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FollowPaper stars shoot from a confetti cannon during the finale of a Sixx A.M. concert in Denver.
Paper stars shoot from a confetti cannon during the finale of a Sixx A.M. concert in Denver.
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Behind The Lens
Location
This shot was taken April 13, 2015 during the finale of a Sixx A.M. concert at the Ogden Theatre in Denver, Colorado.Time
It was 11:15 pm, just minutes before their final bow. Though I have group shots and close-ups from the concert that are technically better and sharper, I'm so happy that I caught this moment. I love how individual stars are visible throughout the image.Lighting
The theatre was completely dark aside from the small overhead light near the bar and some path lighting. Flash photography was not allowed during the show, so I used the stage lights and strobes to illuminate my shots. I'd frame my shots, wait for bright flashes of light, and then take several shots in a row. The biggest challenge was catching it at just the right moment. Too much light blew out the scene, and not enough meant a lot of motion blur. Some of my favorite shots were taken while the stage was fully illuminated with red-orange light reflecting off of a smoke-effect haze.Equipment
I used my old Panasonic Lumix ZS5 since larger cameras were not allowed. It's a slightly better-than-basic point-and-shoot camera with a very limited manual mode. I set my f/number to the lowest available and the ISO to the highest. This shot was taken at f/3.3, 1/60 sec, ISO 800.Inspiration
My main reason for taking any photo is the desire to preserve memories and experiences. When I look back on old photos, I'm instantly transported back to those moments, moments that would probably be forgotten otherwise. I've taken pictures at other concerts in the same venue with that same camera, and I enjoy the challenge of trying to get the sharpest shot possible despite the constant movement and low light.Editing
This was right after I'd bought LR5 (my first "real" post-processing program), so I hadn't yet ventured into anything beyond the basic adjustment panel. I increased contrast, clarity, vibrance, and saturation; deepened the blacks; and decreased the highlights a tiny bit.In my camera bag
I currently use a Nikon D750, usually with the Nikkor 24-120mm lens. Since I typically shoot landscapes, I always carry a Giottos Rocket Blower (a must for the dusty trails around here), a Lens Pen, a B+W Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarized Filter, a Hoya Pro 6-stop ND filter, and a ProMaster tripod with a ball head. Eventually, I'd love to get a wider angle lens and a lighter-weight, more compact tripod.Feedback
In a situation like this, patience and persistence pays off. Watch the lighting and see if you notice any patterns. Often the lights flash in a particular order during a given song. That can help you to try to time your shots. Take several shots in a row to increase your odds of catching it at just the right moment. Also, typically at the end of a song, band members will freeze for a split second, giving you a chance to get a sharper shot.