Taking Photos at SG concerts (Full Version)

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danielmount -> Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 7:35:57 AM)

Well, let me just start by admitting it: The photos I take at SG concerts typically turn out lousy, even if I'm in the front row. What I do to restore them is typically only half-good. I do have a bad-lighting feature, but it only works with a tripod (since I can't hold a camera 100% still for 60 seconds.)

What are your tips and tricks? Any secrets you're willing to share?

Anything that would help all of us produce better originals (or clean up the photos afterwards) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!



danielmount -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 7:45:40 AM)

All right. Here is an example of what I am talking about. Here's a photo taken from the front row of a well-lit church at last night's Mercy's Mark concert:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/images/100_0614.jpg

After I run a few brightness controls, it comes out like this:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/images/100_0614_2.jpg

It's a much better overall impression, but look at the details and it's awful. What do you do that works?



DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 8:20:08 AM)

Do you use a digital camera? Are you using a flash? I've found that often in a well lit church or auditorium turning the flash off actually works better if you are close.



JimC -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 8:27:31 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: danielmount

All right. Here is an example of what I am talking about. Here's a photo taken from the front row of a well-lit church at last night's Mercy's Mark concert:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/images/100_0614.jpg

After I run a few brightness controls, it comes out like this:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/images/100_0614_2.jpg

It's a much better overall impression, but look at the details and it's awful. What do you do that works?


This is all too familiar to me, Daniel.
A glare will sometimes turn off the flash and this is what you get.
As far as correcting it, you are limited by your software.
What you ended up with is pretty typical from my experience. A lot lighter, some color distortion, and if you are lucky, it's pretty much in focus.

p.s. As Dee Ann suggested, sometimes turning off the flash helps. It all depends on whether the cause is an indirect light source or you are too far away for the flash to be effective.



L5FanLady -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 9:05:43 AM)

Daniel, you saw how my photos of L5 turned out. They were pretty good! I use a 35mm camera (a good one, not a cheapy) and 800 speed film. When I used the 400 speed, the photos turned out lousy, so I say use a faster film with 35mm. It's not just faster film, but it's for high activity, low-lighting; um, I want to say it was Kodak Gold (can't remember). My camera also has a red-eye reduction button, and a setting for low-light situations. I just [sm=heart.gif]LOVE[sm=heart.gif] my camera!![:D]

Of course, at Hickory Corners they never turn down the house lights and I LOVE THAT!! And it helps tremendously!![:D]

Oh, also....I know that whether 35mm ir digital, the more you have to ZOOM IN on your subject, the more blurry and distorted it (or he or she) becomes; [:@] so sitting as close as possible to the front will help. [:)]

Now if you want help with a digital camera, ask somebody else. I know NOTHING about digital cameras![:'(][:(][8|]



danielmount -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 9:35:11 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: L5FanLady

Daniel, you saw how my photos of L5 turned out. They were pretty good! I use a 35mm camera (a good one, not a cheapy) and 800 speed film. When I used the 400 speed, the photos turned out lousy, so I say use a faster film with 35mm. It's not just faster film, but it's for high activity, low-lighting; um, I want to say it was Kodak Gold (can't remember). My camera also has a red-eye reduction button, and a setting for low-light situations. I just [sm=heart.gif]LOVE[sm=heart.gif] my camera!![:D]

Of course, at Hickory Corners they never turn down the house lights and I LOVE THAT!! And it helps tremendously!![:D]

Oh, also....I know that whether 35mm ir digital, the more you have to ZOOM IN on your subject, the more blurry and distorted it (or he or she) becomes; [:@] so sitting as close as possible to the front will help. [:)]

Now if you want help with a digital camera, ask somebody else. I know NOTHING about digital cameras![:'(][:(][8|]


Thanks for all the info! I am using digital, and (having previously used film) I love what I can do with changing a digital photo as compared to film. My parents take a film camera to some of these concerts, and there's nothing that can be done with their photos, which invariably turn out straight black. (Why they keep trying beats me![:D])



danielmount -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 9:39:46 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DeeAnnBailey

Do you use a digital camera? Are you using a flash? I've found that often in a well lit church or auditorium turning the flash off actually works better if you are close.


Yes, I'm using a flash. Maybe I should try turning it off, but I must admit I haven't had much success with that in the past (unfortunately).

DJM



JimC -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 9:42:45 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: L5FanLady


Of course, at Hickory Corners they never turn down the house lights and I LOVE THAT!! And it helps tremendously!![:D]



That is the ideal situation.
The ultimate nightmare is where they turn down the house lights and then the stage lighting has 'black holes'.
One or two performers are under a floodlight and the rest are in the dark.



danielmount -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 9:44:04 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimC

quote:

ORIGINAL: danielmount

All right. Here is an example of what I am talking about. Here's a photo taken from the front row of a well-lit church at last night's Mercy's Mark concert:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/images/100_0614.jpg

After I run a few brightness controls, it comes out like this:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/images/100_0614_2.jpg

It's a much better overall impression, but look at the details and it's awful. What do you do that works?


This is all too familiar to me, Daniel.
A glare will sometimes turn off the flash and this is what you get.
As far as correcting it, you are limited by your software.
What you ended up with is pretty typical from my experience. A lot lighter, some color distortion, and if you are lucky, it's pretty much in focus.

p.s. As Dee Ann suggested, sometimes turning off the flash helps. It all depends on whether the cause is an indirect light source or you are too far away for the flash to be effective.


Were you the one who got the amazing Dixie Echoes pictures at NQC last year (amazing in that they look good though taken from the balcony)? Or was that someone else?



JimC -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 9:54:09 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: danielmount

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimC

quote:

ORIGINAL: danielmount

All right. Here is an example of what I am talking about. Here's a photo taken from the front row of a well-lit church at last night's Mercy's Mark concert:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/images/100_0614.jpg

After I run a few brightness controls, it comes out like this:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/images/100_0614_2.jpg

It's a much better overall impression, but look at the details and it's awful. What do you do that works?


This is all too familiar to me, Daniel.
A glare will sometimes turn off the flash and this is what you get.
As far as correcting it, you are limited by your software.
What you ended up with is pretty typical from my experience. A lot lighter, some color distortion, and if you are lucky, it's pretty much in focus.

p.s. As Dee Ann suggested, sometimes turning off the flash helps. It all depends on whether the cause is an indirect light source or you are too far away for the flash to be effective.


Were you the one who got the amazing Dixie Echoes pictures at NQC last year (amazing in that they look good though taken from the balcony)? Or was that someone else?


I can't take credit for those.
One, I've never been to NQC, and second, I've never seen the Dixie Echoes <sigh>



danielmount -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 9:54:12 AM)

Someone asked me via private message if I was using a point-and-shoot or a camera with f-adjustments, apertures, and all that sort of thing. I'm using a point-and-shoot. But with all the concert pictures I take (and my general fascination with photography in general) perhaps I ought to look into a professional camera.



JimC -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 9:56:57 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: danielmount

Someone asked me via private message if I was using a point-and-shoot or a camera with f-adjustments, apertures, and all that sort of thing. I'm using a point-and-shoot. But with all the concert pictures I take (and my general fascination with photography in general) perhaps I ought to look into a professional camera.


There is a plethora of GREAT digital cameras now with auto focus, zoom, etc., that would meet your needs.



danielmount -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 10:06:10 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimC

quote:

ORIGINAL: danielmount

Someone asked me via private message if I was using a point-and-shoot or a camera with f-adjustments, apertures, and all that sort of thing. I'm using a point-and-shoot. But with all the concert pictures I take (and my general fascination with photography in general) perhaps I ought to look into a professional camera.


There is a plethora of GREAT digital cameras now with auto focus, zoom, etc., that would meet your needs.


My camera has auto focus and zoom already. I'm thinking that maybe if I went to the next level (went with pro cameras), then I could do better...even a lot better.



MissGizmo -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 10:08:09 AM)

Daniel when you find a good camera to use at a concert, please, post the name, make, model number so I can get one. I have some great pictures if you could really see them



Richguy4jc -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 10:12:15 AM)

I usually let someone else take mine! I move the camera to much.... Rg



danielmount -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 11:23:08 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MissGizmo

Daniel when you find a good camera to use at a concert


I may never find one...you never know. I'll be keeping my eyes open.

For a clarification, I guess basically what I'm looking for in this thread is (a) techniques that can be used with a point-and-shoot digital (thanks for the flash one!) and (b) techniques or programs for cleaning up concert photos.



L5Ropeholder -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 11:27:08 AM)

Tina knows what she is talking about. I do the same thing with my Minolta 35mm. If you look at my photos link (in my signature) the best pic was taken with the flash(13th down from the top). I need a larger flash though. The one I have is built in the camera and tiny. It's ok if you are sitting in the front row, but not 5 or more rows back W/ a 300mm lens. You have to have one to fill in the shadows, and it also balances out the spotlights so it doesn't wash out the faces. Anybody have one that goes on a Milolta Maxxum 400si? Let me know!



CEinCA -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 11:32:04 AM)

My husband takes great digital pics. His advice; slow shutter speed, no flash, keep the camera still (this is why HE takes pics, not me.). He also takes LOTS of pics (rapid shooting mode).

As far as trying to lighten dark pics, you've done all I can ever do. The pics look grainy and just not good.

BTW, my husband uses a Nikon Coolpix 8700. I have a nice little Kodak for point and shoot pics. Hope this helps!



danielmount -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 11:54:57 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: CEinCA

My husband takes great digital pics. His advice; slow shutter speed, no flash, keep the camera still (this is why HE takes pics, not me.). He also takes LOTS of pics (rapid shooting mode).

As far as trying to lighten dark pics, you've done all I can ever do. The pics look grainy and just not good.

BTW, my husband uses a Nikon Coolpix 8700. I have a nice little Kodak for point and shoot pics. Hope this helps!


Thanks! I'm using a nice little Kodak myself, by the way. Some time when I have hundreds of dollars to spare, I'll have to check out the sort of camera you mentioned.[:)]



JimC -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 1:53:13 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: danielmount

My camera has auto focus and zoom already.


Hmmm.....Methinks our definition of 'point and shoot' differs somewhat [:D]



L5FanLady -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 2:10:07 PM)

BTW, mine is one that they don't even make anymore. It's a Pentax IQZoom 130M. Bought it about 3 years ago. I myself would like to try my hand a digital photography oneday! I know I'd save a bundle on DEVELOPING that you need for 35mm. but not with digital.[:@][8|] Not to mention easier to get them in your computer and sent to other folks![:D]



JimC -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 2:23:51 PM)

If you get a good digital you'll probably never want to go back to film.



CEinCA -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 2:28:15 PM)

I wasn't too excited when we first got our "first" digital camera. I wasn't excited about our cable modem either. I guess I just don't like change. Now I would never go back to dial-up or 35 mm. The only bad part about digital, for me, is that I can't keep up getting pictures printed. My photo albums are much smaller since 2002.



Jeff_from_Kentucky -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 2:29:10 PM)

I use a 35mm camera with a 500mm zoom lens and an auto flash. I also use 800 speed or faster film. The quality of the pictures depends on the lighting in the venue. I've taken some pictures that turned out perfectly and others pictures that were a piece of garbage.



L5FanLady -> RE: Taking Photos at SG concerts (4/28/2007 2:33:55 PM)

It always takes me awhile to catch up to technology, but once I'm there, I'm there! [:D]



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