Manic Drive

[iHEARTfood]

Last week Manic Drive (who is a christian hard rock band) came down to my church in the Keys, and played a show with my band and another local band. It was a very cool concert, and the next day some of my friends and I drove up to Miami to see them and the other band that played with them (Rose from the Dead, which I will probably post pictures of when I get around to it), and I got to photograph them there. Anyway I dont know what else to say... But that because of the two concerts I went to last week, I realized how much I love concert photography... anyway heres my fav pics:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/KM_Concert_Photography/Manic%20Drive%20%202-10-06/MD3.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/KM_Concert_Photography/Manic%20Drive%20%202-10-06/MD5.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/KM_Concert_Photography/Manic%20Drive%20%202-10-06/MD6.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/KM_Concert_Photography/Manic%20Drive%20%202-10-06/MD13.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/KM_Concert_Photography/Manic%20Drive%20%202-10-06/MD9.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/KM_Concert_Photography/Manic%20Drive%20%202-10-06/MD10.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/KM_Concert_Photography/Manic%20Drive%20%202-10-06/MD12.jpg


The only things I did in PS was adjust levels, and maybe up the saturation a tad

[bikerider]

Some nice examples of drag the shutter technique but some variation would have been nice to mix up the feel a bit.
Roger.

[DwightMcCann]

Hmmm, yes, not a single crisp, clear, "normal" image ... so while these are nice they are a bit monotonous. If you do this simply because you can't get sharp images at the shutter speeds/aperature/ISO possible without flash, at least use "normal" flash for half or more. These guys all look pretty young ... high school group? They certainly seem to have good energy, which is the strength of your shots.

[iHEARTfood]

Thats because thats what I was going for. If I wanted normal images I would have taken them, but I was trying to get abstract stuff like that, because I very much enjoy that. Im sorry if you dont like my images or if they seem monotonous to you, I was just trying to capture the energy and power of the band/music in general.

[DwightMcCann]

Thats because thats what I was going for. If I wanted normal images I would have taken them, but I was trying to get abstract stuff like that, because I very much enjoy that. Im sorry if you dont like my images or if they seem monotonous to you, I was just trying to capture the energy and power of the band/music in general.

Oh, OK, sorry if I offended you ... not sure where you found me saying that I didn't like your images as I think they are fine, but yes, they are monotonous and yes, it would be nice to see some "non-abstracts" but if this is what you want/do then that's fine ... you didn't suggest that in your narrative or I would not have mentioned it.

[iHEARTfood]

Yea I would have said something about it, but I just didnt even think of it because thats how I photograph the majority of the concerts I go to. Small bands tend to like abstract shots, and thats what I concentrated on for both of those bands.
Thanks for you input :)

[earplugsrequired]

Yea I would have said something about it, but I just didnt even think of it because thats how I photograph the majority of the concerts I go to. Small bands tend to like abstract shots, and thats what I concentrated on for both of those bands.
Thanks for you input :)

I'm glad you explained that this is how you photograph most of your concerts. Personally for me, these type of shots do nothing for me and I usually hit the delete button - the beauty of digital! Most of the bands I shoot, don't go for this either when they are looking for photos to use ie for cd booklets etc.

[DwightMcCann]

Thanks, earplugs, it is always hard for me to know what to say since I shoot in such a totally different venue. When I see some "shutter dragging" images mixed in with clear sharp images with a variety of perspectives I assume it was intentional. When all I see is this style I figure that it is done in lieu of being able to get crisp images and usually dismiss the rejoinder that it is what the photographer wanted. There is no question that getting optimum images in a poorly lighted venue with slow lenses is essentially impossible, but if done intentionally anyway, then I guess it is a style. I have only licensed images to three bands, a CD insert with an image of each of performer for a dozen songs in a collection and a country duo so far, with the latest being the Average White Band, so I really can't speak to what small bands are after. Tom Jones didn't want to pay me so I didn't let him use my images until the casino offered to pay, so I don't count him.:rolleyes:

[Brad_T]

The second image looks rather striking, the blurry reds photo after photo get a bit much for me. Thanks for sharing.

[coryjohnson]

I took a look at your website dwight...photos look really great...what lenses do you use?...i've done a few concerts and always find that my 70-200 f/2.8 can produce great images under the lighting...but I always find myself wishing I could get in closer...

[DwightMcCann]

Cory, you might be interested in http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=81761 to find out what I am about. Or try my website(s). All will be revealed in such excruciating detail that you may be sorry you asked. :-)

[jfrancho]

Thats because thats what I was going for. If I wanted normal images I would have taken them, but I was trying to get abstract stuff like that, because I very much enjoy that. Im sorry if you dont like my images or if they seem monotonous to you, I was just trying to capture the energy and power of the band/music in general.
Sounds familiar, eh Dwight?

I'll try to be a little more open minded.

iHEARTfood: It looks like you were trying for a Charles Peterson kind of thing. However, some of the rawness is lost when presented in full color. The first and second images work pretty well for me, and I'd consider those as keepers - if this is your goal. The rest are too much of a good thing; the motion becomes a distraction. You may discover that monochrome conversions can simplify an image that is overwhelmed by color. By converting a digital image to black and white reduces the image to 256 shades, and makes the image easier for the viewers eyes to digest the information. That said, converting a color image to monochrome isn't quite as easy as changing the mode to greyscale; there is much to learn on the subject. As far as the softness goes, personally, I don't think they are "soft" enough. I think you could benefit from a bracket, off camera cord, and a diffuser for that 420. Try doing the same technique, but bounce the flash off a wall to the side of the performer.

Anyway, since you are in Fla, and won't be cutting in on my turf, I will say that presenting a prospective customer with a portfolio that features many different abilities will get you more street credo than trying to reinvent a broken wheel. Mr. Peterson broke new ground, all we can do is emulate. If that's the only trick you have in your bag to "capture the energy" your services won't be as desirable, and you're selling yourself short. If you are taking pics for your own enjoyment, then ignore what I just said.

[Steve Parr]

This type of photography, in my always wildly humble opinion, is way overdone.

While it certainly has its' place, I think you'll find that any band that's serious about having good quality, pro photographs will probably shy away from this kind of thing; at least that's been my experience.

When I shoot a band, I'm not all too concerned about how cool a shot I can get. The way I approach live-band photography is to shoot a bar band in a manner that makes them look like they're not a bar band. Shots of this style make a band look like a bar band. You could be shooting Aerosmith or Santana and, done in this style, they'll look like a bar band.

Please don't misunderstand; if that's what you're going for, that's great. I guess I would just suggest not getting defensive when someone, such as Dwight or myself, might suggest that we might like something "less monotonous". One thing I learned, very early on, is that having a fragile ego is not all too conducive to being a working photographer.

I also have to disagree that small bands prefer "abstract" shots. Unlike Dwight, the majority of my subjects are local, unknown bands playing in area clubs, and I wouldn't get too much work if all I shot were photos like the ones you've presented here. Quite simply, most bands I've worked with prefer crisp, clear images.

Now, with all of that said, given that this is what you were going for, you've done an excellent job...

Steve

[iHEARTfood]

Sounds familiar, eh Dwight?

I'll try to be a little more open minded.

iHEARTfood: It looks like you were trying for a Charles Peterson kind of thing. However, some of the rawness is lost when presented in full color. The first and second images work pretty well for me, and I'd consider those as keepers - if this is your goal. The rest are too much of a good thing; the motion becomes a distraction. You may discover that monochrome conversions can simplify an image that is overwhelmed by color. By converting a digital image to black and white reduces the image to 256 shades, and makes the image easier for the viewers eyes to digest the information. That said, converting a color image to monochrome isn't quite as easy as changing the mode to greyscale; there is much to learn on the subject. As far as the softness goes, personally, I don't think they are "soft" enough. I think you could benefit from a bracket, off camera cord, and a diffuser for that 420. Try doing the same technique, but bounce the flash off a wall to the side of the performer.

Anyway, since you are in Fla, and won't be cutting in on my turf, I will say that presenting a prospective customer with a portfolio that features many different abilities will get you more street credo than trying to reinvent a broken wheel. Mr. Peterson broke new ground, all we can do is emulate. If that's the only trick you have in your bag to "capture the energy" your services won't be as desirable, and you're selling yourself short. If you are taking pics for your own enjoyment, then ignore what I just said.

Ignored then, lol.

[Rich Brown Photography]

I guess i liked the energy these photos gave off, but then again i really dont do this kind of photography. I like images that tend to be a little different, but ive seen a few done like these before. Some of the others i have seen dont display the energy that yours do however.

[adam*]

As you said, this is the style you wanted so i'll just comment on that- I think #2 is great.

I agree with others such as dwight and steve in regards to if your trying to 'sell yourself' as a photographer and they certainly didn't mean to be offensive- being able to take constructive criticism is something you will have to be able to accept as an aspiring photographer, people on here are only trying to help.

[jfrancho]

Ignored then, lol.Likewise.

[kmb]

I just started to think about concert photography, and here's my humble and probably not very mature thoughts about the subject (please understand that I'm talking generally, not commenting the photos or previous discussion):

I don't think there is a mold or a general style which you should use to photograph all bands, or all musical styles. You should try to think how to make the images portray the mood of the gig, or the energy of the band, or their style. I would personally like to be able to get "meaningfully interesting pictures". Many of us tend to lean to the pixel-peeping direction (or at least I'm guilty of that), forgetting that what the photo might lack is mood or a personality, so to speak (sorry if I'm not making much sense here :)). Of course, these thoughts should not be used as excused for the lack of technique or generally just bad pictures (although excellent mood actually does lessen the importance of technical perfection, OTOH, IMHO).

Now, about the pictures. I personally do like the shooting style. However, I think the stage lighting is bad for these pictures, for that style. I would like to see some clear highlights (in moody colors) in the artists' clothes or instruments that would then create clear light paths. Now the light-colored shirts and the ambient-like lighting take away from the mood, IMHO. But I know that I'm basically just being annoying, there's not much you can do to get the lighting right.

My two cents.

[Steve Parr]

As you said, this is the style you wanted so i'll just comment on that- I think #2 is great.

I agree with others such as dwight and steve in regards to if your trying to 'sell yourself' as a photographer and they certainly didn't mean to be offensive- being able to take constructive criticism is something you will have to be able to accept as an aspiring photographer, people on here are only trying to help.

An constructive criticism is all it is.

When I started shooting bands, it was just for fun. Then I got "the fever", and decided to start shooting for more bands. I started getting money. It was good.

All I was trying to say, iHEARTfood, is you should, at the very least, learn how to shoot bands in a way which will give you those crisp, clean shots. If you want to do this more, bands will want to see your portfolio. If all you have is these types of shots, I'd be willing to bet that you see a majority of bands pass on hiring you. Sure, there will certainly be some that like this type of photo. Most, however, will not; just the way it is.

Again, when I started doing it, it was just for the sake of doing it and being able to say "Hey, I got some cool pictures of your band". But it progressed from there, and you might find it does for you, as well.

All I'm saying is that you should be prepared if it does...

Steve

[iHEARTfood]

An constructive criticism is all it is.

When I started shooting bands, it was just for fun. Then I got "the fever", and decided to start shooting for more bands. I started getting money. It was good.

All I was trying to say, iHEARTfood, is you should, at the very least, learn how to shoot bands in a way which will give you those crisp, clean shots. If you want to do this more, bands will want to see your portfolio. If all you have is these types of shots, I'd be willing to bet that you see a majority of bands pass on hiring you. Sure, there will certainly be some that like this type of photo. Most, however, will not; just the way it is.

Again, when I started doing it, it was just for the sake of doing it and being able to say . But it progressed from there, and you might find it does for you, as well.

All I'm saying is that you should be prepared if it does...

Steve

Thanks dude. Yea at first I was gettin kinda pissed because it just seemed like everyone was negatively criticizing my photos and all that, but your right, its all constructive criticism. Anyway, I do really enjoy concert photography, but right now its just like you said, and Im only kinda doin it do the whole "Hey, I got some cool pictures of your band" thing as you said. The next time I do some real concert shooting Ill take all of this into consideration though. Thanks for you input

[dandan]

I like the way you dragged the shutter, but it would of been nice to see some without that done to them. Is there a place where i can download their music from?

[earplugsrequired]

Thanks dude. Yea at first I was gettin kinda pissed because it just seemed like everyone was negatively criticizing my photos and all that, but your right, its all constructive criticism. Anyway, I do really enjoy concert photography, but right now its just like you said, and Im only kinda doin it do the whole "Hey, I got some cool pictures of your band" thing as you said. The next time I do some real concert shooting Ill take all of this into consideration though. Thanks for you input

It's hard when people are commenting about your work and it's something that you personally think is amazing and others just aren't seeing it that way. But this is all art and it's very subjective!

The thing I want to comment on here is don't sell yourself short but saying you are only doing for the hey i have some cool photos of your band.. I started off by just shooting some bands and showing them their photos.. Those photos got me where I am today.

[DwightMcCann]

I think many of us here are working so hard to perfect our images and find buyers that we forget that some just do it to do it. If you aren't doing this in the hope of selling your images to bands then the ONLY thing that is important is how well you like them yourself ... and maybe getting some positive feedback. I'm now thinking I should have kept my opinions to myself, sigh, as it was certainly not my intention to be less than supportive.

So, Ears, where are you today? :-)

[earplugsrequired]

So, Ears, where are you today? :-)

Where am I today! On vacation at home. :p hahahaa... Seriously though, because I had shots that bands liked, I was able to shoot more bands and those bands hooked me up to others.. One band had an album at their label with only my shots in it to be used if photos were needed. Now I run my own music site and shoot bands all the time.