If there is something that I don’t answer, feel free to send me an email.  (All emails go directly to my trusty little Blackberry, so I will get back to you uber quickly.)

Q: How do I get close to the stage so I can get good pictures?

A: You will either need a photo pass to get you into the ‘photo pit’ or you will just have to arrive early to claim a good spot in which to shoot.

Q: What and where is the photo pit?

A: It is the section between the stage and the crowd and is for photographers only. The general rule here is you can take photos for the first three songs. After that, out you go. Also, you can’t use flash unless you’d like Marilyn Manson’s boot in your face.

Q: How do I get a photo pass?

A: Generally, you will need to have credentials of some sort, such as an affiliation with a magazine, web-zine, newspaper, steet press, etc.

Q: Can I use my point and shoot camera in the pit?

A: No, buy a DSLR. Most point and shoot cameras are going to struggle with the low amount of light in the majority of concert venues. A DSLR will allow you to purchase lenses that work very well in low light situations and you will have full control over all the important settings which control light (ISO, shutter speed, aperture).

Q: What lenses do I need?

A: As a general rule, you will want a lens with a wide aperture (fast lens). I use nothing slower than a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8.  A good lens for a first time concert photographer is a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4.

Q: I have a DSLR, but I can’t afford fast lenses. Can I rent lenses?

A: Yes, you can rent lenses. If renting lenses from a local camera store isn’t an option, you can rent the lenses from online stores. I have had excellent service from thelensdepot.com.

Q: What do you shoot with?

A: Here we go

Q: Why are my pictures always blurry?

A:  There are a couple reasons.  Either your shutter speed is too slow -  I usually never shoot below 1/125 sec. - or, you’re just not getting your subject in sharp focus before you press the shutter release button.  It happens.  I don’t ever focus manually.  I set my auto focus settings to: (AF-S) / Single Area.  I use AF-S because if I need to, I can press the shutter button down half way, focus and then recompose the shot with everything (hopefully) in focus.

Q: What form of light metering should I use to get a good reading?

A: Spot metering.  I usually try and arrive to the stage early - during sound check - and try and get some readings.  Sometimes they will be testing the lighting, which is even better.  For example, I make sure I am in spot meter mode, point my camera at the face of one of the guys doing sound check.  This way I get a general reading and I can expose the shot to reflect true skin tones.  I then dial in my settings and make minor adjustments along the way.

Q: Are the images on your website ‘hi-res’?  If not, can you send me the ‘hi-res’ photos?

A: No and no.  Look doode, camera gear isn’t cheap.  If you’d like to purchase a license to use the image, feel free to contact me.  Otherwise, enjoy the low-res web shots ;).