Stam1na (large image warning)

[kmb]

Hello all,

A few pictures from Saturday's gig. The band was Stam1na, and the venue was Lutakko (which only might ring a bell if you're Finnish or read my other concert posts).

I asked to get in front of the security fence (or it's more of a security pole there. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Well, I did get a few nice pictures from there, but let's just say that before the next time of a similar situation, I'll get a full insurance for my equipment. For now, everything survived.


So, here are a few pictures then (click for a larger version):

1
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8040.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8040.jpg)

2
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8107.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8107.jpg)

3
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8183.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8183.jpg)

4
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8208.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8208.jpg)

5
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8223.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8223.jpg)

6 (sometimes, for me, mood overrules technical perfection - this is a little soft, as you can understand):
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8282.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8282.jpg)

7
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8405.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8405.jpg)

8
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8445.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8445.jpg)

9
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8488.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8488.jpg)

10
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8270.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8270.jpg)

I still have a few full stage photos to process, and pictures form backstage after the concert (some funny stuff there). I'll post more of these soon. Meanwhile, all C&C welcome.

EDIT: some backstage pictures:

11
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8542.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8542.jpg)

12
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8605%7E0.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8605%7E0.jpg)

13
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8614.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8614.jpg)

14
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8616.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8616.jpg)

15
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8609.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8609.jpg)

[DwightMcCann]

All the concert photos are stunning. Love the first two, but only slightly more than most of the others. Great mood and technically superior. I can't get "under" the performers at either of my venues so I am particularly envious of the very low perspective shots. The ones of the band members acting doofus aren't that interesting to me, but then I am old ... I used to take that style at my small venue, including the beer drinking, but they just don't seem to do anything for me now, sigh.

[kmb]

All the concert photos are stunning. Love the first two, but only slightly more than most of the others. Great mood and technically superior.
Thanks, Dwight, I'm really pleased to get validation for my work (or hobby) from a pro :)

I can't get "under" the performers at either of my venues so I am particularly envious of the very low perspective shots.
This was the first time I had the chance to do that, e.g. get in front of the security pole. I almost wish I didn't! The stage is quite low, comes up to around my belly, so you can imagine what sort of postures I had to be in to get those shots. I also make an effort not to be between the audience and the performers, unless I see an opportunity to get a good photo.

You can get an idea about the environment from this photo:
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8311.jpg

The security pole is there... somewhere... The people in the front are leaning over to the stage because of the pressure of the crowd. The security personell were in the middle of the crowd trying to ease the pressure.

The photo above was taken just after I left the front of the stage (not much use to be there at that point, and I was fearing for my equipment).

Well, just wanted to share my experiences :).

The ones of the band members acting doofus aren't that interesting to me, but then I am old ... I used to take that style at my small venue, including the beer drinking, but they just don't seem to do anything for me now, sigh.
I was just happy to be invited there (first time for me). I'm not much of a beer drinker (or other alcohol for that matter), but I did find some of those photos rather funny myself. But I never said I was very mature, at least when it comes to my sense of humor :p.

Here are a couple "interesting" photos. These aren't technically perfect, but I like them in a way:

16
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8361%7E0.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8361%7E0.jpg)

17
http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal__MG_8266.jpg (http://www.bjorklid.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/_MG_8266.jpg)

[DwightMcCann]

Yup, flowing hair is nifty ... 1/25th ... they must have really been shaking their heads! :-)

[Brad_T]

These are great photos kmb. There are a few to many to comment on them all but I particularly like 6, 8, 10 and 16/17. You really captured the energy and intensity of the performers. Some of the really tight crops and backlight pictures are less appealing imo, but you've shown a huge amount of diversity in the shots that you can take and they all have their place when shown in a series like this.

Thanks for sharing!

[JCR]

These rock, well done.
number 2 and 6 stand out for me.

[Nidz]

Yeah some realy good shots. Shutter speed realy portrays how fast they were moving and the energy. Pics are very sharp as well. Good job.

[René Damkot]

I like # 1, 4, 6 (agree with mood overruling perfection), 8, 12. On # 16 it's a shame the microphone stand is in front of the singers head, otherwise it would've been very nice. Good job overall!
Insurance does ease the mind a bit, but won't protect your equipment ;)

[narlus]

these pictures just wanna make me toss my gear in the bin and be done w/ it...damn impressive.

[earplugsrequired]

I asked to get in front of the security fence (or it's more of a security pole there. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Well, I did get a few nice pictures from there, but let's just say that before the next time of a similar situation, I'll get a full insurance for my equipment. For now, everything survived.

Nice job. Great to see bands similar to what I am shooting and in similar situations as well..

It looks like the barricade area ( between the fans and the stage) really wasn't big.. Most of the venues I shoot in have an area that is about 3 feet wide.. Still things can get a bit busy in there with all the crowd surfing.

[kmb]

This comes a bit late, but thanks for all the feedback :) I'm eagerly waiting for the next concert...