Through Terry's Lens

Music Photography (Techniques:2)

2010-01-04T12:08:00.004+08:00

Alright, now that I'm awake and all that, noticed that I might have started on the wrong foot. Hahaha... No matter! Whatever I'm uploading here is going into another word document on my computer, which I'll compile and eventually upload one shot or something...

Aperture

It can almost be seen as an obsession between music photographers that a large aperture lens is a typical must have! The AF 50mm f/1.8D, and AF 85mm f/1.8D are probably the first on the list for the budget conscious shooter. Maybe even the additional wide-angle (which won't exactly be wide angle, but at least wider the the above-mentioned) AF 35mm f/2D.

Understanding the consequences of aperture size is vital before one ventures into the realm of lenses with a constant aperture throughout length of the zoom. Having such a feature is definitely good to have, but assess your needs before dropping the bomb!

When I first started out low light photography, specifically music photography, my understanding was simple. Switch to the AF 50mm f/1.8D, (by the way, I almost always only use manual mode, cos I like to be in control) turn aperture to 1.8, before playing with shutter speed, before having my ISO as a last resort.

Loaning the AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED changed a lot of my perspective on photography. Throughout my (arguably) first music gig shoot, I was using f/4 (greater zoom = shallow depth of field) so that I would get arguably sharper images all around. Using f/2.8 was really a matter of REALLY close up and single-pointed sharpness. I made no fuss in turning up my camera to ISO 800 (which, for me, is normally defaulted at 200), as I kept my shutter speed at 1/50 of a second to freeze motion (They weren't really moving around the stage that quickly).

Thing about music photography that even I made the mistake of was that it would be dark, like REALLY REALLY dark. That's not the case! The audience needs to see the performer too! Some form of light(s) will be present! The only exception would be at the audience! Which would not be lighted up for obvious reasons.

So for this section, really, I won't assess for the individual. But rather, I'd advice one to go ahead and spend a little to loan the lens of your dream, and assess your needs based on it. For those residing in Singapore, like me! You can go ahead to this place, Camera Rental Centre. It has great rates and rather speedy service.

Music Photography (Techniques:1)

2010-01-04T01:54:00.002+08:00

I'm writing this article due to the lack of articles explaining music photography, or in specific, concert photography techniques. I must profess that I myself am an amateur in this realm, being newly introduced into photography myself. Whatever I post on this blog is initially only for my own reference as I progress, but I'll be more than happy to help should anyone wish it.

Low Light Photography

Probably the very basis of music photography lies in low light photography techniques. Many a times we find ourselves in dark pubs, night settings in outdoor stages. The main difference of music photography and other events photography is the lack of ability to engage the use of flash photography.

This basically bars us from a very powerful tool in sculpting our art. No matter! Most of the time even if we are allowed, I would think it only respectful to not stun the performing artist with more sudden onsets of lights.

This leaves us with 3 options. ISO, shutter speed, and aperture size. Allow me to list the advantages and disadvantages of engaging either of the abovementioned.

ISO

This awesome tool allows us to capture more light in the absence of ability to use a larger aperture or slower shutter speed. The reason for ISO as the first mention is because this is the main advantage of digital photography (or so I would like to think). Gone are the days when we're restricted to only 1600 being the maximum ISO on film. With the newest technologies, we're scaling numbers of 102,400! That's almost past our ability of our eyes to witness light!

The relevance of this to music photographers? GET A NIKON D3S! No, I kid. Hahaha... Not all of us can own a Pro level camera such as the above, but let us at least learn what we can do with what we're given with.

On my D90, I've got ISO levels up to 3,200. However, if I want quality pictures (ie. fit to be posters), personally I only accept the noise levels of up to 800. Anything above that is rather noisy. Especially so if you are shooting a lighted subject against a sea of darkness. The black won't be as smooth (albeit you can photoshop it off, I'm more keen on getting it right off the bat).

At this point in time, I would advice for users to check with some test shots at which level ISO can you accept the noise level. The higher ISO noise you can accept, the faster your shutter speed, the greater your f/number (hence more things being sharper).

Shutter Speed

This is another issue that plagues music photographers. There are 2 types of musicians.

Those that stay still
Those that CAN'T stay still

The former is easy enough, allowing for slower shutter speeds, hence greater f/number, and lower ISO (less noise). But there is also a limit to this. I find that I can safely take a non-moving musicianship at around 1/50 of a second most of the time. If I'm lucky, and they're seated or something, 1/25 to 1/30 of a second. This allows me to lower my ISO to around 400 whilst keeping my aperture at f/4 (somewhat lit situation).

The latter won't be as easy. To freeze action, I find 1/100 as the bare minimum. Optimum for me being 1/125. As a result, it is inevitable that the ISO must rise, either that or setting to a lower f/number to compensate.

Hence, shutter speed is basically very dependent on your target and the rate of movement.

An interesting effect I like to capture is when the rest of the instrument playing members are severely active with a rather passive singer, coupled with a slower shutter speed, does a lovely effect of freezing one yet showing motion and activity within the band.

Aperture

This is the most problematic one. A lot of theory and science revolves around this. In addition, its rather late into the night (ie. I'm sleepy), thus I shall continue another time. In the meantime, here are a few read-up articles for reference before diving deep into the subject.

70-200mm f/2.8 VR

2009-12-29T00:15:00.000+08:00

OH MY GOD!

That's all I've got to say. Its sharp, sharp, sharp, sharp... well... you get the idea... Will post pictures soon...

Primes

2009-12-04T03:17:00.002+08:00

Now, people who know me and my way of photography know this. I love primes. It was the most obvious choice for me in the midst of all the different types of lenses etc. Now, the only issue left to address is... why?

1. The first reason would almost always have to be price. I'm no rich guy, nor am I a professional being paid massive or even anywhere near adequate amounts of money for the photography work that I do. For the price you're paying, you're paying for, well, basically only the glass. With minimal moving parts, primes are a whole lot easier to make, and make well.

2. Well, its pretty simple. Cause its simple enough to use, no useless switches, zoom rings, or any excessive stuff. Just a focus ring, and if you're in need of it, a circular polarizer to manage. There leaves nothing else on the lens itself. My philosophy (as the newbie that I am) is that when there are less things to worry about on the lens itself, the more attention to what happens through the viewfinder. Namely, the aperture, shutter speed, compensations, iso, composition... and that's only to name a few!

3. The third reason is more personal. I'm a person who likes to move about more. Moving fingers and having everything work out for me isn't really my style. I like to move around my subject, have some form of interaction. It makes the experience much more fun. (Somehow, my friends get all excited when I move around trying to frame 'em).

Bottom line is, I'm a sucker for things which are cheap, work for me, and allow me to have more freedom of thought. Currently, I only have my trusty 50mm f/1.8D. Next target, 135mm f/2 DC... Either that or I upgrade my 1.8 to a AFS 50mm 1.4G first...

Having said that, a SB-900 would be nice too... hahaha... fickle-minded me...

But if you're also the newbie (like me), I would highly recommend getting the flash first... That is actually my main target right now, depending on the situation... I'm thinking of exploring music photography, so who knows! Whichever on the list is made available and suited for my means = me getting it sooner than the rest!

Music Photography

2009-12-03T00:18:00.003+08:00

My latest music purchase... Just got to love music... Love the cover too... Hope I can take photos like this... Anyone have any books on music photography?

The moment this photo captures is just... inspired...

Good Read-Ups

2009-11-10T09:57:00.004+08:00

I'll like to bet that everyone probably already knows this website. Especially if you're a Nikon user.

Ken Rockwell

Been reading almost every article he has... Very useful, interesting read if you're a beginner.

Competition~!

2009-11-09T01:34:00.002+08:00

Alright, I know I've only started for like, god knows how long only... but hey, its a learning experience!

I'm talking about the Singapore Youth Photographer Awards 2010. It seems attractive, given the awesome cash prize involved... HAHAHAHAHA... gonna use it to fund my guitar... =P (oops!) I'm saying it as though I would win anything... HAHAHAHAHAHA... A good reference would be to look at the previous year's winning entries.

All I got to say is... Oh My God. They are so awesome, I have literally no chance. Looking at my gear, I got to say that there really is no chance of winning at all, but heck it. It'll be fun anyways ^.^ If I win, cool ^.^, if not, heck I'll have an impressive portfolio (if the pictures I take are impressive...) that will boost my current portfolio~! Idea seems to be quite fun too, roping in my friends in varsity, and all to join in the fun ^.^

Thoughts are running wild with ideas on what to do. Actually have a rough theme / structure going on, and will follow on to do some research. Have a feeling I'll be relying on my 50mm to do the whole job, haha...

Will be updating stuff here as I go along, some thoughts and concept on how the photographic workflow goes...

Better Lenses

2009-11-07T14:16:00.002+08:00

Though I've been extremely poor recently, I've been going around forums, reading and sort of getting the feel of the lens market. Trying to sort of gauge the amount of money I need to spend on lenses, and look for alternatives to ones I've been hyped about.

I found this common question, or rather this issue of "Why do I need better glass?", or "Why do I need that extra f0.4" (when comparing f1.4 to 1.8). Well, I think most photographers know this inherently, but somehow can't find the exact, correct words for it.

The answer is simple. Opportunity. This, I dare say for most professional photographers where that one shot brings in the dough, is the essence for shedding 3 to 7 times the price for better glass. Of course, shooting at f1.4 has many issues going for it (speaking of Nikkor lenses) as you read the reviews for these fast lenses, but given a situation those may be negligable. That extra reach might be all you need~!

For me, the choice is really clear. Cheap = Good. HAHAHA... alright not exactly, but I can live without that added f0.4, and just deal with it with my 50mm f1.4 (awesome cos I'm using it with DX format, but can carry it forward to FX).

Now I'm keeping my eye on the AF 85mm f/1.8D, which will be (with conversion to my 1.5 crop factor) 127.5mm. Perfect for portraits of further objects ^.^

Les Paul, A Tribute

2009-11-05T01:18:00.007+08:00

In tribute of Mr Paul, NLB has created an exhibition of 6 Les Pauls...

As you can see... I can hardly withhold my lust...

Awesome flames...

Books ^.^

2009-11-05T01:10:00.006+08:00

... continuing where I left off...

Book that fell off... Taken by my friend actually... I find that she has a good eye for things...

Through the shelves... I really like the depth of field and colors in this shot... Goes to show how the auto functions in a DSLR are not there just for show. Hahaha...

Gloomy Bear eats books

2009-11-03T23:04:00.006+08:00

Gloomy Bear~! Don't~! Those are library books I borrowed to improve my workflow! I need to return them! I don't have the money to pay back the library if you shred them... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo....~!!!

*note* First of series on education. Took this because my friend wanted to know how weird I am... Hahaha...

Heading...

2009-11-02T17:30:00.002+08:00

"Do we have a heading..?"

"Aye~!"

Thought of a new theme to go for after quite awhile...

Education~!!! Since its literally the largest part of my life currently... So I've decided to do something on that...

Maybe get some new perspective on a much covered project...

A Yellow Night

2009-10-27T00:47:00.010+08:00

At night when exposure is a #$%^#$%^, to me, it is the best time to capture the color, yellow.

Here are two that I find somewhat acceptable... Super fail in terms of skill, that I needed quite abit of photoshop to save... Really need to up my skill. Any more skilled photographers can help teach me?! /sighz...

I like the perspective of these two. Simple.

Botanical Garden's Trip

2009-10-22T21:19:00.015+08:00

A few pictures that I took at the botanical gardens. Seems like only 1 fit my theme...

A dying flower, at the peak of its colors... Natural Color Saturation...

I like this shot for its myriad of colors. I've got slight hints of blue, black, brown, green, white, and yellow... Quite a mouthful, but all nicely stacked in (or seems to me, anyway).

This, to me is a heartwarming shot. A mother and her child, sitting out and enjoying the beauty of nature.

I like these two shots mainly because it gave me the feeling of looking at someone in love. The happiness of knowing where you belong. From my perspective of taking the photo, it almost seems like I'm the loving father looking at my wife and child. Hahaha...

Themed Shots

2009-10-22T09:53:00.002+08:00

Its a few hours before I go out shooting, just thought I might post something on.

Themes. Often the restricting factor for most people. It doesn't really matter if you're doing music, design, or photography, people dislike doing themes, and more often than not decide on the theme only after the whole event.

Some events don't allow them to do that, and thus they find it restricting.

Quoting from my cousin "Find A Theme before Anything Else!". Now I firmly believe in those words. I don't find themes particularly restricting. Sure, I can be only shooting a particular theme, such as sunlight, but if I see a great family shot, I'll still take it. Themes, in my opinion, creates direction, and forms a certain level of focus. To me, its like an insurance policy that, even if I do mess up a trip, I'll have most of my photos themed at something, and with some wacky photoshop-ing (photographers are gonna hate me for destroying the shot), interesting things (such as a usable wallpaper, or a MSN display picture) may very well come out of it.

Not to mention, when you take an awesome shot outside of your theme, and its a shot that just hit you in the face, isn't the story so much more inspiring to tell...? ^.^

Oh by the way, going to the Botanical Gardens after school today to practice. Haven't really thought of a theme as I'm typing this... but I think I might just stick with... Red.

Hahaha.... We'll see how that turns out...

LensPen

2009-10-21T02:00:00.013+08:00

Now, one of the greatest worry of any photographer with DSLRs, or basically anyone who cares much about their lens equipment, worry about the cleaning and maintenance of their lenses.

I've never really been updated with camera equipment advancement, so when I was given a DigiKlear by LensPen, I did a quick google, and I was told that the brush was useful, but not to use the carbon part. Being the careful, afraid to damage anything sort of person, I left the carbon part alone.

It was not until today, when I went shopping for a dry cabinet, that I thought, "Hey, I might as well get a UV filter for my 50mm, since its been seeing more light of day than my 18-105mm kit lens." So off I went to a said shop, got the shopkeeper to let me open the case and see the filter itself (only after pulling out my card, and telling him that yes, I'm buying).

Oh, My, God. You would think that out of the box, it will be in pristine condition. It has tiny hairs on it, some small smudges all over the place. Unhappy, I showed the shopkeeper. How am I supposed to judge if there isn't any flaws when I can barely make out the hairs from possible cracks? Kindly, he tried cleaning. But it was through this cleaning process that I noticed a tiny hairline scratch. *PHEW* Close shave...

The next one he pulled out, SAME SITUATION! So being the guy in a rush to get out, I used his blower to shift whatever I suspected possibly to be cracks or flaws, to ensure they are simply hairs, before making my purchase.

Back home, with dirty filter, I asked my friend for solution (pun unintended). Our conversation went somewhat like this.

Me: Hey, any idea on how to remove smears?
Friend: lenspen.

Me: Yep, I got me one of those. So I just brush?
Friend: Yep.

Me: Oh btw, what is the carbon part for?
Friend: *links to lenspen product site*.

Me: OMG!!!

Basically, the google site that told me never to use that part, was horridly wrong. Removing smears is as easy as drawing circles all over your lens with the carbon part. If its just hairs, then use the brush. WHAT AN AMAZING TOOL~!

So, now you know... I never leave home without it.

*edit* From my friend, always brush first, before using the carbon part. This is to remove fine particles that might scratch the lens when you use the carbon part. You've been warned!

Welcome!

2009-10-21T00:16:00.000+08:00

Alright, since I got my DSLR, I decided maybe should have a little blog to, in a sense, record my journeys through learning how to use a DSLR. Maybe it'll serve to help others, maybe not. My point is basically to record my own learning journey, and hopefully when I look back, I can have several good laughs ^.^

Lets start out with some AWESOME stuff.

1. Buying a DSLR
My choice was rather obvious, I knew what I wanted to use it for, and I knew which would perform best at the lowest budget. Product / Still life shots, with the availability of expansion = Nikon, D90.

2. Where to buy
Connections, connections... I know people, who know people, who are good friends with people... (you get the flow) The end game is, get to know people = get to have great deals.

3. Know what accessories you need to start off with
Friends who are already photographers (thanks a mil don don) help alot in telling you what you need, for what you wanna do. Stuff from cleaning gear, to tripods to lenses... etc.

Well, From now on its pretty much practice, practice, practice... and well, more practice... I'm only starting to get used to my camera, able to somewhat find my buttons more quickly, and change my settings a little faster... Lets see where this will take me ^.^