Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 5000, ƒ/5.6, 1/60—Off camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800.  The Flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and being triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the output of the Flash.

Think Story

Too often see people going to concerts and just getting photos of the band playing. But, hey, I like doing this just as much.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 5000, ƒ/5.6, 1/60—Off camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800.  The Flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and being triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the output of the Flash.

I even work hard to get close so the viewer is with the band. You need to do this if you are shooting any stage performance of a  band.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 5000, ƒ/5.6, 1/60—Off camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800.  The Flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and being triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the output of the Flash.

Now I backed up a little to show the band’s audience. Although at the same time, it is a small group, you can quickly see how an all-boy band will attract mainly young women.

I rounded out the coverage with detailed shots like the one of the management reminding everyone that bands must play their original music to be legit and not break the law. In addition, you must pay royalty fees to the songwriters who own the copyright if you perform their music.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 6400, ƒ/3.5, 1/60—Off camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800.  The Flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and being triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the output of the Flash.

Now having people shopping and buying all the band’s T-Shirts, CDs, and armbands would have made a better photo by itself; I still need simple images to help. These detailed shots are required if I put this into a video.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 5000, ƒ/5.6, 1/60—Off camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800.  The Flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and being triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the output of the Flash.

While I would generally say this is more of a snapshot photo you take for yourself and not to tell a story, I think it communicates the small venue and how the young ladies enjoy being so close to their favorite bands.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/3.5, 1/100

We arrived early for a VIP time, where you get to hang out with the band before they perform. Selling VIP tickets is a way that the band can make a little extra money. But when you arrive early, you quickly see these bands all do the work themselves. They set up and take down without much help.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 4000, ƒ/4.2, 1/60–Bounce flash with SB900

Here you can see how the band members hang out with their fans during their VIP time.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 5000, ƒ/5.6, 1/60–Bounce flash with SB900

The key to a successful package is ensuring you have a WIDE VARIETY of photos. Don’t just shoot the band on the stage.