2009 was again a milestone year in concert photography. New relationships and outlets abounded as a result of hard work, determination, and the all important world of networking (social and good ol’ fashioned handshakes). While the traditional music industry continues to search for a new foothold under the collapse of old media, artists and fans embraced the live show in droves. In all, I covered over 100 artists spanning 3 Festivals, 50 national tours, and numerous local artists.
While including all photographic highlights would involve publishing nearly ever frame captured, my favorite personal and creative moments are as follows.
Best Vocal Shot: Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust
Though there were numerous shots I would consider killer vocalist moments of 2009, I believe this shot of Sevendust’s Lajon Witherspoon could be a case study in “are you capable of being a great frontman”. Stage Presence. You just can’t fake it.
Best Guitar Shot: Testament’s Alex Skolnick
Guitar virtuoso Alex Skolnick of Testament provided a few unique opportunities on Testament’s headlining stop at one of Atlanta’s most challenging shooting venues. First, the opportunity to shoot a truly legendary and inspirational guitarist. Second, an opportunity to really push the limits of the Nikon D700 system into 6400+ ISO relying largely on reflected backlighting on the artist off the faces of the crowd to provide just enough frontal illumination to capture the performance.
Best Fiddle Shot: Nick Hoffman, Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival Tour brought one of the largest productions touring in 2009. Part Rock Show, Part local Honky Tonk, I look forward to this tour every year as these guys love to perform and always deliver and incredible show to sold out and energetic crowds (note the adorned mike stand on stage). Guitarist/Violinist Nick Hoffman was on fire this night during the 2 song allotment and captured in this classic fiddler moment. The tour photographer whom I’ve nicknamed “Where’s Waldo” also makes a cameo appearance in this frame as he gets caught looking while missing the party up front.
Best Bass Shot: John Moyer, Disturbed
When the thunderous rhythm section of Disturbed, John Moyer, rolled into town for Music As A Weapon IV, I was still shooting single body. I gambled on the opening song and went wide. It payed off big time with some excellent moments of stage front action that captured the artist as well as the stage atmosphere and forever changed my approach to live shooting.
Best Drummer Shot: Dave Gara of Skid Row
Many know of my OCD disorder fascination with drummers. Dave Gara of Skid Row was gracious enough to work with me on an idea of shooting the drummer “in the round”. Taking one song from the set and focusing solely on the drummer from all possible angles sans front of kit, underneath, and overhead. Those are in the plans for 2010.
Best Pressure Shot: Marilyn Manson
Headlining the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Fest, Marilyn Manson allowed shooting of 1 song from the full pit of photographers and videographers. Timing and patience were key to this shoot as the dark and moody stage lighting dominated the bulk for the 5 minutes of shooting. Timing the atmospheric spots as they panned across the stage was key to capturing any usable work.
Best Overall Shot: Chickenfoot / Joe Satriani / Crowd
Arriving at the venue this night, I became terribly excited as it was noted they were shooting a DVD which surely meant exceptional lighting. Disappointment soon set in as our media escort informed us this would be a soundboard shoot due to a video camera in the pit. As such, photographers found themselves behind the soundboard, behind a video crew, and behind 3 raised platforms upon which were stationed three HD video cameras and operators. Shooting was limited to over the crowd, around the sound/video crew, and in some cases between the legs of camera operators. This is by far my favorite shot of the year and speaks volumes to the challenges of creating iconic images in this day and age. Three songs, no flash, unknown restrictions and placement for each and every assignment. Finding a way a to make it happen.
Best Overall Set: Crimson Glory/Midnight Tribute
Crimson Glory delivered an exceptional tribute to their fallen vocalist Midnight at Progpower USA X. Delivering a 19 song set of such progressive and power influence is in and of itself a feat. Much less the logistics of pulling it off with over a dozen guest vocalists in 14 different pairings during the evening. Though I had the luxury of shooting the entire set, the pit was crowded with fans, artists, and family to witness what many call one of progressive metal’s most influential acts while paying final respects to Midnight. The photographic challenge was to capture this performance cohesively and comprehensively across the varying lead and duet vocal parings throughout the set.
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Happy New Year Allen! Nice recap. Looking forward to your 2010 work!
Thank you Mark. While many might say these may or may not be the best of 2009, I called them out as personal growth moments – the assignments which impacted my shooting style, approach, and technique in the pit. Glad you enjoyed!
-A
hi Allen,..very good work,…thanks for show it