March 2012 - Page 2 of 2

Many folks think all the action at a concert is happening on the stage. While this is why everyone most likely came the fringes are where I often find some of the real gems.

When you hire your photographer, review their work and look for someone who has images that show they are shooting all that is happening and not just the main stage.

Nikon D3, 14-24mm, ISO 6400, f/2.8, 1/15

While you may think this is the photo I was talking about actually this is just the beginning.

Get there early and capture the people gathering and getting to know each other in the audience.

Nikon D3, 14-24mm, ISO 320, f/2.8, 1/500

Nikon D3, 14-24mm, ISO 560, f/2.8, 1/500

Nikon D3, 14-24mm, ISO 6400, f/2.8, 1/160

I like shooting the fringes. The advantage of looking for these shots is you are not always down front getting the images on the stage. So when some of the action happened in the middle of the room I was ready.

Nikon D3S, 28-300mm, ISO 12,800, f/5.6, 1/400

Nikon D3S, 28-300mm, ISO 12,800, f/5.6, 1/125

I actually lucked up and caught someone taking a flash photo and that helped complete the lower photograph. Nice moment of the performer with the fire and then you can see clearly the audience.

Now don’t stop shooting the stage, just don’t shoot only the stage.

Nikon D3S, 28-300mm, ISO 4,000, f/5.6, 1/100

Nikon D3S, 28-300mm, ISO 12,800, f/5.6, 1/160

Nikon D3S, 28-300mm, ISO 12,800, f/5.6, 1/200

Nikon D3S, 28-300mm, ISO 12,800, f/5.6, 1/60

This is the students second shooting assignment this week.

Assignment Description:
1:3 lighting ratio. This photo is classic lighting.

Items:

Softbox
This light is your main light. Get a light reading with just this first. The light should be 45 degrees off the axis of the camera and 45 degrees above the subjects eyes.

Subject
Your subject should have the main light lighting only part of the face and the shadows should be just a little to show the 1:3 ratio.

White backdrop
Keep the subject a few feet from the background and do not use more lights to light it.

(D)SLR
Choose the lowest ISO. Use a portrait lens 50mm if you don’t have full frame camera can work. No more than 100mm.

Octobox
This is your fill light and get just a reading of this 2nd. Be sure it is 1/2 the power (1 f/stop less) than the main light. After this is done get a 3rd light reading of both lights which will be the setting for the camera. It can be level with the eyes, but you may have to move up with glasses to avoid glare.

Here are the results: