Stage lighting sucks !!!

[CaptainTom]

I have a renewed respect for Abel and the others who routinely shoot stage shows with bad lighting.
I am not sure how they get the depth they get.

Shot this tonight on the high school stage.

[LoungeLizard]

Well, you're talking high school lighting (and those handling it) vs. hundred $K shows. You'd expect a difference.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

No shooting stage lighting and also music acts on stage is a major challenge. Unless you know the light guys/gals and know some of their light cues you will come out with flat shots that have no umph.

Try shooting a rock and roll show where the musicians are all over the stage, the lights are going from close to 5 candle power up to blinding and it can be random at times depending on who is working the light board and if the band slipped him a few $$$ to give them a better light show.

At least on stage plays if you have time you can catch it once and then repeat and at least note where the various marks are on stage.

Also on some rock shows you also get the oaf/photo person who thinks that they are part of the act and are on the stage like they own it and just stepping into your best shots. (there is one guy in town that is natorious for doing this and HE thinks that he is above it all!) Then there can be a MOSH pit that slams into anyone near them with no concern.