Music with an Alternative Ending: Concert Photography

Whenever you attend a concert, people always tell you take pictures. Photography and concerts go hand in hand. People enjoy looking at them. It makes them feel like they were there. But sometimes your pictures don’t always turn out right. They can be blurry, out of focus, too dark or just off center. Unless you are up close, front row, you are not getting great pictures. So here are some tips that will help you.

Avoid Using Compact Cameras. They are slow to start up and have shutter-lag. If you want good photographs use a digital SLR camera.

Use High ISO. Concert venues normally have a well-lit stage but the rest of the area is dark. The light is not enough to capture a good exposure so use higher ISO. Avoid ISO 1600 because it can get too grainy.

Use Shutter Priority Mode. You can customize the shutter speed based on your capability to hold the camera still. Using the program mode will capture the best picture.

Use Zoom Lens. Unless you friends with band you are not getting up close and personal. Bring lenses such as an 18-70 and 70-300 to switch on and off.

Don’t Use Matrix Metering. If you don’t understand go back and read the manual! Switch to Spot Metering and meter for the person whom you want to take the picture.

Flash is useless, most of the time. Using a flash just whites out the people and objects in close range and doesn’t even get the artist.

Here are some of my good and bad concert photographs!