Spotlights on Stage
Feb 23, 2019 07:14:58 #
I am looking for ways to photograph entertainers on stage that have very bright spotlights shining on their faces. I shoot a lot of events that involve people on stage with a spotlight directly on their face and the house lights completely off, I find it difficult to get any facial definition. When my camera tells me my exposure is correct, the faces are washed out. I have good results when I under expose two stops. My camera settings that give me the best results are, shutter, 1/320, Aperture, 1/5.6, ISO 8,000. Any suggestions? The first photo was shot at 1/200, 1/5.6, ISO 6400.
Feb 23, 2019 07:24:14 #
That's like the reverse of backlighting. If you can meter the performer, that should work. Either that, or use Exposure Compensation. Or just reduce exposure. If you shoot raw, you can do wonders in post processing.
https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/exposure-settings-for-concerts-spotlights/
https://jpgmag.com/stories/10339
https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/exposure-settings-for-concerts-spotlights/
https://jpgmag.com/stories/10339
Feb 23, 2019 07:25:28 #
I had that problem and solved it by using single spot metering, focusing only on the face.
Feb 23, 2019 07:48:14 #
Feb 23, 2019 08:06:43 #
Two things I would try. 1. Lower exposure, not sure why you would need it so high and second try negative exposure comp exp. Many go as much as +or- five stops but only show 3. I am guessing about negative two should work with a much lower ISO. I shoot a lot of special events with darkened stage and that is what I use. Good luck
Feb 23, 2019 14:28:20 #
khorinek wrote:
I am looking for ways to photograph entertainers o... (show quote)
Use spot metering and EC!
Feb 23, 2019 14:54:07 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
khorinek wrote:
I am looking for ways to photograph entertainers o... (show quote)
Live performances can be tough. It looks like you have the WB figured out. I have been surprised to find many follow spots with a color temperature as low as 2800K or even a little lower. True carbon arc spots are hotter.
One thing I would suggest is to look at your image management settings (or whatever they are called in your camera) and make sure that your contrast is not set to a high (or even a medium) level. Stage lighting by nature is usually very contrasty. (This is a hard one for me...I tend to more contrast and saturation when I shoot.) Finally, once you get the exposure where you need it for the face, you are probably going to lose the rich, beautiful blue of the curtain in the shadows, but you should be able to recover it in post processing if you are shooting in raw or TIFF.
Edit: I strongly agree with tomglass's suggestion below for Highlight Weighted Metering if it is available on your camera.
Feb 23, 2019 15:08:20 #
If you have a Nikon it may have Highlight-Weighted Metering which is for just these types of lighting conditions. Here is a link that talks about it for the D810, but it is on several other Nikon models...
https://nps.nikonimaging.com/technical_solutions/d810_tips/highlight/
https://nps.nikonimaging.com/technical_solutions/d810_tips/highlight/
Feb 24, 2019 05:49:40 #
jaymatt wrote:
I had that problem and solved it by using single spot metering, focusing only on the face.
Feb 24, 2019 07:04:48 #
jaymatt wrote:
I had that problem and solved it by using single spot metering, focusing only on the face.
BINGO
Feb 24, 2019 07:38:20 #
Feb 24, 2019 08:23:48 #
I also would use spot metering and then use Photoshop to bring out the background just enough to set the scene.
Feb 24, 2019 14:11:18 #
khorinek wrote:
I am looking for ways to photograph entertainers o... (show quote)
One answer which UHH member RichardTaylor has used professionally is to use a bright prime. You'll know yourself which focal length is best suited to your particular situation. With less ISO noise, brightening an under-exposed image isn't something to avoid. And if you aren't shooting raw, you should be. If the faces aren't blown they should be recoverable in PP.
Feb 25, 2019 08:46:15 #
"...used professionally is to use a bright prime..." Thank you R.G. for bringing clarity to this issue from a commercial perspective... There are compelling reasons to own an f/2.0 200mm Nikkor or a f/1.8 50-100mm Sigma although it's not a prime it preforms like one... gaining 3 or 4 stops isn't optional it's mandatory if you are competing against other commercial shooters...
For hobbyist? Yes spot meter and always bracket... btw, exposure bracketing is the rule not the exception for those with experience who have to get the shot... In less than one second you can have 3 to 5 images at 1/3 to 3 stops difference... if you're not using automated exposure bracketing you are ignoring an amazing function of nearly all DSLR's
Final thoughts? Get credentials in order to gain better access to desirable shooting angles...
Thanks again R.G. it's good to know that at least someone on UHH "gets it"
All the best on your journey khorinek
For hobbyist? Yes spot meter and always bracket... btw, exposure bracketing is the rule not the exception for those with experience who have to get the shot... In less than one second you can have 3 to 5 images at 1/3 to 3 stops difference... if you're not using automated exposure bracketing you are ignoring an amazing function of nearly all DSLR's
Final thoughts? Get credentials in order to gain better access to desirable shooting angles...
Thanks again R.G. it's good to know that at least someone on UHH "gets it"
All the best on your journey khorinek
Feb 25, 2019 09:47:12 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.