If you've never had the chance to stand in the front row and shoot a live concert, Montreal-based photographer Pierre Bourgault has the next best thing. He attached a GoPro camera to the top of his Canon DSLR and recorded a seven-minute video of his shooting experience at a Dead to Me concert. He then combined the video with the actual photos he took at the concert, which you can see in the video below.
As you can see, concert photography is no easy feat, and involves a bit of pushing and shoving to get the shot you want.
Since the actual photographs can be hard to see in the YouTube video, here are some larger versions that Mr. Bourgault took:
For those who are curious, another photographer shooting from the small balcony took a photo of me in the crowd shooting the video. I put it up as my cover photo on my facebook page, feel free to check it out (and like the page of course haha)
That was actually quite interesting and eye opening. Thanks for that, Pierre (and dpreview for posting this)!
I'm just a hobbyist with this (concert) photography stuff. However, especially recently, I ended up reading stuff from so called "pros", who only see their side of concert photography, without even being able to acknowledge that there are concerts and music scenes working quite differently to what they are used to / know of.
As a hobbyist I don't have no 3 song limit, sometimes the lighting is so bad, I have to use flash, some bands/scenes actually like this flash style; there are no photo pits, and money, well, as a hobbyist I don't get any money from that, anyway.
Seeing how you (as a pro) work and what the results are in circumstances closer to these I often end up with, I got a wee bit more self-confidence now in the things I do.
Keep up the good work, and using a GoPro cam for getting a meta-view on your work was an excellent idea! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Glad it helped boost your confidence! Sure, shooting at arenas (which I also do) gives you great light with a well seasoned band that was an awesome stage presence, resulting in killer photos. But that's not always the case. I love shooting smaller venues and being closer to bands and fans as well...
I only have two backs with the GoPro. It's the first generation and its the fully closed and partially closed ones. No real budget to get more gear (concerts dont pay that well, you do them because you love them).
It is mounted by using the GoPro tripod mount, which is then screwed into a cold shoe adapter that has two tighteners to ensure the GoPro stays snug in the hotshoe and another so it doesnt swivel.
Bravo Pierre! As a concert shooter I reiterate - it's one of the most challenging and fun types of photography and the gopro footage I think shows accurately the process. Every band and assignment is different so I can't see why people are judging the actual band musical content. Sometimes it's soundboard, sometimes it's the pit - you make the best of it. Some of my recent shoots: http://am580radio.com/photos.html
Very nice Pierre. You captured a lot of great emotions in those pictures. Whenever I shoot concerts I mostly get awkward faces in stead of awesome ones like the ones you captured. Great idea to put your camera on your camera.
Can I ask which lens you used? You seem to get decent tele-zoom and wide-angle. Did you also use manual mode on your camera? A few tips on used equipment and settings are always welcome because I really like the looks of your photo's. Thanks!
Thanks Robin. I used a 24-70 f/2.8 lens. I like to use 2 cameras in a show, but in a tight pit like that, it's kinda hard. While I try and get the best shot in camera, some of the images are cropped due to lack of mobility to get to the right spot.
I'd be happy to chat more about it all, you can check me out on facebook (facebook.com/PierreBPhoto) and we'll chat there :)
Awesome idea and execution Pierre. Please do not mind the rather startling abundance of negative comments, as cool, new ideas and techniques are oft opposed in the arts and creative fields.
Rock on! Keep on pursuing, enhancing, and honing your novel ideas and techniques! :)
Kind of you to say, thanks! I've been around the block for over a decade on internet forums (photo and non), so no worries about the negativity. Always happens. I take the emails and positivity from people and go from there haha
Love your attitude Pierre. I can sympathize as I have also been criticized for shooting stills and video at the same time using various methods. The cool thing is that recently I published an 8-page article/spread in the 2013 Winter Resource Magazine which compared and contrasted various methods for shooting simultaneous stills and video titled "How Will You Shoot Quality Stills & Video @ The Same Time?":
It was cool seeing it in print on all the newsstands and Barnes & Nobles around Los Angeles! The negativity at first surprised me, but I guess that's the way things are on the net. :) Maybe the net even amplifies it, granting a soapbox to all. But hey, free speech is cool, and the negativity goes down as the concrete results come in. :)
Keep on "doing" Pierre, as the doing always trumps talking! :)
Well done Pierre, judging by the comments not many people have experienced trying to capture a live band in a shocking lit mosh pit. You have done a great job and i bet the band, their fans and anyone who has actually seen a live band, like what you have done. Just remember our clients love our work and they are the only ones that matter. Its just sad that photography forums are full of "D1ckHeads".
Well said Nmphoto. You have to remember that 90% of people on here are gear head nerds living in their mum's basement comparing pixel depths and noise ratios.
lol... we don't always chose what we shoot. I'm actually a fan of the band... they do sound better than on GoPro audio, but if punk isn't your cup of tea, thats cool :)
You might want to head over to Pierre's blog and look at his gallery there. http://pierrebphoto.com/blog/ I think some of the shots there are excellent and really capture the energy of the band.
I almost choked on my coffee laughing at the band. What a bunch of '70s throwbacks. Please include a health warning before posting anything like this in the future.
not all venues have pits. Some bands ask to not have pits as the venue charges the band for the security personel and the installation of the barricade. In some cases, the venue imposes it (metal, punk and other more aggressive shows).
The smaller the venue, the less chances you have of a photo pit. The two biggest venues here have pits almost all the time... once you get into the smaller ones (with a capacity of 400-800 people), the pit isnt always there.
The one I shot as is probably 8th or 9th in terms of max capacity in the city, and i have never seen in a pit there.
I think it was an interesting glimpse into a photographic experience I will never never do myself from someone who gets paid to do it. And it's marketing; which is important in every trade. Kudos to him for getting noticed and getting eyeballs and dpreview for promoting interesting things.
As for the quality, I am sure that over the 45 minutes he took way more pics and the ones showcased may not have been the most commercially saleable (I honestly have no idea but I thought some of them were pretty good).
As the other said, not the best, I do agree. But considering the conditions and the horrid lighting, they were fine.
As show photographers, we very rarely get full show access. The industry norm is 3 songs, which is what it was in the video. So I need to produce (depending on the media) from 6 to 25 usable images within 7 mins, in poor light, in a tight crowd. Images that are emotional, lack repetition.
And thanks for the kudos. In a photo world where subpar is the norm, it is hard to get noticed. And if I can actually get noticed by something I attempt to do rather than just posting up negative stuff on other people's recognition, I'm cool. ;)
How many Photographers does it take to screw in a light-bulb? Twelve --one to do the job while the other eleven stand around telling themselves they could do it better...
The most obnoxious part is that he probably was blocking other photographers from getting shots because he had his GoPro mounted on top of his camera. There's nothing worse than being stuck shooting alongside someone who has no concern for other photographers who are also trying to do their jobs.
Leaving your flash, video mics or in this case a GoPro mounted to your camera is very poor etiquette and things like this can cause fights at bigger events and festivals. I've seen it happen.
The example photos aren't exactly pro quality work either.
Nope, out of the 6 other photographers there, 4 were up on the balcony and didnt brave the floor. I was down there with one other person shooting. No need to be schooled about etiquette, trust me on that one. ;)
And if you are worried about the fans, the ones there didnt mind... many were making room for me to actually work from, which is an odd thing that happens.
And not every show will give portfolio worthy shots. I totally agree, not my best.
If I am getting paid to do a job I could give to shits about anyone else. I wouldn't go out of my way to sabotage someone's shot but if you can't be bothered to get around me to get your own shot while I am working the floor and different angles it's your own fault if you miss something.
@OniMirage: Of course you don't give "to" shits about anyone else. And that's why other photographers probably hate you. We all have to work together. When someone is lining up a shot and a stupid accessory pops up in front of their lens causing them to miss the shot that's YOUR fault.
I've seen people get flashes and mics taken out with one quick swipe of a 70-200 or even an elbow.
If you can't be bothered to have professional respect and courtesy in the pit then you don't belong there. In the professional circuit theres a pretty tight knit group. You pîss one off you pîss them all off.
Ask the photographer from Huffington Post who refused to take his mic off at Bonnaroo 3 years ago. He got blackballed. Hasn't been approved since. Ask anyone who shoots the festival circuit what happened to "Rat-tail".
@TheSquire: Since you obviously have never been in a working photo pit let me break it down for you.
The 70-200 is mounted on the front of the camera. Since you're actively using it you are more aware of what it's doing. If you're shooting like you're supposed to (using the viewfinder, not live view), the camera/lens combo is the same level as your head. You have to shoot over people's heads sometimes. It's the nature of the game.
Now on the other hand, you have a GoPro/flash/mic on top of your camera. Now there's this useless thing that is extending above your camera. Making it harder for the people behind you to to shoot over you. You are constantly moving and every time you move you're either blocking another photographer or the same photographer who attempted to move to shoot around you in the first place.
The other thing about the 70-200 is that more often than not it requires you to shoot from further back in the pit. So it's not as likely to get in the way.
Another scenario, which is worse, is standing next to the photographer with the extraneous gear on his camera. The photographer switches to portrait mode. Boom. The useless gear pops into your frame. Or hits you on the head. Or knocks into your camera causing you to miss a shot. The photographer with the useless gear is looking through the viewfinder, oblivious to what his accessories are doing. Although by this time he probably has people yelling at him.
So before you go posting snarky retorts maybe you should think things through?
Been shooting concerts and festivals for several years now. For the most part there's an unspoken courtesy with the regulars. Everyone knows the 3 song limit but if you have a great spot, you should also rotate out so someone else can get a few shots from there. When you're changing position be aware of what others are shooting and duck or wait till they get the shot. Things like that.
Like JDThomas said, it's a small circle for the most part. I've met photographers who've been shooting festivals for decades. If you constantly get in people's way or shove them you'll get your comeuppance for sure.
Here's a good example. A VERY famous photographer showed up at a venue during SXSW. He made it a point to drop his name and he told us all, "I'm (famous photographer), I will run you over if you don't get out of my way". All of us locals and festival shooters had a good laugh and when we went in the pit we messed with him a bit.
The point is that, we respect each other, we help each other out. It doesn't matter who you're shooting for. It's about how you treat others.
If you want to stick a GoPro on your rig, that's cool, as long as you're not screwing other people over in the process. It appears that Pierre B wasn't inhibiting others and thanks for clearing that up. Cheers.
You are totally right about getting in people's way. We are usually the same 10 in the pits in the bigger venues, and it is a very small community. We watch out for each other, duck under lenses, move when we can and don't hog spaces.
Walking in front of someone's shot (whether you have a GoPro, a 70-200 or a flash) is a huge no no.
Respect amongst photographer's is key and being mindful of others is huge. As is being mindful of fans! I always chat people up, apologize ahead of time for being in their way, saying I'll be gone in 30 secs. They pay the tickets after all.
And a little pot calling kettle black.. before posting remarks, get the facts ;)
I can't figure out why there are so many negative people on this site. Does it really take that much brain-power to understand what this video is all about?
Sure, there's nothing earth-shattering about the technique, but it is what is and I would think that photographers could just take it at face value, without all the obtuse, negative comments.
This is my first time checking comments here, this is really enjoyable. I agree it's sad that some people are just negative, but hey, makes me totally happy for all the positive emails and likes I've received.
The loud ones are always the sad, depressed and negative ones. Fact of life. :)
Unfortunately with popular sites you will always have a handful of keyword warriors that spend more time posting comments than actually doing the hobby.
I thought the article was relevant and may give ideas to others that own a gopro as well. So good job.
Sooooo very well said. A while back I spent more time on forums posting than I did shooting. Then I quit forums, and shot more. Made quite a difference ;)
I've seen Jared do it, and I'm sure people did it before him. :) ... Jared was an amazing person a few years ago when I first started out in show photos. Heck, I was interviewed by him over Skype for one of my Montreal nighttime cityscape photos when he was much less popular than he is now.
W5JCK - I was shooting video for the few days before... this was for fun. The point wasn't to record the show with a GoPro, but to record shooting a show. Any ideas how to do it differently, givnig someone a camera POV?
I'd love to have the newer GoPros that are higher quality, but alas, the life of a full time show photographer isn't one that pays much :)
Because then it wouldn't be a video about a photographer taking pictures, from the point of view of the camera. It would instead be yet another concert video just like all the other concert videos on youtube.
Yes, here's an idea: use a better camera like a m43 rig. Go-pro has a look, and it's not one that is right for every situation. (I still don't get why they don't make a model with a rectilinear lens.) Plenty of light body/lens combos to choose from and the Panny models don't have a clip limit.
Seems like you are using a 24-70 lens. From the distance to the subject, some shots look like they were heavily cropped to get a really close shot images that you see here. Am I correct on my assumptions?
You are corret, I was using a 24-70, on a 5D3. I usually also have a 70-200 on a 5D2, but only go with 1 body in a tight pit. So I did rely on cropping for a few images, mainly some side view images such as the second one posted here. Depends on what you consider heavy, but about 30% of the image is cropped out.
I'm a fan of getting it right in camera, but sometimes, you don't really have a choice :)
Why do this? More of a learning thing. I do sometimes get questions as to how it is to work live concerts. While I'd much prefer doing this at higher end venues and arenas, getting accreditation from bands for the purpose of learning is pretty hard.
And for the lens hood, it is a must when shooting shows, specially when I'm in a crowd and not a reserved photopit. Getting hit by fans happens all the time. I've lost a few lens hoods. I rather it be the hood than the lens :)
Sir, you might be a seasoned pro an know all the trick of photography. I, on the other hand, am just an enthusiast and I welcome any opportunity to gain an insight on photography techniques and experiences of other photographers. Does it make me less important in this community?
Using the most compact Go Pro Hero3 as wide movie capture on a super zoom or similar larger body camera seems a great idea for gorilla style documentary projects. What’s been typically lacking in these rigs is the capturing of POV high quality audio. Personally I use a custom head mounted stereo surround mic going directly into the larger camera external mic input, or usually even better, into a separate dedicated audio flash deck like a Sony PCM-M10 resting in a shirt pocket. For more examples of video + audio done in this fashion see links to GuySonicStudios YouTube uploads or my site page sonicstudios . com / videomic .htm
Thanks for posting that! I totally agree with the crappy audio. Would of loved to plug into the soundboard and capture the actual show sounds, but the plugs were being taken by working video guys :).
Pierre -- Amazing, and very exciting to see how you capture the band in action. Nice still shots! I really appreciate your remarks here in the forum too. Love the punk/grunge scene, thanks. What ISO were you shooting the two cameras at? Thanks for the insight. Jim
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