Dwight Yoakam @ Chumash Casino Resort 9/8/06

[DwightMcCann]

Well, I know we've been chatting, but I've been working, too, so here's a link to the Dwight Yoakam concert I shot earlier this month. I didn't like the lighting so I talked to the LD. He said he was told, "Keep the light low and don't change it at all!" Whoa, combined with a cowboy hat it makes for tough shooting. Click the image below to go to my gallery:

http://www.dwightmccann.com/Images/DwightYoakam090806/DwightYoakamCollage-200.jpg (http://www.dwightmccann.com/ChumashCasinoResort/DwightYoakam090806/DwightYoakam090806.html)

[Steve Parr]

Dwight, despite the lighting, you were able to do a laudable job!

Real nice stuff, man...

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight, despite the lightin, you were able to do a laudable job!

Real nice stuff, man...

You are too kind, I think. :confused:

[johnstoy]

The golden light photo second to last is my fav.

I know what you mean about the hat shadows...

The stage is identical to what I saw this mid summer here in PA...

i have two photos of him from the right side, with the bass player standing behind him...my lighting was more fortunate..I only ended up with three reasonable photos...Wonder when I should post them now that you posted these? I'll wait a week or two...

[DwightMcCann]

John, certainly don't avoid posting because of my stuff ... I think having more images of the same performer by different photographers helps us all to see the possibilities. I'll be posting Marco Antonio Solis about next weekend and I have stunning shots of him, again, and would be happy to see yours! :-)

[blackshadow]

Nice shots as usual Dwight - I'm hoping to be shooting him when he is down here shortly - will post images if I do.

I'd recommend getting up close to the stage so you can shoot up under the hat.

[johnstoy]

If you hadn't mentioned the hat I wouldn't have noticed it...It's pretty normal to see that, besides...

All of your photos are sharp as a tack...I checked the last photo of the set with him picking the strings with the pick in sharp focus. that shot shows no shadow...after all what would anyone expect when you wear a wide brim cowboy hat.

I'll need time to gather the Dwight Yoakam photo files and re-prepare them for presentation, they have hat shadows too...I sent three of best pictures to the venue's radio station and they didn't post them on their web site...Of the 60 plus pics they posted from dozens of shows, this was the only one set of 3 the DJ forgot to put up...The DJ even announced he would be posting Dwight Yoakam's photos... He got tied up with other outside the office radio hosting commitments...

Later this year I plan to post just a few left over photos from several shows...something like Country Music Photos or Rock Music Photos...Each will only have the few that I haven't posted before...there are not enough pics from one show so I'll combine them.

Don't forget, I shoot from my premium seats for personal use only with a fixed lens camera( no extended lenses permitted.), my seats are reserved months in advance... Sometimes I get lucky and sit right up front... after a photo or two the Pics become similar so I only take a few and end up with one or two good ones...

[calicokat]

Great job with bad light

[Photodawg1]

Finally!!! They are great, especially given the light lackthereof. I love you posters and want to learn how to make some. Next project!. Hats, Football and boxing helmets are verrrrry frustrating.
Linda

[DwightMcCann]

Hats, Football and boxing helmets are verrrrry frustrating.
Linda
I've noticed that! ;)

[taygull]

Well, I know we've been chatting, but I've been working, too, so here's a link to the Dwight Yoakam concert I shot earlier this month. I didn't like the lighting so I talked to the LD. He said he was told, "Keep the light low and don't change it at all!" Whoa, combined with a cowboy hat it makes for tough shooting. Click the image below to go to my gallery:

http://www.dwightmccann.com/Images/DwightYoakam090806/DwightYoakamCollage-200.jpg (http://www.dwightmccann.com/ChumashCasinoResort/DwightYoakam090806/DwightYoakam090806.html)

Now you know what it is like shooting in my world! Low red lights and cowboy hats just don't go together.

I'd sure like to see them with the normal "Chumash" good lighting..even so nice stuff Dwight!

[René Damkot]

Nice shots despite the lighting. Maybe they would be a bit better fixable in post processing?

[taygull]

Nice shots despite the lighting. Maybe they would be a bit better fixable in post processing?

Sure if he used RAW...:p

[DwightMcCann]

Nice shots despite the lighting. Maybe they would be a bit better fixable in post processing?
But that would pervert the look and feel that the performance was trying to create. ;)

[taygull]

But that would pervert the look and feel that the performance was trying to create. ;)

....and sometimes that is a good thing....at least on some of the acts I shoot!:p

[DwightMcCann]

....and sometimes that is a good thing....at least on some of the acts I shoot!:p
Every month or two I have remind some of my viewers that I, too, have shot and continue to shoot in low-low-light venues, most recently Brian McComas and Jack Ingram at the Graduate in San Luis Obispo, California. I have not displayed these images on my website yet as they are being reviewed for possible use by Big Machine Records.

[Photodawg1]

Every month or two I have remind some of my viewers that I, too, have shot and continue to shoot in low-low-light venues, most recently Brian McComas and Jack Ingram at the Graduate in San Luis Obispo, California. I have not displayed these images on my website yet as they are being reviewed for possible use by Big Machine Records.

1. Thank you for lowering the bar! Whew...I can rest a little.
2. Very cool about Big Machine Records!

[DwightMcCann]

1. Thank you for lowering the bar! Whew...I can rest a little.
2. Very cool about Big Machine Records!

1. When you see how bad my images are under terrible lighting you will feel even better!

2. Do not be impressed ... it is part of an arrangement I have with my benefactor, Rick Barker.

[woman4life]

Now you know what it is like shooting in my world! Low red lights and cowboy hats just don't go together.

I'd sure like to see them with the normal "Chumash" good lighting..even so nice stuff Dwight!


LOL... that's what I was going to say. ;)

I do think the pics are nice, though. I can see the "hat" shadows, but they still look good as long as there is some detail and there is. Hats do present another challenge. :)

--Melanie

[DwightMcCann]

I have Marco Antonio Solis and Kenny Rogers in my pipeline at the moment. I am also working on my fourth computer failure in two months, sigh, which is killing me. But I will try to do something with the Brian McComas and Jack Ingram images so you can see that I don't do anything better than anyone else in these little venues.

[johnstoy]

Humble
and
Good...

Frankly, your photos are for the most part, untouchable...In quality, subject and composition...(I don't know if I'm missing anything else from the equation)...(It's been a while since art classes)...

[johnstoy]

His show is with exceptional energy...He stays in the center through out the show, and does a lot of songs in a fairly long presentation...apparently that lighting is consistent where ever he goes...

Got a shot of him by walking up to the front row, right into the center and taking the photo from under his hat (just missing the "up the nose" disaster shot)...

Then I got out of there, real quick and back to my seat...

I stayed real low to the floor going to, and returning from, the front row so as not to get him or security ticked off...and it worked that one time...It will be several months before I try that again at the venue...

I once hosted at a major Pocono show room in the 1970's,(Milton Byrle, Rodney Dangerfield, Engelbert Humperdink, Rita Moreno,) and that's how some of our staff got around...ducked down and low to the floor...

Am using a small and simple camera rig with just the small lens on a 30D, otherwise I would loose my hobbyist identity and the patrons would shout "Pro".."Pro"...and even though I'm not, I'd get lectured by security...

So, Dwight...if you want to duck down and run to the front and then run back...ah, well, that's not a pro's style, and would look pretty weird too...

[DwightMcCann]

John, I would not consider any attempt to bypass the restrictions after they are set and agreed upon ... I have successfully negotiated some compromises before hand ... it could reflect poorly on the casino and I simply would never intentionally risk that. Of course, being officially with the house (I have photo ID badge that will unlock the appropriate doors) and knowing all the security people, it is really a team effort anyway ... they all know the rules for me for each event and are completely supportive.

[johnstoy]

Good to know...I have no idea what pros have to go through...I only dared to walk up after asking security at the front rows if it's OK for a few seconds...sometimes others walk up, take a picture and walk away...I have followed a few seconds later and keeping real low, went up took a shot and walked back to my seat...

However, now all my seating at advance reservation shows is in the very front row...It now is simply suggested to me that I just stay in front of my seat or in my seat, and all will be fine...I'm glad you wrote this response cause frankly, I'm clueless to what you guys do, other than what I read here...

And yes, it does reflect on the venue...I have a pretty good repertoire with most there, so there is immediate feedback regarding what can and shouldn't be done for every show...I'm a premium member of the house club, and am on a email list that tells me the specs for the show, IE: camera restrictions info, intro act, duration of show, intermission times if any, post show meet and great info, etc...

[narlus]

Am using a small and simple camera rig with just the small lens on a 30D, otherwise I would loose my hobbyist identity and the patrons would shout "Pro".."Pro"...and even though I'm not, I'd get lectured by security...



do/would audience members really do that? seems bizarre.

[johnstoy]

do/would audience members really do that? seems bizarre.

Yeah, it's rare, but I keep getting an occasional ribbing from the person sitting next to me about the house rules on photography... than I need to explain my self to them... that it's OK with the house and the entertainer... Also need to tell them that the house rules are posted daily per show at the request of the entertainer, and that I check with the front office every time...

They don't actually yell Pro, Pro, they steam in their seat for a while, that their point and shoot cameras aren't able to get a picture without a flash...they forked out several hundred bucks, and no can do, at the venue...so they vent their frustration on me...

The Pro, Pro, thing happened once, and a female patron yelled out... while a guy in a wheel chair complained to security, that he thinks I'm there to sneak pics out...yet another just started yelling at me for taking pictures while his wife is sitting there with a point and shoot...
That's enough to shake a person up a bit...I'm a xx or xxx size guy and get over it eventually...

[Exit]

Good job with the bad lights. Since you work there are you not able to talk with the lighting/stage manager to get some better lighting for shows or does the band have their own light team?

[DwightMcCann]

Good job with the bad lights. Since you work there are you not able to talk with the lighting/stage manager to get some better lighting for shows or does the band have their own light team?

Excellent question! I may try to add this to my Q&A as no one else has really explored this. Almost all the performers have a "setup" that they are used to. This includes varying amounts of stage props (a wander through my Chumash galleries would demonstrate this). They normally have a very specific layout on the stage: the better the performer (as in well known and popular) the more heavily choreographed the performance. In many acts these days that are reconstituted bands there are two or three stars and then a bunch of replacements. The other arrangement is a star with their band. In both cases the non-stars are often restricted as to what they are allowed to do. They tend to be limited toward the back of the stage with perhaps one section of one song where they are allowed to be downstage (near the front) with the headliner and must otherwise move back. In many of the Latin performances the star stands well in front and the band, backup singers, etc. are strictly limited to line running across the stage about ten feet behind.

So, back to the lights: whether the act has their own LD (lighting director) or uses the casino's, the lighting is also very controlled and pre-arranged. The lighting boards are highly automated and scripted. The lighting for each song is determined ahead of time, most likely set to look very similar at each performance during a tour, and during the performance the LD usually just punches up the settings and coordinates the spotlights with the stage lights. Normally there is a sound check and light runthrough that is approved either by the talent themselves or their road/tour manager. There is almost no flexibility given to anyone.

In the case of Dwight Yoakam the lighting was set and never changed. When I asked the casino LD (who is a friend) he said he was told how to set it and that it was not to change, period!

There is a huge variation across the performers. Some are very controlled, like Dwight Yoakam and you get the sense that they are totally ego-centric and self absorbed ... Englebert and Lyle were like that ... they didn't even allow photographers. Then there are those like Tony Bennett and Marco Antonio Solis and quite a few others that are so solid and self assured that they seemed not to be bothered by anything. I was given almost complete freedom to shoot all night for both. Tony was just a fabulous performer. Marco is also an amazing performer over and above his magnificent voice and emotion ... he had trouble with a transmitter on his belt for a while and kept readjusting it. Rather than have a hissy-fit as many of the performers do, he waited for a slot where he was not singing or playing, slipped his belt off (to many hoots and hollers by the women), put the transmitter in his pocket and that was the end of it. So, performers come in every variety and color and temperament and you can't really be sure who will be an A$$HOLE. Statistically the bigger the act the more demanding and unreasonable, but there are blaring exceptions. I heard the KISS people were very workable. Others, whose knighthood I will not mention were totally demanding and difficult.

Well, I have rambled ... sorry.

[woman4life]

In some of the smaller venues the bands still have an LD sometimes. That was true with the Mute Math concert I recently took pics at. Unfortunately, the venue was so small they couldn't accomodate the entire set up (either electrically or by the size of the stage) so it was darker than it should have been.

[DwightMcCann]

In some of the smaller venues the bands still have an LD sometimes. That was true with the Mute Math concert I recently took pics at. Unfortunately, the venue was so small they couldn't accomodate the entire set up (either electrically or by the size of the stage) so it was darker than it should have been.
Yes, when I shoot at the Maverick Saloons the sound guy often does the lights, too, and says he's an LD! Sometimes I have to get management to instruct him to brighten the lights a bit ... every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to be an 'artiste'! :rolleyes: At small and informal venues there often is some latitude unlike at the casino with world class performers.

[MDJAK]

Dwight, as usual, your pictures convey the sense of the show, and that is not an easy thing to accomplish.

After all, do they really expect you to defy the laws of physics and create miracles in dim light?

I really appreciate your "rants" as you call them. They are very educational.

In line with what you call "scripted" performances, although I attend what I consider to be a lot of concerts (obviously not as many as you), I seem to be enjoying them less these days.

I harken back to the old days when an audience member could actually get a band to play a song they called out. Seems those days are done.

Also, unless the band/performer is of the ilk that typically jams during a song, the songs are done so rote that it's just not as much fun as it used to be.

But then again, I'm not ranting so I'll stop.

mark

[DwightMcCann]

I don't think anyone expects more than I provide, but almost everyone can find some aspect that they would, in an ideal world, prefer. But, yes, I am expected to perform miracles in low light and generally come pretty close. :-)

You talkin' about my RANT on the blog? Monarch finally shipped ... at 7:43PM the day they got my note to ship or cancel! I had already ordered from Newegg. I'll keep both orders and use more disks than I had originally planned ... it's only about $1000. :-)

[Exit]

You building a nice raid 10 array? :D

[DwightMcCann]

You building a nice raid 10 array? :D
Nope, RAID1 system disks and RAID5 storage disks on two different but similar machines, with between .8 and 1.2 TB storage arrays each. ;) I want similar machines so I can use one to diagnose the other (borrowing parts), use one to backup the data of the other and have similar software configurations so that I have some failover ability. :rolleyes: The business pays for everything ... it just means I have to delay other equipment in the list such as small, fast primes like the new 50mm f/1.2L, etc. :cool:

[johnstoy]

With digital photography edging into the similar ball park as computer sciences... It brings me to ask you...aren't you a University Professor on the subject? Do you also teach computer graphic arts or a related field?

[DwightMcCann]

With digital photography edging into the similar ball park as computer sciences... It brings me to ask you...aren't you a University Professor on the subject? Do you also teach computer graphic arts or a related field?

I am but a poor, humble programmer/administrator at the University of California at Santa Barbara. My original specialty was IBM's "VM" operating system on which I spent about 15 years as the 'Systems Programmer' analyzing, diagnosing and writing the assembler level code for the operating system proper, beating IBM up about their horrid programming errors, as well as writing very high efficiency utilities using channel programs [this should all mean nothing to anyone reading this.] I then had a few years stint with AIX, IBM's version of UNIX. Nowadays I am responsible for TSM [a backup/recovery system from IBM], some LINUX functions and a smattering of other small but interesting applications that are Windows based. I also supervise a bit. I do not teach at the academic level.

Before I started work at the University 30 years ago I was a pretty smart guy, but since then I have had to run constantly just to remain mediocre! :( It is a double edged sword: knowing that you are at a constant intellectual disadvantage relative to most of your peers on the one hand but having a career enmeshed with some of the most brilliant minds of our times on the other. Hell, I play tennis with a faculty member whose field of expertise is 'Teasing', I kid you not! :lol: He is currently writing a book aimed at teaching children how to effectively deal with and defuse being teased. I have enormous repect for his abilities.

[johnstoy]

That's pretty cool stuff Dwight,

I only have one year of electronics work under my belt, as a componentry assembly line programmer... it was in the Plastics mold injection, heat controller units experimental labs, out on Long Island... Would have had to take related college courses continuously, to progress in the business...

On the other hand...
Photography is a fantastic area to round out one's experiences... I just spoke to my family doctor today and he thinks it's a great hobby for me, even though I don't intend to do it professionaly...

I'll get another chance to get some photographs of Dwight Yoakam next time he is in town...He likes the response he gets from our venue and makes it back each year since the place opened in 2003...

[taygull]

I play tennis

OK, now I know I must come to CA and shoot, I'm up for a match....just finished hitting for an hour and a half myself.

[DwightMcCann]

OK, now I know I must come to CA and shoot, I'm up for a match....just finished hitting for an hour and a half myself.

If no one in Texas will play with you how can you expect anyone out here to play with you, either? :rolleyes:

[taygull]

If no one in Texas will play with you how can you expect anyone out here to play with you, either? :rolleyes:

I didn't say they won't hit with me....in fact the priest in my photos and I hit once per week.

Admit it.....you are scared!

[DwightMcCann]

Admit it.....you are scared!

I am scared every day ... I have to work with people who are twice as smart as I am, then come home to a wife and daughter who are twice as smart as I am, and then I have to deal with you! :p

[taygull]

I am scared every day ... I have to work with people who are twice as smart as I am, then come home to a wife and daughter who are twice as smart as I am, and then I have to deal with you! :p

Yes but at least you are twice as smart as me!:rolleyes:

[DwightMcCann]

Yes but at least you are twice as smart as me!:rolleyes:
Hasn't done me any good so far!