Two Feet From Jenny
Nikon D700 + Nikkor AFS 50mm f1.4G : 1/250 sec, f/2.2, ISO 3200
We always make sure to get a front row spot when we check out Jenny Lewis in concert (see past posts about Jenny here), but this recent show in the SF Bay Area the absolute closest I’ve ever been to her on stage. She could have swung that fret board around and smacked me in the face!
As always, I try to keep the gear minimal at shows like this. My DSLR with one 50mm prime, and the E-PL2 in my pocket just in case the venue gives me a hard time for having a “professional camera.”
Nikon D700 + Nikkor AFS 50mm f1.4G : 1/80 sec, f/2, ISO 4000
Taken at 50mm on a full frame body, you KNOW this was close!
Would have loved to have the 24mm f/1.4 with me to get more context and to achieve some different looks, but I left it at home. That’s ok. Depending on the lighting, which was changing constantly, all you could see behind the performers from my vantage point was a lot of f/0, ISO kabillion.
In typical Jenny and Johnny fashion, though, the performers moved around the stage enough to let me vary my shots a little.
A very cool show, as always!
You did just fine I enjoyed them. The color, dof, everything was good.
Jim Dell
June 2, 2011 at 4:34 pm
you know i love concert photos, especially when you can get this close. i can imagine how excited and lucky you must have felt. and these shots are all so great…lots of variety, fun colors, so so crisp…nice work!
hope to see you this weekend!
cara
June 2, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Awesome shots ! Must’ve been a thrill being so close to the performance. She should see these!
howie221
June 2, 2011 at 6:41 pm
LOVE these!!! Jenny was so cute and always puts on a great show. It was so dark in there, I’m surprised these came out so well!
Bridget
June 3, 2011 at 7:27 am
These shots are really wonderful. It almost makes me feel like I was there at the concert with you.
Kay aka Babygirl
June 5, 2011 at 10:42 am
awesome shots! ISO 4000!!! wow, can’t even see the grain on my monitor! your nikon really rocks at high ISOs. mine starts to deterioate at 1600
Karleen
June 5, 2011 at 12:55 pm
LOL at “f/0, iso kabillion.” my camera goes up to f/1600 — i don’t know if i could ever take concert shots! but you did a great job, right up close with lots of different angles. nicely done, sir.
Jacqueline
June 5, 2011 at 7:18 pm
this are wonderful photos. Very atmospheric.
Kristin
June 5, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Beautiful concert shots; love how you captured the little details around the stage.
John
June 5, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Thanks for the comments everyone!
Cara: Thanks for visiting us this weekend!
Karleen and Jacqueline: Yeah, the D700 never disappoints me when lighting gets really dim. Gotta love it! =D
Jonathan
June 6, 2011 at 8:54 am
Awesome shots! I could feel the vibe by just staring at them!
Ian Soliva
June 7, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Just wondering how the AF of the 50mm 1.4G handled in situations like these knowing the reviews say it’s a bit slow? Thanks!
Ian Soliva
June 8, 2011 at 2:20 am
It’s true the AF on the 50mm f/1.4G is not that fast, but it’s very accurate. It also depends on the body you stick it on. The D700′s autofocus is killer. While I wouldn’t shoot fast-moving sports with the 50, its focus speed more than fast enough for a concert.
Jonathan
June 8, 2011 at 6:23 am