Night and Low-light Photography Photo Workshop

Photographing Concerts and Events

Concert and event photography can be some of

the most challenging types of photography to

master, and while it can be frustrating, it can also

be a whole lot of fun. Being in the photo pit at a

concert as the house lights go down and the band

takes the stage to the roar of the crowd is exhila-

rating, but being able to capture a few friends

playing at a party in the backyard with the final

rays of daylight and a few household lights can be

just as fun and even more challenging.

When it comes to concert and much event pho-

tography, it is the low-light conditions combined

with limited access and restrictive shooting times

that make it a very tough job. It doesn’t matter if

I am shooting a local band at a small bar or the

headlining act at a big arena, the techniques are

to be overexposed. The flash loses a slight

amount of power each time it is used in quick

succession, so the amount of light is slightly

less in Figure 5-10.

When shooting the reception, remember that this
is a party and a celebration, so go with the flow
and watch for those special moments between the
bride and groom and the guests. A rule of thumb
is to just follow the bride because she really is the
center of attention and nothing will happen
without her. Pay attention to the various types of
light present and how different areas of the same
room can have different intensities of light.

5-10 ABOUT THIS PHOTOVictory for one woman as she^

manages to win the toss, reach-

ing for the bouquet as it comes

down. Taken at 1/250 second,

f/2.8, and ISO 200.

At wedding receptions, use a flash

when needed. The basics of photo-

graphing people with a flash from Chapter 4 can

really help.

tip