How Do I Shoot A Band? Please Help.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by MicWayWal

Why do people, whose only expertise, is being able to afford to buy a camera, think they can do what a professional can do after a few suggestions?

Originally Posted by Robinsnest

...I do have a confession. I mainly take photos in aperture priority and when I have the flash on it seems go into auto mode. How do I adjust for better photos...

Michael, it seems there is little expectation of professional implied in her words...although, two elements typically attributed to a true professional in any field is they: a)strive to continually improve, and b)help others.

Robin, if all that techie stuff seems a jumble, PM me. Otherthan it being V's Day, my calendar is pretty empty tomorrow.
Peter

[kenw]

the 50/1.4 is going to be your lens of choice as getting a new one (buying or renting) will require some learning curve that you really don't have time for at this point.
All of the advise is pretty spot on in my limited experience (my son is in a band and has played all sorts of dimly-lit teen dives over the years, my other son is playing in Dallas this weekend and I'm going to shoot it).

I use shutter priority set fairly slow just so I can be sure to freeze the motion. depth of field control (from using Av) is of secondary importance, imho. And run the ISO up, way up. WAY, WAY up....."grain" looks artsy.....

I sometimes dip down to 1/90s shutter or even 1/60 but prefer 1/125 if I can get away with it. I also avoid using flash as it destroys the amibience. If I have to use the slow shutters I plan shots when the players are relatively still....which ain't often....or just call the blur "artsy" and go with it.

The toughest part will be getting closeups of the drummer. They never come forward on the stage....

don't forget to get some pics of the kids in the crowd. It's often the best part.

[Cdubya]

Originally Posted by MicWayWal

Why do people, whose only expertise, is being able to afford to buy a camera, think they can do what a professional can do after a few suggestions?
They don't buy a car and think they can race in the Daytona 500?
They don't buy a stove and think they can cook a gourmet meal?

With all do respect, MicWayWal, this person didn't say she had accepted a job and now needs to know how to handle the job. They just want decent results shooting a band that they hired for a teenager birthday party. Take a chill pill and call me in the morning.

[z-monster]

Originally Posted by MicWayWal

They don't buy a stove and think they can cook a gourmet meal?

So, when I go buy a new house I have to purchase the stove now?

[ggeen]

No, when you purchase the stove for $150-200K you get the house for free.

[Robinsnest]

Just wanted to thank EVERYONE who helped me by writing down your tips! Can't thank you enough. I did get tutoring from a very nice member of this group and now pretty much understand everyone's techniques and what what results I should get from each. I was even practicing some "dragging the shutter" at my daughter basketball game today! Plan on using several techniques at the party. Can't wait! Meanwhile, practice practice practice. lol Thanks again to everyone. You guys are awesome! Robin