So...you wanna shoot concerts

So I get ask a lot...How do you shoot concerts? How come mine always come out blurry...out of focus...how do you get the good location..etc.

For the most part there is a formula on how to shoot a concert. This is all thrown out the window if you have a nice high ISO camera that (no brands names here!) can shoot cleanly above 800. If so enjoy shooting clean at ISO 6400! You lucky bastard you!

This formula is courtesy of a buddy of mine, Doug Reed. He was the house shooter for the University of Denver and has shot a ton of concerts. So props where props go...thanks Doug! If you want great video/film and still stuff click on over to Doug's GoodEyeMedia.com.

The formula is as follows.

First, you need some fast glass on your rig. So, basically anything 2.8 or faster and it doesn't matter what glass, just fast glass. I'm a big fan of Olympus gear so if you are an Olympus shooter or looking to switch...try this piece of glass.

Second and this is an important one, set the metering on your DSLR to SPOT meter, not evaluative metering. This will give you an accurate reading on the subject not the overall scene.

Third, get to know your focus points on your camera and specifically focus with one point and go for say an eye or just a face. You can either do the re-compose thing by holding composing then holding the shutter button down half way then re-composing or make life hard like me. I change my focus points on the fly as I shoot. I know NOT a good practice but I'm self taught so there you have it. It works for me.

Fourth, get a BIG card from a place like this one. More than likely if you are shooting a big artist you will get about three songs to get something good. In some cases it will be less. So shoot a bunch and shoot often.

Fifth, try to get the shutter at 125th or even lower but frame the shot to work the performers head and shoulders.

If the light is good such as the shot of C.C. Deville of Poison: you can get away with lower ISO, slower lens, faster shutter, etc.

If the light is poor, the venue is dark and dim the lights are colored and on auto timers you get something workable like Sonic Youth, BUT it takes a bunch of post to clean it up.

As for location: It's all if you get the press pass or not. Most venues will not allow pro cameras and if they do you need to be close to get something that give you a shot at getting something good. If you are lucky enough to get a pass and are working next to other photogs just remember a couple of things. We're all there to get the same thing..just for a different client. So be respectful of the other shooters. Don't stay in one spot to long if you have a great location....share the wealth. Know who is around you at all times. The last thing you want to do is back into a 70-200 with your noggin. PLAY BY THE HOUSE RULES. Whatever the artists management wants..no matter how crazy it seems....just roll with it.

Any questions feel free to email me: chuckfranceis@gmail.com