Ah, the drummer. That guy that hits things for a living. He who solely carries the pace of the set and the rhythm of the compositions from an uncomfortable perch stool on the back of the stage.
As if life in the pit needed to be more challenging, I’ve made a conscious effort this year to capture as many drummers as possible, taking 60 seconds or so from the traditional 3 song allotment to capture these camera elusive artists that rarely get the lens love.
Traditionally placed at the rear of the stage, often outside of the lighting design, blocked by tom toms, cymbals, other band members – drummers are tough to catch, much less catching a cool action shot. The best chances come from stage right and left, over the ride or around the high hats. Sometimes straight through the action and the kit. Patience and timing are critical as often a clear face shot requires a strong cymbal hit to momentarily allow a clean shot of the face.
One of the great opportunities this year was the ability to spend half a song shooting Skid Row’s Dave Gara “in the round”. I hope more such opportunities present themselves as this allows unique captures of the shutter neglected.
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Nice collection Allen. I too have been taking a cue from you and trying to capture drummers in my shoots as of late. Tough like you say, but rewarding when you catch them!
Hey Mark –
Thanks as always for the comments. How’ve you been. Looking forward to more of your work!
Hey Allen,
Doing well. Thanks. Shot Steel Panther & UFO last week. Dirty Penny & Vains of Jenna coming up and then Ted Poley a little further down the line. Talk soon!
Just read about the D3S. I want one!!!!!! HAHA
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