Digital Photographer. Issue 628. Pg 76. Fiery Energy. James Bridle.
www.jamesbridlephoto.co.uk
@jamesbridlephoto
Won Events category award in 2020 in British Photography Awards.
1. How do you deal with fast-changing situations?
Events and music photography is characterised by ever-changing unpredictable lighting. The hardest to balance is that of strobes and haze or fog. You lose contrast and options for focus since your viewfinder is filled with a white haze.
1.1 use a remote flash trigger to cut through the haze. Or timing shutter speed correctly with the strobe.
2 Special attention when setting up the camera at music events to get sharp and focused shots.
2.1 keep an eye on the shutter speed when using longer lenses as it impacts the clarity of images during fast-moving performances.
2.2 Monitor lighting conditions during the day e.g. cloudy, sunny or in between. May need to change ISO or f/stop.
2.3. Focus mode is also important. Do NOT use AF-S as you will get out-of-focus image with the wrong focus setting. I use AF-C (continuous autofocus) to ensure my subject stays in focus.
2.4. Favourite piece of equipment is my 20ft monopod. It captures impressive crowd shots. This links to a remote adapter and a phone app when I can monitor the shot, change the exposure and bracket different shots together. It can capture special moments that are one of a kind.
3. What types of scenes do you prefer to shoot - big spectacles or quiet moments? Over past 14 years of festivals, events and live concerts, the large wide-angle photos that show the whole event in one are often the most widely used images for marketing and social media are these images - crowds, performers and pyrotechnics in a single photo.
4. Tips for budding photographers to get into concert photography.
Offer support on nights they have live acts foc. Difficult lighting conditions and different bands. Get experience in using your equipment and what lands you a great shot.
