Memphis - I need your expertise!

[vrgard]

Memphis, I know you have experience shooting in bars and blues clubs. So, I thought you could share some tips and tricks with me. You see, a neighbor of mine is performing in a local bar at the end of the week and some of us neighbors are going to show our support. I figured it was a good opportunity to try doing what you do so well. Care to share any tips, tricks, techniques, etc.? My gear is all Leica M based with various lenses from wide to long. I can elaborate if that would be helpful. And thanks in advance for anything you care to share. And others are, of course, more than welcome to share their advice as well.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[Al Patterson]

Many years ago I shot some friends in a band in a few bars using Tri-X pushed to 1600, but there are faster films today.

One thing I did notice was that the shots at 1/30 showed hand movement on the guitar player. Not quite as noticiable on bass. Drumsticks get blurred as well. It ends up looking pretty good though.

And back then all I had was a 50mm lens.

 

[vrgard]

Wow, thanks for the prompt and helpful replies, Memphis & Al! (and thanks for your PM Memphis)

Memphis, I'm a little surprised to read that you use your 50 so much. I would have thought your 85 would get more use as I imagine it can be difficult to get close enough sometimes to effectively use your 50. But maybe you are more bold in getting as close as you need to. Also, I would think the 85 would allow you to isolate your subject a bit more. But the speed of your 50 may be the key here. Sounds like I should plan on using my 50 Summilux. You mentioned shooting at 1/15. What aperture do you typically shoot at? I presume you're working close to wide open based on your tip about focusing on collars and noses (and utilizing what little depth of field you get at those apertures).

-Randy

P.S. And yeah, I'm sure there are plenty of others who have great experience shooting in such situations. And I welcome all their advice. It's just that I recalled Memphis's focus on this type of work and have enjoyed seeing a number of his posted shots of this type.

 

[rogue_designer]

Depending on the club - I've shot with the 35 and 50 combo quite a bit, they a can be quite cramped. An 85 would get me the guys nose, and nothing else.

Are you familiar with the general set-up and lighting in the bar? If you get a chance to check it out before hand, to get an idea of where you can be, and how much light you're likely to get, that can be helpful knowledge.

F2 at 1/15 is pretty common for me shooting 800 speed film at the place by me. But the bigger jazz club on the east side has more light on the performers, so I can go to f4 1/60 for guys on stage.

 

[mwooten]

If it's like the music clubs/bars that I've been in around here, my advice is to go early - So you can stake out a table (if the joint has tables) right next to the stage. Also, wear earplugs. Hearing hangovers are no fun.

 

[vrgard]

Great advice, guys. Thanks very much.

From what I understand, this club has a small dance floor in front of the stage which will hopefully allow me to get a bit closer.

And Memphis, I'm jealous that you got that close to Hubert Sumlin and Taj Mahal.

-Randy

 

[vrgard]

Part of it is location and part is luck - I take time to foster relationships with musicians -- how'd it go?

Thanks, Memphis. In answer to your question of "how'd it go?" well, it hasn't happened yet! 🙂 The performance is this coming weekend. I'll post results then, but will probably be embarrassed by comparison to your many fine shots.

-Randy