Shooting photos at a low lit coffee shop?

[Dobick]

If I would have known that was you that I saw there last night, I would have gladly loaned you my 20d (not my 40d though ) and any of the lenses that I have. I had them in the car.

As far as all of your questions, sorry I didn't see them earlier.

There are people photographing there all the time, including myself, and it is totally not out of place.

The lighting in there when they have people on stage is not all that bad, but it would be tough to accomplish at ISO 200.

I do have a few film shots that were taken at an equivalent of ISO 400, but I don't think they would work very well for a band that is moving at all

this is a ISO 1600 shot, 1/250 at f/2.8 with no pushing at all. Only thing that I did in post really was some noise reduction and sharpening.



This was taken with 100 speed film, that I pushed 2 stops in developing. and then had to actually pull it back about 1/2 a stop when I scanned it.


I think it is one of the more interesting places in town to take photos, and the backgrounds are always changing, and when they have the satge lighting turned on, it is really not that dark in there either.

[afrikaner07]

Hahaha, Kent, no way. Great shot btw. We are talking about the same place right? Sugar Browns, on 50th?

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by afrikaner07

Hahaha, Kent, no way. Great shot btw. We are talking about the same place right? Sugar Browns, on 50th?

Yep, I saw you there with the camera (you were sitting close to the bar with the tripod before they got on stage, and then moved primarily over by the blue chair while I was there), and listened to about the first three songs from them before I left.

I was the older hefty (ok hefty may not be the right word but it is nicer than calling them fat)bald guy sitting at the small table by the bathrooms with the laptop. Not that you would have noticed me with the ratio of hotties to guys that was in there last night. Man, those guys packed more chicks into that place than I have seen before.

[Dobick]

and by the way, I was serious about you borrowing equipment. If you have something that you are doing for someone, let me know -- if I aint using it, I would rather that than it sit and collect dust!

[afrikaner07]

hahaha, did you have a laptop? because I was standing near someone that matches your description towards the end? and even if I didn't stand right by you, your description makes me think I saw you.

[Dobick]

I am 38, and I didn't see anybody else close to matching my description, while I was in there. I left kinda early so I doubt it was me. I did have a laptop. It's a smaller IBM laptop.

I will probably be back up there again tonight (what can I say, I am a caffeine junky and enjoy performing artist) If you aint got anything going on.

[afrikaner07]

lol, I won't be able to go tonight, but I think the same group (Redeemer Church folk) usually perform there every Friday. If anything, word will spread and the rest of them will want me to take their photos.

[toverman]

Johan, your shots are good, so there's hope for you. Get a decent camera with a few decent lenses (at least f/1.8) and you'll be in business.

[kenw]

I'm late to the party but in this situation (once the dSLR is obtained ;) ), the Canon nifty-fifty 50/1.8 is a perfect fit and under $100 new. I also use a Sigma 20/1.8 in similar situations, but it runs a bit more, ~$350 new. Either would work for you with no flash required.

good work, Johan, it just goes to show that it isn't the tools, it's the artist that makes the art.

[afrikaner07]

thanks =D I tried to get as many different points of views as possible, and it payed off. Thanks for all y'alls help. I really appreciate it =D

[CaptainTom]

Johan
I ran one of your images through photoshop, and just made one adjustment to open up the shadows.

[afrikaner07]

that was something I have to learn, when is bright enough. especially in B&W. Looks better the way you did it.