Toys for Tots Benefit: Taylor Swift @ Chumash [Warning: Cute 16 Year Old]

[DwightMcCann]

As noted in two previous posts about this Toys for Tots benefit at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California [PR is now complete], the tribe's annual fund raiser brought in $30K. I was allowed to shoot all night and go anywhere as I was shooting for both the venue and the artists and their management. I skipped the dressing room stuff as there were lots of folks who thought they'd be allowed there and weren't and I didn't want to throw fuel on the fire. I did wander up on the stage for a few shots for each but with all those trees and props there wasn't much of a line of sight.

#1 Taylor was by far the most energetic, bordering on frenetic, of the three, being half the age of the other two (approximately) ... I think she had been into the chocolate, too.
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0004-800.JPG


#2 I know this is not the greatest shot but it really appealed to me.
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0015-800.JPG

#3 Her Mom has been traveling with her up to this point and I am told that she selects Taylor's outfits ... based on my experience her Mom has both an eye for fashion and for marketing! :-)
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0021-800.JPG

#4 I liked the trees and hay bales in this one but now wish I had cropped/cloned the piece of the fiddle player, sigh.
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0044-800.JPG

#5 And finally, my favorite of the night, the epitome of a Taylor Swift concert: the smile and intensity that melts right through to your heart.
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0124-800.JPG

I believe that Taylor will replace LeAnn Rimes niche in the next three years. She has more energy and dresses a whole lot better! :-)

[Eyelikedurt]

Crystal clear and tack sharp Dwight.......no-one here expects anything less i think. Pressure's on ;)

Thanks for sharing.

[DwightMcCann]

Crystal clear and tack sharp Dwight.......no-one here expects anything less i think. Pressure's on ;)

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Durt! Since I have taken to explaining to clients and subjects that, "I am as good as it gets!" I have NO FEAR! But so you won't think I am overly arrogant (well, I probably am) I am well aware that I have huge areas that need improvement and good photographers can always find things that are deficient and I am always working on improving one or two things with a list queued behind them. But I don't feel any pressure any more. I have never had a client complain about my Live Entertainment work ... although I did six weddings about 35 years ago and no one was happy, especially me! :-)

[Steve Parr]

Hey Dwight, those are nice.

I'm going to forward those onto our Media Relations Manager tomorrow. Last time, the Artist Relations guy didn't seem to pay much attention (not because of the photo quality, just because he's the busiest guy I know).

Not sure if the MR guy will want to use them, but I'll give him your contact info...

[DwightMcCann]

Thanks, Steve. Last time he could have had images for asking, but now he will need his checkbook. :-)

[Eyelikedurt]

"I am as good as it gets!"

It's not arrogance provided you can back up your claim, and you're certainly able to do so!

[johnstoy]

There you have your speakers again...other wise the pics are clear and crisp...That's how I usually see the shows too, between speakers...I think she's looking back at your 400mm in #5...

Taylor was featured on one of those cable music shows...she is presently "home schooled"...and a very bright young lady...She is well on her way to stardom...and it's mostly her own doing...She is well versed, sharp and soon won't be intimidated by the industry...

[Steve Parr]

Thanks, Steve. Last time he could have had images for asking, but now he will need his checkbook. :-)

Hehehehe... Different guy.

I do know, though, that they don't pay for photos; even ones as good as this...

[DwightMcCann]

Hehehehe... Different guy.

I do know, though, that they don't pay for photos; even ones as good as this...
Well, then he can look but not touch. ;) They don't work for free and neither do I. I certainly don't need the PR any more.

BTW, haven't seen a lot from you lately ... are you still working bands?

[NJPDDC]

Nice photos. I also like #5 and agree with your description.

[DwightMcCann]

Yeah, old #5 shot with the 400mm f/2.8L off a tripod ... wish she hadn't moved so far to her left. I positioned the aim point to my right of the microphone and waited for her to move there which I knew she would do as part of her routine, but when she gave that smile she moved a bit further to her left and her guitar touched the edge ... and I couldn't swing the tripod because it would have blurred as it was just 1/80th second, which at 400mm is quite a bit of movement!

[dpurslow]

DW, typical - great shots as always, yes 5 is amazing and that secret "look at me shot" you do is great but for such an attractive young lady - WHY DID YOU NOT SKEAK UP TO THE STAGE AND USE THE BIG GLASS so we could get a close up ?

[DwightMcCann]

DW, typical - great shots as always, yes 5 is amazing and that secret "look at me shot" you do is great but for such an attractive young lady - WHY DID YOU NOT SKEAK UP TO THE STAGE AND USE THE BIG GLASS so we could get a close up ?
Truth to tell, I don't know but thought the same thing when I got home and went through the images. I needed to be up there with the 300mm getting head shots. She is the cutest little thing and I guess I just got soft-brained! I expect I will have more opportunity to shoot Taylor as my friend Rick Barker is likely getting more involved with her management. And let me say again that she is really a wonderful girl ... picks up all the little kids and hugs them and holds them for pictures, etc., etc., and comes across as being very "real".

[squashed]

Those are wonderful shots (all three bands at the fundraiser.) I personally would wait until maybe she has TWO songs on the radio before saying the "replacing LeAnn Rimes" song and dance. I believe LeAnn will be followed, but never replaced.

[DwightMcCann]

Hmmm, well, squashed, I think you are correct! :-)

[dpurslow]

Yes but the thing is, if he gets in now, produces some fine images (he normally does) becomes the photographer of choice for her whenever she is around, if and WHEN she does get her 2 songs and is all famous etc, when the rest of us just dream DW will be right in there with a big smile on his face !

[DwightMcCann]

WHEN she does get her 2 songs and is all famous etc, when the rest of us just dream DW will be right in there with a big smile on his face !
(1) I am certainly positioning myself as best I can to be there.
(2) I will have a smile on my face no matter who does what to whom ... all this stuff just makes me happy. Remember, I already have almost the best of all possible worlds ... I shoot for a venue: 7.5 miles from home, the best management in the world, great boss, great venue, lots of light, don't have to wheel and deal with artists or their management, free sandwiches! So, if Taylor wants me to fly to Nashville to shoot her getting awards for three songs at once, I'll be ready. And if she doesn't, I'll be shooting Dolly Parton or someone at the casino. I simply cannot lose, he says with fingers crossed. ;)

[squashed]

Very very true. Dwight and I both help Taylors career in our own ways.She is our business !!

[livewire-photography.com]

Great shots dwight!
Nuff said lol
James..

[DwightMcCann]

Very very true. Dwight and I both help Taylors career in our own ways.She is our business !!

Yup, for anyone wondering what Gary is talking about, or how he knows Taylor only has ONE song on the radio (and thinks that is an important fact when most of the rest of us don't count) it is because he is a DJ. Rick Barker started as a DJ and hearing him talk about 'the rotation' and P1s and P2s (I'm a P5!) and 'share' and 'market' and 'indicator stations' and lots of other jargon is always enlightening. This is science, folks, and PR at a very high level.

So, Gary, what do you do exactly? Where? Put in a plug for yourself!

[squashed]

Lol.. No problem Dwight:D Ive been in the radio business for about 28 years (minus some military)..My father Has owned Radio Stations in the past and thats how I got my start back in the late 70's. Started in production, board engineering ,and worked my way to the late afternoon disc jockey position at a Country station,KIBS-FM here in Bishop,Ca. After the Military I went to work for a Rock Station in Los Angeles(KNAC for those who remember) for about 5 years until they sold out. Tired of the big city, I moved back to Bishop and have been at KIBS ever since. Ive worked my way up to the Program Director position and im the morning guy on the air , traffic guy(as in paperwork, not auto's) in the afternoons and janitor in between.Without talking shares,cume,market We are the # 1 station in the Eastern High Sierra's, we cover 20,000 square miles , and its a lobor of love to the tune of 70 hrs a week.I enjoy my job !! Our website is a work in progress and the streaming is as sporatic as it has ever been. I WILL get that taken care of after the holidays. If you wanna go poke around, our site is http://www.kibskbov.com
Taylor has yet to come to these parts so your pictures Dwight do her justice !! I cant wait for her to take off and I know she will.I envy you and John getting to go to all those Concerts and having the time of your lives (I presume):)

I found this site after purchasing a 400D and Im so glad I did. The knowledge here is second to none. Thanks for sharing the pics !!

[txduggan]

Hey...her guitar isn't green! *sniff*

Love 'em...

Tom D

[DwightMcCann]

Hey...her guitar isn't green! *sniff*

Love 'em...

Tom D

Thanks for the fill-in, Gary! I listen to KIBS over there! I'm surprised you aren't involved with Nashville to You Acoustic Radio Tours. That's where I first shot Taylor.

Geez, Tom, I'd guess they ran out of green paint before Taylor came along! :rolleyes:

[livewire-photography.com]

What a Treacle lol, Dwight these shots are great. i love the blue, its soo lush and vibrant.
Cheers
James..

[gardengirl13]

Great shots!! Not looking at the girl but the guitar, great lighting and exposure on that wood grain! Looking at the girl, great smile and very nice captures!!

[taygull]

Yeah, old #5 shot with the 400mm f/2.8L off a tripod ... wish she hadn't moved so far to her left. I positioned the aim point to my right of the microphone and waited for her to move there which I knew she would do as part of her routine, but when she gave that smile she moved a bit further to her left and her guitar touched the edge ... and I couldn't swing the tripod because it would have blurred as it was just 1/80th second, which at 400mm is quite a bit of movement!


Very nice Dwight.

#5 has a great expression.

Like I said before the blue light in the background is wonderful and provides a backdrop that really sets these off.

On the note of pointing your 400mm at the mic......

Does Taylor play her guitar during the entire set? If so I'd think it would be better to not center the mic since the guitar will always stick out to your right and her left. I know when I setup dead straight in front of the performer I tend to move them to the left in my frame so as to get plenty of room for the instrument. With non-guitar playing acts I think I would do like you and center on the mic stand.

With you getting the 5D the full frame sensor with no crop this should help if you can't move back any further.....

[JCR]

The girl is nice, that guitar is beautiful and your shots are as always, technically superb.

[DwightMcCann]

What a Treacle lol, Dwight these shots are great. i love the blue, its soo lush and vibrant.
Cheers
James..
Yes, she an antivenom for almost anything! :-) Thanks, James.

[DwightMcCann]

Great shots!! Not looking at the girl but the guitar, great lighting and exposure on that wood grain! Looking at the girl, great smile and very nice captures!!
That's Taylor, with a Taylor guitar, that has her name on it (under strings on fret board) and the guitar name on the head. It is a pretty guitar that I expect is made just for her by Taylor guitars. We have a representative of Taylor Guitars on POTN although he is regularly banned for arguing, Steve Parr, who I am proud to call my friend. Figure all that out! :-)

[Steve Parr]

Hey...her guitar isn't green! *sniff*

Love 'em...

Tom D

We did make her a nice pink guitar, though...

[DwightMcCann]

Chris, perhaps I misspoke ... I was aiming about two feet to the right of the microphone stand waiting for her to shift over as she always does. And as always I was watching her face waiting for the right look. but when she leaned forward a tad and smiled that smile she also shifted farther than usual to the edge. Even on the tripod I use the IS as there so much vibration and the exposures do get a little slow so I can't simply swing the camera. You may be right that I will get a lot of mileage out of the 5D with the 400mm with the extra croppage ... and my wife is once again talking about coming and shooting if she can use the tripod mounted camera. It will also free up a 1D MII body. We'll see how it goes. :-)

[Steve Parr]

Great shots!! Not looking at the girl but the guitar, great lighting and exposure on that wood grain!

For those who are interested, the wood is Koa, which grows only in the mountains on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's becoming more scarce these days, and finding wood that's "figured" like the wood on Taylor Swift's guitar is getting to be slightly more challenging...

[johnstoy]

That is some exciting action planned from you guys...I can see it now...Dwight and his wife get the whole place covered with all this fantastic state of the art equipment...Way cool, Dwight...

[taygull]

Chris, perhaps I misspoke ... I was aiming about two feet to the right of the microphone stand waiting for her to shift over as she always does. And as always I was watching her face waiting for the right look. but when she leaned forward a tad and smiled that smile she also shifted farther than usual to the edge. Even on the tripod I use the IS as there so much vibration and the exposures do get a little slow so I can't simply swing the camera. You may be right that I will get a lot of mileage out of the 5D with the 400mm with the extra croppage ... and my wife is once again talking about coming and shooting if she can use the tripod mounted camera. It will also free up a 1D MII body. We'll see how it goes. :-)


That does make more sense....

One of the things I like about the 5D is a can "step" back a bit and crop more and still get as high a pixel count as the 1DMark IIn even though I did a more severe crop.

With as much burst mode as you shoot I think you will find yourself really waiting on the 5D...it will be a great "back of the venue" body.

P.S. You get my emails?

[taygull]

For those who are interested, the wood is Koa, which grows only in the mountains on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's becoming more scarce these days, and finding wood that's "figured" like the wood on Taylor Swift's guitar is getting to be slightly more challenging...

Yep Steve you are right....

The challenge is to find one this pretty that actually sounds good as well. You know Koa can be hit and miss with tone.

I did play a Koa SCGC yesterday with a German Spruce top that was amazing. Of course it had a price tag of about 2 914's, which is way cool that I can say it was about $7k. LOL, Steve will get the little inside joke of not being able to talk price on a forum!

Hey Dwight, how slow a shutter speed can you go with the 400 IS and still hand hold or monopod?

Since I'm a member of the Canon CPS they will send me one to use for 2 or 3 weeks at no charge, I've just been waiting for that right show to try it out.

[johnstoy]

Yep Steve you are right....

The challenge is to find one this pretty that actually sounds good as well. You know Koa can be hit and miss with tone.

I did play a Koa SCGC yesterday with a German Spruce top that was amazing. Of course it had a price tag of about 2 914's, which is way cool that I can say it was about $7k. LOL, Steve will get the little inside joke of not being able to talk price on a forum!

OK...what's this secret code talk?

[Steve Parr]

Yep Steve you are right....

The challenge is to find one this pretty that actually sounds good as well. You know Koa can be hit and miss with tone.

I did play a Koa SCGC yesterday with a German Spruce top that was amazing. Of course it had a price tag of about 2 914's, which is way cool that I can say it was about $7k. LOL, Steve will get the little inside joke of not being able to talk price on a forum!

Hehehehe... great, now I'm having flashbacks...

[taygull]

OK...what's this secret code talk?

I could tell you but then I'd have to ban you for life!

[gardengirl13]

Steve my husband is a huge guitar gear head and now I look at things like grain and head stocks more then I'd like to admit. We lived in SD for a while. He worked for Guitar Trader. I sure miss going to NAMM. I got many great shots there back in my film days!

[Steve Parr]

I could tell you but then I'd have to ban you for life!

Oh, somebody make him stop...

[Steve Parr]

Steve my husband is a huge guitar gear head and now I look at things like grain and head stocks more then I'd like to admit. We lived in SD for a while. He worked for Guitar Trader. I sure miss going to NAMM. I got many great shots there back in my film days!

When did he work at Guitar Trader??

His name?

I worked there from 2001 until mid-2004...

[johnstoy]

Oh, somebody make him stop...


I PM'd him to try and get him to decipher the code...No "give" yet...

[gardengirl13]

Jeremy, he worked there in 1998-99, he did the website with Eric's girl friend (now wife??) and helped with the rentals in the back. I think he kept doing the web site from here until 2001 or so.

[DwightMcCann]

We did make her a nice pink guitar, though...
I was hoping you were lurking! :-) [Edit: Whoa, I didn't even notice this thread was in high gear! I'm working my day job too much!]

[Steve Parr]

I PM'd him to try and get him to decipher the code...No "give" yet...

Chris and I were members of a particular internet guitar forum.

Discussions of pricing was taboo. There were good arguments for and against that idea, but the owner was firm on it.

After a while, and after a particular “incident” with a particular guitar maker, the owner had a meltdown. When all of this happened, I was still in his good graces. As soon as I began working where I do, the guy banned me forever. I had, I guess, gone to the “dark side”.

Anyway, that’s all there is to it; nothing much to make of it and it’s no big deal. But Chris and I, I’m sure, could spend the better part of a week with inside jokes from that place.

Pretty funny stuff, actually.

Hey, Dwight, sorry to hijack the thread. Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion…

[johnstoy]

What do you think Dwight? Should we let them slide?.. and not decipher their taboo secret codes? Or respect the trade and forget about it...

Hey, a Taylor for Taylor is definitely on topic...or am I way off base, and tagging up too soon...If it's a trade secret, and I hear it is, than lets just let it go...

John

[taygull]

Chris and I were members of a particular internet guitar forum.

Discussions of pricing was taboo. There were good arguments for and against that idea, but the owner was firm on it.

After a while, and after a particular “incident” with a particular guitar maker, the owner had a meltdown. When all of this happened, I was still in his good graces. As soon as I began working where I do, the guy banned me forever. I had, I guess, gone to the “dark side”.

Anyway, that’s all there is to it; nothing much to make of it and it’s no big deal. But Chris and I, I’m sure, could spend the better part of a week with inside jokes from that place.

Pretty funny stuff, actually.



Hey, Dwight, sorry to hijack the thread. Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion…

Steve,

This conversation is much better than the standard top notch stuff thrown out by Dwight, there are plenty other threads people can go look at if they want to see nice shots.:p

...edit...I meant to say "there are plenty of other threads people can go look at if they want to see more of Dwights nice shots.

[Steve Parr]

What do you think Dwight? Should we let them slide?.. and not decipher their taboo secret codes? Or respect the trade and forget about it...

Hey, a Taylor for Taylor is definitely on topic...or am I way of base, and tagging up too soon...If it's a trade secret, and I hear it is, than lets just let it go...

John

Not to worry, John; no trade secrets divulged!

[taygull]

What do you think Dwight? Should we let them slide?.. and not decipher their taboo secret codes? Or respect the trade and forget about it...

Hey, a Taylor for Taylor is definitely on topic...or am I way of base, and tagging up too soon...If it's a trade secret, and I hear it is, than lets just let it go...

John

Steve pretty much answered everything in his post earlier, not much except the "other guitar forum" can get real crazy....

The worst thing I could do is start talking about the bottomless pitt that is "tinks", which I have not been to in 6 months. Heck I don't even have the link anymore.

[DwightMcCann]

John, might as well let them slide 'cause there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop them until Steve gets banned again.

I just finished being interviewed by the local rag for an article on my photography to run around January 5th.

And now that we're not attacking personalities: Chris, put your gear list in the gear list thread and link to it ... and don't use pink!

[taygull]

And now that we're not attacking personalities: Chris, put your gear list in the gear list thread and link to it ... and don't use pink!

Is that better?

[taygull]

Steve,

This conversation is much better than the standard top notch stuff thrown out by Dwight, there are plenty other threads people can go look at if they want to see nice shots.:p .

...edit...I meant to say "there are plenty of other threads people can go look at if they want to see more of Dwights nice shots. It was a compliment....

[johnstoy]

Well, boring this certainly isn't...And Chris, thanks for the big bill board for Dwight... built right into your signature, huh... His stuff is humbling me enough, each time I check it out...Now you have to remind us of it, and rub it in some more...

Why, I'll have you know,,,someday when I'm famous and shooting the Rolling Stones, you all will be envious and wanting a free autograph from me...:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :lol: :lol:

[DwightMcCann]

Lovely!

[taygull]

Lovely!


I thought you would like it....NOW GO PICK ON SOMEONE ELSE!

I guess you did not like my Charlie Robison shots? This is the venue I'll be shooting Jack next week.

[DwightMcCann]

I thought you would like it....NOW GO PICK ON SOMEONE ELSE!

I guess you did not like my Charlie Robison shots? This is the venue I'll be shooting Jack next week.

NO ONE else rises to the bait as well as you do!

I've been too busy being interviewed by the newspaper for an article on my photography and discussing licensing my images to a TV show to look at new posts today. You are welcome to put a link to your post in this thread.

[taygull]

NO ONE else rises to the bait as well as you do!

I've been too busy being interviewed by the newspaper for an article on my photography and discussing licensing my images to a TV show to look at new posts today. You are welcome to put a link to your post in this thread.


You are forgetting Steve...I think he is the first to raise his hand!

See there you go again......you are so modest.:p

[Steve Parr]

I'm beginning to worry about both of you guys...

[DwightMcCann]

I'm beginning to worry about both of you guys...
Hehehe ... yes, that's appropriate. What is interesting though is that we have gotten worse in direct proprotion to our success! Chris has gone from nothing to photographing world class country music talent, a thriving photography business doing golf collages, weddings and families and become the photographer for Frisco just since joining POTN. His equipment list, finally moved to the Gear List thread where it belongs, is almost as extensive as mine. Since I talk about my successes continuously I won't bore you further right now. If we should ever manage to merge forces we will be totally unbearable! :p

[René Damkot]

Nice, but not overly exciting. Some more variation might have been nice. And a close up.

[Steve Parr]

I won't bore you further right now.

Hehehehe... yeah, you'll have so many more opportunities to bore me...

:D

[taygull]

Hehehe ... yes, that's appropriate. What is interesting though is that we have gotten worse in direct proprotion to our success! Chris has gone from nothing to photographing world class country music talent, a thriving photography business doing golf collages, weddings and families and become the photographer for Frisco just since joining POTN. His equipment list, finally moved to the Gear List thread where it belongs, is almost as extensive as mine. Since I talk about my successes continuously I won't bore you further right now. If we should ever manage to merge forces we will be totally unbearable! :p

He should worry about us!

Funny some day I think we will figure out a way to really make big money shooting musicians or at least shooting together....I'm not convinced you can (make big money shooting musicians). I shoot this stuff because I love it. I do the other stuff because I love money.

I've got a couple "ideas" that if they come about over the next few years I could have a regular client list and make a ton off them......we will see if it can really get off the ground.

Dwight and I would either make a great team or we would kill each other.......I'm way to sensitive and he is way to arrogant!:lol:

....and Dwight don't remind everyone that a year ago I did not know what an f/stop was!

[DwightMcCann]

Hehehehe... yeah, you'll have so many more opportunities to bore me...

:D
It is always easy to bore those who live a life of excess ... oh, wait, that's not you, eh? :-) Hey, I've room enough for you and Chris (and companions) at my house, we should get together and see if anyone dies! If not, then we should continue to look for ways to merge out talents! :cool:

[taygull]

It is always easy to bore those who live a life of excess ... oh, wait, that's not you, eh? :-) Hey, I've room enough for you and Chris (and companions) at my house, we should get together and see if anyone dies! If not, then we should continue to look for ways to merge out talents! :cool:


I've not been really drunk in years.....I'm thinking that would be the only way to survive the two of you guys for more than a couple hours.....

I could listen to Steve cry about rap music and Dwight could go into the details of his latest lens purchase.....:p

Seriously I'd love to head out that way late winter or the first part of spring..we should do that.

[ironbelle]

As noted in two previous posts about this Toys for Tots benefit at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California [PR is now complete], the tribe's annual fund raiser brought in $30K. I was allowed to shoot all night and go anywhere as I was shooting for both the venue and the artists and their management. I skipped the dressing room stuff as there were lots of folks who thought they'd be allowed there and weren't and I didn't want to throw fuel on the fire. I did wander up on the stage for a few shots for each but with all those trees and props there wasn't much of a line of sight.

#1 Taylor was by far the most energetic, bordering on frenetic, of the three, being half the age of the other two (approximately) ... I think she had been into the chocolate, too.
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0004-800.JPG


#2 I know this is not the greatest shot but it really appealed to me.
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0015-800.JPG

#3 Her Mom has been traveling with her up to this point and I am told that she selects Taylor's outfits ... based on my experience her Mom has both an eye for fashion and for marketing! :-)
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0021-800.JPG

#4 I liked the trees and hay bales in this one but now wish I had cropped/cloned the piece of the fiddle player, sigh.
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0044-800.JPG

#5 And finally, my favorite of the night, the epitome of a Taylor Swift concert: the smile and intensity that melts right through to your heart.
http://www.dwightmccann.com/Downloads/Chumash/Taylor800/TaylorSwift0124-800.JPG

I believe that Taylor will replace LeAnn Rimes niche in the next three years. She has more energy and dresses a whole lot better! :-)

This is a beautiful shot!

[johnstoy]

Hi Dwight, It's me...

I forwarded the links to this and your other Thread featuring these exclusive photos of Taylor Swift to some of the DJ's at Penn's Peak Radio...they broadcast 24/7 world wide, mostly commercial free...:cool:

And both DJ's featured a lot of information on Taylor and are playing some of her songs, yesterday and today. She certainly has a great voice...:D

(The DJ's are Casey Parker and Conrad Flynn at http://www.pennspeakradio.com/)

John

[pttenn]

That singer is 16 years old?????? Wow..
Karen

[DwightMcCann]

John, I'm not sure what it is you are after from me? Your PM sounded like you wanted me to do something.

PT, "Luck beats skill every time." Yes, 16 years old and on the road opening for major stars the rest of the school year I think.

[johnstoy]

John, I'm not sure what it is you are after from me? Your PM sounded like you wanted me to do something.

PT, "Luck beats skill every time." Yes, 16 years old and on the road opening for major stars the rest of the school year I think.

I was hoping for one of your candid responses that usually generate a chuckle... to the radio station's decision to play Taylor Swift's songs... and giving her pretty nice intros each day, regarding Taylor's tremendous career and shining future... The DJ's got inspired after checking out your Threads featuring Taylor...

[DwightMcCann]

Aha, sorry John, I am just slow "getting it!" Of course, I have a significant conflict of interest WRT Taylor! She is awfully cute, very bright, clever, personable, picks up the little kids for pictures when signing autographs, is willing to go out in the cold and snow to sign autographs for people waiting in line (heard this from Rick Barker who is involved in her management these days) and doesn't act at all like a spoiled rich kid which she is somewhat entitled to do ... makes it impossible not to like her! And then I often have "Tim McGraw" floating in my head even though I am not a country music person (or much of a music person at all for that matter.) Anyway, with all that I am really most impressed with her stage presence: she is so authentic and nice. She's apparently been writing songs for pay since 14 but that success doesn't seem to have inured her to life. I won't be at all surprised if she goes into acting, too, as so many of the country stars have done in the past twenty years. Of course, I like Danielle Peck's songs more as they are more mature, but at 16 you only have so much life experience (I hope!)

[johnstoy]

Thanks Dwight,

I forwarded a copy of your post # 70...to Casey Parker and Conrad Flynn, DJ's at Penn's Peak Radio...They are so busy in their station sound room, while starting this new internet radio, that "real" news from the outside world is greatly appreciated....

[DwightMcCann]

Radio stations are not allowed to have "real news"! We all know that "real news" requires photographs. I did hear that BrittonJack may be involved with Big Machine Records ... now there's two guys who combine raw exuberance (Britton) with raw talent (Jack) for high impact fun ... I shot them at the casino opening for LeAnn Rimes put some images on my website here: http://www.dwightmccann.com/NashvilleToYouProject/BrittonJack04132006/index.html as well as here: http://www.dwightmccann.com/ChumashCasinoResort/BrittonJack04132006.htm

[johnstoy]

This station is scrambling to keep up with growth...With three full time DJ's and several special DJ's with weekly shows, they are reaching the far corners of the earth 24/7...
They have a new "Stealth Mode" for broadcasting in lower frequencies to those listeners on "Dial Up"...

Pictures, should be the multimedia they resort to...Just like we used to see, the multi projector slide shows, synchronized to music, back in the late 60's and 70's...

I'll review/research BrittonJack some more from your web site and try to present it to them, when they return next year...maybe it's something they or the venue would work with...there is a 3 hour radio (new artist) show resuming soon...Maybe their music could be featured on some of the show's programs...All I can do at this time is submit a request for a new band...suggest their music be played...and most of the time I get positive feedback...

Again, Casey and Conrad are playing Taylor's "Tim McGraw" on their respective shows and pitching her Album too...

[Steve Parr]

I've not been really drunk in years.....I'm thinking that would be the only way to survive the two of you guys for more than a couple hours

I hadn't been really drunk in years, but I ended up in a joint called "Trade Winds" on Thursday night, in St. Augustine, with my brother and my nephew. Yeah, it got a little drunk out that night...

I could listen to Steve cry about rap music and Dwight could go into the details of his latest lens purchase.....:p

Don't get me started on the rap...

Seriously I'd love to head out that way late winter or the first part of spring..we should do that.

I'm in the midst of putting my travel schedule together for the first half of the year. For the most part, it's all flexible, with the exception of January (trade show) and May.

It's just a short train ride north; I'm there...

[DwightMcCann]

Maybe we should start a thread over in the POTN user activities forum, eh? :-)

[johnstoy]

Maybe we should start a thread over in the POTN user activities forum, eh? :-)

Big new year's party at the venue...too bad there is a considerable chance of freezing rain and ice starting at midnight too...and the venue is on a hill top...

I hope you're better of in Sunny Southern California...Dwight, you wanna post some of your great collages or photos in the best 3 thread, I started? The thread will be there for a while yet...

Happy New Year and Have a Most Prosperous One Too...

[Steve Parr]

Maybe we should start a thread over in the POTN user activities forum, eh? :-)

Works for me...

[DwightMcCann]

Aw, let's wait til next year!

[Steve Parr]

Aw, let's wait til next year!

Excellent call...