Music Concert is one of the most challenging situation that you could face as a beginner or enthusiast photographer. The lighting condition will likely to be very low with ambient and spot light changing in every seconds.
Fast, responsive camera and lenses are needed. External flash/built-in flash would not likely help in this situation and might not be permitted. Technology such as Image Stabilization or Vibration Reduction will not help a lot since they only help to combat camera shake not to freeze motion.
For camera setting, I suggest to set your camera to TV (shutter priority) 1/100 seconds or faster. ISO setting 1600. I do not recommend to go to ISO 3200 unless it is very dark because of excessive noises you might get.
To get a sense of motion, setting slower shutter of 1/30 or 1/15 is enough to get a motion blur.
In a very dark condition, we can set the camera to AV (Aperture Priority) and go for the biggest aperture (lowest f number) you can get.
Horizontal or vertical?
Variety of horizontal and vertical will be great, do not confine yourself on shooting all horizontal shoots. Some scenes are better in horizontal format and vice versa.
Other Tips
- Getting step ladder with you to the concert is pretty nice idea to help you rise above the crowd and get a better angle.
- Move around, do not stay in the same spot, you might get a better angle else where.
- Always shoot in RAW mode, so you can post process it to increase your exposure. RAW process could save underexposed image up to 2 exposure compensation.
- Apply noise reduction with care. On camera noise reduction is nice, but it will reduce details. Apply it as needed.
- Get a press pass, that way you will able to get close to the stage.
- Shoot audience reaction, you will never regret it!
- Try various kind of photography tricks such as slow shutter speed, zoom in, etc.
- Use 2 cameras if you have it, one with long telephoto lens, the other one with wide angle lens. I saw photographer with 3 cameras, but I feel it is too heavy to carry those cameras and limit your mobility.
Equipment I use to the picture
Camera: Canon 40D with kit lens 28-135mm IS USM
Suggested Equipments
Canon EOS: Canon Rebel XSi, Canon 40D, Canon 1ds Mark III
Canon Lenses: Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 or f/2.8 IS USM, Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Nikon EOS system: Nikon D200/300, Nikon D80, Nikon D3
Nikon Lenses: 17-55mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4
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