Hey all (and specifically, Chin Boon & Lin Lin!)

Thought I'd post some educational / photo material here since the band concert's this sunday.

Here's some (okay, I admit, many) pictures of my past band coverage. Hey don't look at me, I was from band yeah!

Saints Hallelujah X (FB)

Saints Hallelujah IX (Flickr)

SAJCCB Botanic Gardens Performance (Flickr)

SASMB (Secondary Sch) Workshop (Flickr)

Some tips / advice:

Rehearsal
Get up on stage to shoot - that's the only time you're allowed on stage.
Don't block the members - they need to constantly look at the conductor.
Don't step on saliva - brass players empty their saliva on the floor or in small bowls.

Rest / Dinner / Change-up
Shoot members having meals, resting, putting on blazers and ties etc (non-glamorous changing is a big no-no). Group photos allowed, camwhore etc.

Pre-Concert / Intermission / Post-Concert
Shoot people with flowers, at the booth, VIP reception, group photos etc

Concert
Try to stay away from the audience - they pay money to listen to the band, not your camera.
Shoot the conductor from side stage with a telephoto lens - Catch his expressions.
Loud passages / pieces - shoot away.
Pieces with drums - time your shutter clicks with the drumbeats / snare drums (they're louder).
Soft passages / pieces - Do not ever burst (click many times at a go). Be sensitive.
Shoot solos, section features (i.e. saxophone section stands up, etc)
Don't repeat your shots - they will look the same throughout, so shoot only if it's visually interesting.



The above is what I came up with when I photographed at Victoria Concert Hall (currently under renovation). You need to find spots that you can stand at, and vary your positions. Don't ever shoot the whole concert from the same spot. It'll be so boring, most your photos probably won't be used.

Make sure your gear's with you at all times, and make sure you eat and drink enough to last the entire day / night.

All the best, Chin Boon & Lin Lin! (:

- Zexun
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