All scenarios

Concert

Harder

Bright spotlights and deep shadows, with performers moving constantly.

Lenses that suit this: 70-200mm from the crowd, or 35-50mm if you are close to the stage.

The guide

Starting point

1/250–1/500s, f/2–f/2.8, ISO 1600–6400. Adjust as the stage lighting changes.

Metering

Spot metering on the performer's face stops bright spotlights from fooling the camera into underexposing.

Timing

Wait for the light to hit the face. In dark moments even ISO 12800 will not save the shot.