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Being that I’ve been digging up some old stuff, I’m finally getting around to making a post I’ve been meaning to get done for a while. Most of our readers know we are into concert photography here at CameraPorn, and this post is shares my most memorable experience in that realm. Last summer I had all-access to shoot The Wailers.. yes those Wailers, at a performance at the House of Blues in Hollywood. Photos and tips after the jump…

Elan Atias

As you may or may not know The Wailers are still touring, now with L.A. native frontman Elan Atias, a brilliant reggae artist in is own right. This show was definitely my biggest concert shooting experience, and undoubtedly the most exciting… I mean who doesn’t love this music. The following, all shot with the trusty Canon 30D, 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS and Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L, are some of my favorite shots from the show in all their high ISO goodness…

In addition to the photos here are 5 tips to getting solid shots at a concert:

1. Have the Right Gear for the Job
   Fast lenses are a must (f/2.8 or better) due to the low light conditions and fast movement on the stage. If you want closer cropped shots, a 70-200 or similar is ideal.
2. Pump up the ISO
   A camera that produces usable shots at high ISO is helpful. The Canon 30D performs really well at ISO 1600 - which is pretty much what you need in combination with a fast lens to get shutter speeds fast enough to freeze motion on the stage.
3. Choose the Right Shooting Mode
   Depending on conditions Aperture Priority (AV) or Full Manual (M) are gonna be the way to go. I’ll shoot AV in high speed burst mode with AI Servo autofocus for rapidly changing lights and fast moving musicians. If it’s a calmer show, or the lights aren’t changing much, go full Manual. Meter your exposure, set your shutter speed and shoot away.
4. Position Yourself
   Try to get to the show a bit early to find the right places to shoot from. Look for creative angles, and ways to shoot around mic stands and people. If you’re lucky enough to get into the photo pit, you are in an ideal spot. If not, don’t be afraid to nudge members of the crowd gently to get the right shots. Generally, if they turn around and see a guy with a giant camera they’ll move happily and let you get your shot.
5. Be Patient
   This is probably obvious to some, but don’t just shoot away haphazardly, frame your shot, and wait for the right moment… the right look on a musician’s face can make or break a shot.

For even more tips, check out some of the other concert photography posts we’ve written here on CameraPorn.