You may be wondering, can you do flash photography at a concert? The answer is yes and no, but in most cases, no.
Laveda at No Fun
What’s the deal with flash photography at concerts?
Most venues and bands have specific rules for photographers that are covering the show, and “no flash” is usually high on the list of rules.
Why the rules against flash photography? The main reason is that flash, especially when done incorrectly, can distract and even blind the performers. Another reason is that it can be annoying for attendees.
Cliffdiver at Empire Underground
What about smaller venues? Those dark, dimly lit underground shows or tiny venues with just a disco ball? Well, it depends on the venue. Some venues allow flash photography. The Fuze Box in Albany and No Fun in Troy are a two of the smaller venues in our area that generally allow flash. Of course, bands can request that flash not be allowed during their set at any venue.
Recently I was mentoring a new photographer who had gone on assignment to a small venue that is notoriously dark and he had difficulty getting shots with good exposure. When I mentioned using flash, he was astonished that the venue even allowed flash; he had been wrongly informed that flash was not allowed at any venues, and therefore he came unprepared to an extremely dark venue that very often needs flash! Flash photography is a great skill to keep in your back pocket for those special occasions.
If you find yourself shooting at a venue that allows flash, you’ll want to know how to use it correctly so that you don’t become an annoyance. Here are some tips:
-
Bounce your flash
Some beginner photographers think flash is meant to be pointed directly at the subject of their photo. Not only does this blind and distract performers, but you may end up with unflattering shadows and flat lighting. Instead, bounce your flash off the ceiling or the wall. Try pointing your flash up at about a 70-80 degree angle so that it bounces off the ceiling and illuminates your subject. Be aware of any objects that may be blocking the light from hitting your subject such as speakers.
Halo Bite at Fuze Box
-
Limit your use of flash photography
Not all shots need flash. Most shots can be achieved using the light already in the room. You may need to adjust your ISO, shutter speed, or aperture to allow enough light into the camera. Save using your flash for certain shots when you can’t capture the moment with the light available in the room, or when you want to employ a flash technique or effect. This will bring diversity to your gallery.
Koyo at Fuze Box
-
Use a diffuser
Yes, this will “soften” the flash a little bit, but it will also make it easier on the performers and the attendees around you and will make it slightly less jarring and annoying. Some flashes come with a plastic clip-on diffuser that goes over the flash head. These are great, low-fuss options.
Whether you’re typically a natural light photographer or a photographer that frequently uses flash, it’s a good tool to know how to use. Maybe you’ll never need it, or never shoot at a venue that allows it, but on that one occasion you do, you’ll be glad you know how!