Von Iva @ BOTH SF, CA

[Valerie S]

Von Iva will probably get a lot of Le Tigre comparisions. They have a new disc coming out next month on an indie (I can't remember). These aren't portfolio pieces, but a couple have a bit of feel. Speaking of which, I wouldn't have kept #3 if it weren't for that guy's expression ;)

1
http://www.babymonster.com/vi1/vi_1.jpg

2
http://www.babymonster.com/vi1/vi_2.jpg

3
http://www.babymonster.com/vi1/vi_3.jpg

4
http://www.babymonster.com/vi1/vi_4.jpg

5
http://www.babymonster.com/vi1/vi_5.jpg

Also, here's why I use filters (this is my 70-200/2.8 IS - the glass is fine). Ouch.
http://www.babymonster.com/samples/ouch01.jpg

[René Damkot]

She is standing on the drumkit wearing high heels? http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys3/anbetung.gif

Nice expression of the drummer in #2 and 4.
#5 is nice as well.

Looks like a tough shoot lightingwise...

On the filter: I would wager that the lens would have been fine without the filter, wearing the hood: This looks like side impact. The filter will brake in a case like this. The front element won't ;)

But I'm trying (unsuccesfully so far) to stay out of 'filter' arguments. I think in PA they could be of use in concerts where a lot of liquid (beer) is thrown around... Then again: I'm not overly concerned.. Stuff like this (http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/060203Feestje/source/rhd_20060302_feje_0011.htm) sometimes happen at parties, and untill now, I've only lost my 35/2.0. (Sombody tipped a glass of beer into my bag: All hoods served as a glass just fine. The 35 now has residue between the front elements)

[bestfromnw]

i like the look on the guys face on #3

[johnstoy]

The legs are shapely, yes... very nice...

Great set of the band having a good time...

Was that a B & W filter?

[DwightMcCann]

In #1, 3 & 5 she seems to be working harder at showing her undergarments than singing ... probably a good trade considering the guy in #3. I, too, think #1 is magnificent capture! In #3 I wonder how she managed to get her skirt thrown up as her mic hand is up but other hand is almost behind her ... but I know girls have a way of flouncing their skirts to expose themselves that men just don't understand. So, is this group just a drummer and a singer? An odd combination. But good photography work all around.

Since I shoot only in very safe venues Rene has convinced me to take off the filters during concerts, but they are otherwise always on my lenses ... I have had several incidents where threads got bent and I would prefer that to happen on filter than lens.

[Valerie S]

Thanks a lot. I could tell they were really having a great time, which is what I hoped to capture, as opposed to "ultimate shots". They have a couple of fans that take care of blowing things around. There were more panty moments, but I didn't jump at those (though the guy photogs around me did). There is a keyboardist, but I didnt get anything of her that I liked at all.

Yep, it was a B+W UV MRC. The lens was in a LowePro Slingshot with the hood reversed. It slipped out of my hands as I was poicking it off of a table and fell less than 12". The filter mount is fine and not warped; I wonder if the brass ring helped protect it. I was considering shooting naked just before this happened, but now I'm having second thoughts. Also, in the clubs I like, flying drinks are common.

[DwightMcCann]

If you shoot naked you will completely steal the show from "Panty Girl" so I'd give it a pass! :-) I always assume something may happen to some of my equipment but am fortunate that I can afford and have a place to keep backup stuff nearby. I think shooting small venues and clubs is a whole different world. I need to get up there and shoot with you.

[Valerie S]

I think shooting small venues and clubs is a whole different world. I need to get up there and shoot with you.

The thing that really gets to me is someone is always trying to get my shot. If I put it on the stage, a band member thinks it's for them. If I put it on the floor, it get's kicked... ;)