Figure 12.1. Alter Bridge, 2007. Nikon D200, 1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800, 85 mm

Always look for possibilities to include the background light in your photo. Here Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge has the right expression to go with a battery of nice, round old-fashioned fixed spots. Make sure that the microphone is included in the shot; otherwise, you won't be able to tell that the shot is of a singer.

Figure 12.2. Simply Red, 2006. Nikon D2X, 1/1000 sec, f/3.5, ISO 1600, 180 mm

The hair of Mick Hucknall of Simply Red goes well with the blue spot. The backlit effect around his hair makes him stand out from the background. You often have to go down on your knees to make a shot like this. Step back as far as possible to avoid shooting the inside of the nostrils.

Figure 12.3. Ricky Martin, 2002. Fujifilm Finepix S2, 1/500 sec, f/4, ISO 1600, 200 mm

Depending on the type of artist, start looking for the right expression. It's OK to show the intensity with which the artist is singing, but just be sure not to photograph weird faces. I don't like to publish a photo of an artist with a completely contorted face. The artist doesn't like it, either.

Figure 12.4. James Brown, 2004, Fujifilm Finepix S2, 1/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800, 35 mm

Here James Brown encourages the audience to sing louder. The action in the background shows the dynamics of the music. The costume demands a head-to-toe shot. At moments like this, you must decide fast whether to keep your wide-angle lens at 35 mm or grab your second camera to take a close-up at 200 mm.