Lighting is boring but here is TWO from the Count Basie...
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/12/phot.../#.Tt0Yo7JCq0s
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v34/p1053578085-4.jpg

3
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v35/p933769946-4.jpg

4 Judas Priest
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/11/juda...t-izod-center/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v32/p408450031-4.jpg

5 Lykke Li
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/11/phot...lmont-theatre/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v35/p230784364-4.jpg

6 Goo Goo Dolls
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/11/phot...lmont-theatre/
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v27/p792999478-4.jpg

7 Fitz & The Tantrums
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/11/phot.../#.Tt0ZWbJCq0s
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v36/p350700071-4.jpg

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Bruce Springsteen joined one of my favorite bands, The Gaslight Anthem, onstage at their show at Convention Hall in Asbury Park in December.

full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/12/phot...hall-12-09-11/

http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s2/v1/p60639489-4.jpg

Snoop Dogg at Terminal 5
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2011/12/phot...nal-5-12-5-11/

http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v29/p973671910-4.jpg

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Fantastic shots SoSpacey, especially love this last one of Snoop!

I have started dabbling in taking concert shots for one of the bands I manage using a Canon t2i and a 50mm 1.8 lens, but am still having problems getting over the lack of light. Some of the smaller NYC venues are absurdly dim (like Rockwood), any pointers?

Some photos that I shot from a show at Union Hall and Rockwood are here - any critiques would be much appreciated!

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

:up: Great shot. I love the contrast of colors.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Thanks!

The 50 1.8 sounds good in theory and produces decent shots around f2.2 and above with good light. The problem with that lens is the focus. Its terrible at focusing in low light. Never locks the target.

Do you have a flash? Use it, but turn off the flash firing. In your camera setting you can use the flash's focus assist beam without the flash firing. It will help locking in focus on your subjects much better, especially with the nifty 50.

Tamron makes a 17-50 2.8 for around $400. Used they are around $300. Its a great concert lens on your T2i. Do not get the IS/VR model as it is not as good as the non-IS.

Checking out your photos. I dont want to go into too much detail on here but you do a good job capturing moments. Thats the important part. A lot of guys make mistakes by capturing in between moments.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Van Halen at MSG
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2012/03/phot...n-msg-2-28-12/

1
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s3/v39/p1066729006-4.jpg

2
http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s3/v44/p571538349-4.jpg

Rascal Flatts
full set: http://irocktheshot.com/2012/02/phot...enter-2-18-12/

http://www.joepapeo.com/img/s11/v37/p990037379-4.jpg

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Love the Chris Cornell shot.

re: Music Photography - Post Here
 

Hey Spacey, great work... half the battle is showing up and sometimes making due with what you have produce some of the most amazing photos. That being said I'm just curious, when you get clearance to shoot, say for example the Van Halen show, this is usually well in advance... do they tell you then that you're relegated to the soundboard, or do you literally find out at the time of the event? And with time permitting, knowing you are shooting from the soundboard is lens rental for a 400 telephoto out of the question. I would assume you don't really want to incur the added cost/baggage unless you were shooting a major act like U2 or Madonna where the likelihood of making money to cover the added cost would be greater.

Again, just curious... shooting acts/sports is something that I've always wanted to do, although I won't so I'll live vicariously through you.

Keep up the great work!