| By :
Mark Etinger
A good photographer can shoot photos of all kinds of things, from portraits and food to action and live events. The latter are more difficult than the former, for a number of reasons, but once you become familiar with the tricks of the trade, it becomes easier. When photographing live events it's important to realize your limitations; namely, lighting. But even though you don't have the exact lighting you need, you can turn it to your advantage. The mood of your photography will wind up being somewhat solitary, although it doesn't need to be sad. Showing the performers on the stage is a way to highlight the act of performance, which while it can be participatory, is often a one way street. Assess the lighting. Even if you have a cheap Canon camera you will be able to adjust settings accordingly. You can also use the point and click automatic modes to save time if you're not familiar with the proper aperture or focal length. If you have other Canon camera lenses, choose one with a wide aperture and versatile focal length in order to best capture action, low-light shots. Turn your ISO to automatic, which allows your cheap digital camera to measure the light and choose the proper sensitivity. Or you can adjust it manually, turning it up all the way. You should be able to find the ISO from your Menu. Low light events need a greater ISO than brightly lit events. Next select your mode. An automatic or semi-automatic setting can help you capture events that occur quickly, in succession. If you're shooting a drummer, you may want to choose the sport setting; whereas if you are shooting a standup comedian, the portrait mode is probably a better choice. Since flash is prohibited at many live events, use the stage lights to enhance the mood. Red lights can be tricky but can be made to look good if you're careful. Sometimes you may have to change your vantage to get better shots. Take a lot of photos. The more you take the better your chances of having good ones are. Try to get as close as you can too. That will help make your photos look more personal. These tips should make you more comfortable photographing live events. If you try and still don't get good shots, don't be disappointed, just keep practicing. Concert photography is hard, and it can be profitable, but it takes a while to be able to do it well.
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