Any tips for shooting a benefit concert?

[deanna]

I am volunteering my time to shoot an all day outdoors concert/event Saturday to support our Troops. Luckily I am a side benefit for thema nd they aren't expecting anything of outstanding quality, though I am hoping to get some decent shots in. I plan on shooting with my 50mm f1.8. Since this will be a new venture for me I would appreciate any tips I can get. Thanks!

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

You said outdoor so you will have plenty of light until evening and then probably some good stage lighting so really having a fast 50 won't help you as much as a zoom in the 80-200 range unless you will be allowed all access on the stage and the musicians are fine with you right up with them.

[deanna]

I have a 75 - 300 zoom. I may use it instead if that would work better. I will be able to be up near the stage. I don't know what the lighting will be like at night. Hopefully decent, cause my husband will be video recording it and I know he will need the light.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Of course have the 50 with you and anything wider to not have to back off to get full group shots but to get tight individual or duo shots you will be using that zoom. Also get clarification if you have back stage and on stage access for at least some of the acts- makes a big difference in the pics if you can actually say get on the drum riser and shoot over the singers shoulder or if possible even the drummers shoulder showing a good crowd for them- Bands love shots that show a good crowd that they are performing for.

[deanna]

Thanks, my husband says that we meaning he with the Video camera and me, will have free reign. What we shoot will be used for the company putting on the production, though they will get contact information to the bands. I think they would appreciate crowd shots. Thank you so much for the advice. This really will be an adventure for me, but if I don't ever try anything new, I don't learn.