Steve Poltz @ Rivoli - Toronto...

[Steve Parr]

I was in Toronto last week for Canadian Music Week. Steve Poltz, who I've shot here in San Diego a few times, was invited to play. Steve is one of the most enjoyable performers I've ever seen. He's also the guy who co-wrote some of Jewel's hits on her first album:

#1
http://www.onstagephotography.com/images/hugepoltz01.jpg

#2
http://www.onstagephotography.com/images/hugepoltz03.jpg

#3
http://www.onstagephotography.com/images/hugepoltz06.jpg

#4
http://www.onstagephotography.com/images/hugepoltz07.jpg

#5
http://www.onstagephotography.com/images/hugepoltz09.jpg

#6
http://www.onstagephotography.com/images/hugepoltz05.jpg

I would've liked to have shot from the middle to the back of the room, as well, but the joint was packed, and there was no way to guarantee that I'd ever make it back up front.

Everything shot with the 20D and 24-70mm f/2.8L, at ISO 1600. Comments, critiques, and edits are welcome...

[Nick_b]

Co-wrote some of Jewel's first disk? That's enough to get my attention!


As far as the shots go, they look great. A little over sharpened for my taste though.

[Steve Parr]

Co-wrote some of Jewel's first disk? That's enough to get my attention!

He co-wrote "You Were Meant For Me" and "Adrian"...

As far as the shots go, they look great. A little over sharpened for my taste though.

Thanks; did nothing in the sharpening department, though!

[René Damkot]

#2, 4 (bit blown) and 5 are nice, #3 needs a crop.
Doesn't look oversharpened, does look a bit 'edgy' though...

[Nick_b]

He co-wrote "You Were Meant For Me" and "Adrian"...


Two of my favorites!


Thanks; did nothing in the sharpening department, though!

I think it must be the file size then... looks like they are around 40Kb? Anyway I think they are great.

How was the event? sounds like it was a success. I would have loved to have gone. Did you need a press pass or anything?

[Steve Parr]

#2, 4 (bit blown) and 5 are nice, #3 needs a crop.

Thanks. I'll play around with some crops on #3...

Doesn't look oversharpened, does look a bit 'edgy' though...

I'll simply attribute it to the ultra-sharp-super-duper-focusing-power of the mighty 70-24mm f/2.8L!!!

[bmoguy]

Very nice. I'm liking 2 & 5 the best. Good set.

[johnstoy]

You presented the overall mood of the performance very nicely, Steve... without the big stage lights and backdrops a single performer has to do a extra big job in the overall presentation... Steve Poltz has a lot of stage presence and looks very personable... Very good set...

[Indecent Exposure]

Great shots. #1 is my fav (for the way it highlights the performer, it's a very smooth and natural transition into the dark background - actually, all of your pics have this attribute and I really like it), but they are all great.

[hooookup]

He's also the founder of the Rugburns and wrote Hitch Hiker Joe which is one of my favorite drinking songs from the 90's/

[Steve Parr]

I think it must be the file size then... looks like they are around 40Kb? Anyway I think they are great.

Oh, Hell, I'm not sure. I'll have to look...

How was the event? sounds like it was a success. I would have loved to have gone. Did you need a press pass or anything?

The event was great, and there were a lot of great performers; not just Steve.

When I found out that Steve would be playiing CMW, I scheduled a business trip around the event (I love that kind of flexibility). I've gotten to know Steve a bit over the last three years, so he invited me to shoot his performances. Nobody hassled me at all about credentials...

[DennisMiller]

I like #5 best... smile, angle on the guitar reinforces intricacy of the performance, no lights in the background like #4 has on his arm... I also like how the back of his head and back merge into the dark background.

[thelightofsound]

i like 2 the best. 4 would of gotten that vote, based on composition alone, but it seems a bit soft and blown. i do think you were able to successfully break the "don't crop the neck" rule; however, as a taylor guy, i would think you would like that in there.

[Steve Parr]

i like 2 the best. 4 would of gotten that vote, based on composition alone, but it seems a bit soft and blown. i do think you were able to successfully break the "don't crop the neck" rule; however, as a taylor guy, i would think you would like that in there.

Hehehehe... yeah, I hear ya'. I could fall back on the fact that the bridge is almost as identifiable as the writing on the headstock, but that's probably only known to, well Taylor guys.

Thanks!

[Philco]

I think he and Gregory Page (from the Rugburns) both favor the 500 series Taylors. It's too bad pictures can't really convey how much fun Steve is to go see, but they are good pictures!

[Steve Parr]

I think he and Gregory Page (from the Rugburns) both favor the 500 series Taylors. It's too bad pictures can't really convey how much fun Steve is to go see, but they are good pictures!

You know, I don't know that I've ever actually seen Page play a Taylor. I think he's got a pretty extensive collection, so there's probably a lot to choose from.

Also, when the Rugburns play, if I recall, Greg's playing bass...

[according to jim]

Great Pictures! 1600 ... did you use any Noise software @ all.

Jim

[Philco]

It's been a while since I've seen Gregory, but he was always playing a 510. He talked to me about how much he loved it. Coincidentally I have a picture that I took, in a drawer somewhere, of Gregory holding his 510, sitting next to Bob Taylor. Yeah, he played bass in the Rugburns, so I'm thinking really of his solo stuff.

[Steve Parr]

Great Pictures! 1600 ... did you use any Noise software @ all.


Nope; none at all.

And thanks for the comments!

[taygull]

Thanks. I'll play around with some crops on #3...



I'll simply attribute it to the ultra-sharp-super-duper-focusing-power of the mighty 70-24mm f/2.8L!!!

Nice stuff Steve,

I agree with the 24mm-70mm....I'm getting images sometimes that are to sharp. Heck I'm shooting RAW 100% of the time and almost only sharpen when I reduce for web.

Ad a 1D Mark IIn or 5D to your list and the images will cut you like a knife.

[Steve Parr]

Nice stuff Steve,

I agree with the 24mm-70mm....I'm getting images sometimes that are to sharp. Heck I'm shooting RAW 100% of the time and almost only sharpen when I reduce for web.

Ad a 1D Mark IIn or 5D to your list and the images will cut you like a knife.

Thanks, Chris.

Along with the list of a 5D or a 1D MKIIn, maybe I could add a good divorce attorney..

:D

[taygull]

Thanks, Chris.

Along with the list of a 5D or a 1D MKIIn, maybe I could add a good divorce attorney..

:D


.....sneak out a few 814ce's and sell them on the street!

I'd actually like a real nice quilty 615ce!

[livewire-photography.com]

Steve im loving 3 and 4, really shows passion and emotion, as well as nice and clear and great framing.

[britain]

Nice shots, Steve worked for us way back in sales. Will forward this link to his old boss I think they still keep in touch.