Have you ever heard of the "4 Seconds" Myth in Concert Photography? Well, probably not, because I made this phenomenon up as a play on words with the 4 Leaf Clover "Myth." The 4 Seconds Myth talks about the fact that there's a maximum period of time at just a few concerts when you can in fact shoot at crisp, noiseless ISO 100.
It's half myth and half fact, because sometimes the opportunity is there (even if you don't see it), and even if you're there for it, you have to do something about it to increase the chances that luck will play its part. It's about being aware all the time.
Hundreds of years ago people didn’t know there were 4 Leaf “Lucky” Clovers, in the same way that nowadays many photographers don’t know that, from time-to-time, there’s 4 seconds of enough light on stage at a few concerts to shoot at ISO 100. What seemed impossible was always there waiting for the lucky, aware photographer to take advantage of.
The 4 Sec Myth works this way: There is a moment in a show when beautiful and powerful light falls on the stage (and on the musicians of course), lasting only a few, let’s say about 4, seconds. That gives you:
- 1 Second to Notice it.
- 1 Second to Set the Camera.
- 1 Second to Focus.
- 1 Second to Take the Photo (…and rule them all, yeah!)
And then the moment’s gone. Only a little bit of creepy light remains on stage.
I know what you’re thinking: “No way, man! I could never shoot concerts below ISO 1600! You must be drunk!”
Well, yes my friend, I cannot deny it. But truth be told, maybe you just haven’t shot enough. Or maybe you’re not paying close enough attention to what you’re doing. Or maybe you set your camera in Auto Mode, but dare to believe/declare yourself a photographer. Or just maybe you’re not in the habit of figuring out ways to create better photos for your clients (or whomever you choose to amaze with your work).
The 4 Sec Concert Myth, and at an ISO rating of 100. Who would have thought that you could do such a thing, without an ISo of 1600. Yes, it's dark and the light my not be the best (especially red lighting). I would suggest you test out this theory by going to a show and really setting your sights on, focusing your camera, taking note of the lights and then snapping the photo.