Alan Jackson @ Chumash Casino Resort, April 2, 2009

[DwightMcCann]

This was a big time, sold out, concert with a huge amount of equipment, two song limit, good lighting and not enough time to really capture the essence. There were two other local photographers who are friends of mine. Alan does a good show.

#1 Obligatory collage:
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/AlanJackson04022009/fullsize/AlanJacksonCollage-1024.jpg

#2 Alan smiles a lot as though he is happy with himself and the world:
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/AlanJackson04022009/fullsize/AlanJackson012.jpg

#3 Again, a subtle smile looking out into the audience:
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/AlanJackson04022009/fullsize/AlanJackson033.jpg

#4 Yup, lots of smiles!
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/AlanJackson04022009/fullsize/AlanJackson041.jpg

#5 Capturing the full stage, all the sidemen, plus the screens in back was a bit tricky.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/AlanJackson04022009/fullsize/AlanJackson045.jpg

#6 They brought their own video guys ... don't think they did as good a job as ours but they were allowed on the stage ... the down side of that is that they only got side angles and no audience views or advantage of our boom camera.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/AlanJackson04022009/fullsize/AlanJackson058.jpg

#7 Grabbin' that microphone!
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/AlanJackson04022009/fullsize/AlanJackson065.jpg

There are more on my website at http://dwightmccann.com/ChumashCasinoResort/AlanJackson04022009.html ... and some of those may be better than these! :-)

[D.A.]

Solid set. Seems boring concert for me :)
Not my kind of music.

[johnstoy]

Great shots... love the depth, clarity and sharpness too.

[DwightMcCann]

Solid set. Seems boring concert for me :)
Not my kind of music.
That's just how I feel about metal, hip hop and rap! :-)

Great shots... love the depth, clarity and sharpness too.
Thanks, John ... all my 1D bodies are having to go back to Canon for hardware engineering change for AF, sigh. I am getting a few too many that are not sharp along with these.

[Naturalist]

He probably smiles because, like many of us, he is thinking "I can't believe I get paid to do this!"

Good shots!

[DwightMcCann]

He probably smiles because, like many of us, he is thinking "I can't believe I get paid to do this!"

Good shots!
LOL, yes, I am sure that's true, too! :-) I get paid pretty good to shoot bands and I find it hard to believe. But Alan does seem like a happy guy and I can assure you, lots of the talent aren't! In fact, they don't seem happy with anything. :-(

[Karl Johnston]

Wow great shots. I love AJ. He's looking pretty old from how I used to remember him when I was younger.

[DwightMcCann]

Wow great shots. I love AJ. He's looking pretty old from how I used to remember him when I was younger.

Thanks. We're all getting older. He looks pretty good. My camera finds every imperfection, sigh. I just love that he smiles and seems so genuinely happy.

[wardie]

Really like #3, he's seems (as you say) really happy doing what he's doing.

My wife was also surprised at his age but we don't get to see much of him here "down under"

As usual Dwight, up to your usual high standards, nicely done.

[DwightMcCann]

Really like #3, he's seems (as you say) really happy doing what he's doing.

My wife was also surprised at his age but we don't get to see much of him here "down under"

As usual Dwight, up to your usual high standards, nicely done.

Some days I've got it, some days I don't. This day, I did! :-) I'm as old as most of the acts I shoot ... 63. ;)

[BJWOK]

beautiful stuff dwight.

what noise reduction plugin are you using mate?

[DwightMcCann]

beautiful stuff dwight.

what noise reduction plugin are you using mate?

Thank you! I don't believe in noise reduction for concerts ... I shoot with the most expensive bodies Canon offers in the best concert lighting in the world instead. :-)

[BJWOK]

wow! ok, next question then:

what ISO you shooting at ;)

[DwightMcCann]

wow! ok, next question then:

what ISO you shooting at ;)
There is EXIF data in each image but not the collage so you can check everything. If you don't have an EXIF reader you should check the FAQ (see my signature.) ISO 1250.

[BJWOK]

cools, thanks man. got EXIF viewer.

cheers for the tip :)

[DwightMcCann]

cools, thanks man. got EXIF viewer.

cheers for the tip :)
You might glance at my Gear List (see signature.) I spend A LOT of money on gear. ;)

[roman_t]

like 3 and 4 most of all. is boom camera operated as remote or its crane with seat for operator? would be cool to shoot sitting there

[DwightMcCann]

like 3 and 4 most of all. is boom camera operated as remote or its crane with seat for operator? would be cool to shoot sitting there
The boom camera is also called a jib. It is a long arm with a video camera mounted at the end and counter weighted. It can swing out over the audience and/or up pretty high, but it can probably only 20-30 pounds, so no sitting.

[narlus]

nice bright sharp pics...a bit staid, but i would think that is what the artist is all about. i'd ditch #2...there's a mic stand in the way and it looks like he's just adjusting his guitar strap.

[DwightMcCann]

nice bright sharp pics...a bit staid, but i would think that is what the artist is all about. i'd ditch #2...there's a mic stand in the way and it looks like he's just adjusting his guitar strap.

Yup, I thought about using this one at #2 but it looks a bit back focused ... maybe I should have gone with my first instinct, eh? :-) This is the reason my bodies are going back to Canon for hardware corection.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/AlanJackson04022009/fullsize/AlanJackson004.jpg

[René Damkot]

Yup, I thought about using this one at #2 but it looks a bit back focused ...

That's more then "a bit" backfocussed :rolleyes:
#2 isn't the best (more because of the cropped hand then the mic stand IMO), but this one isn't usable.

Just bought myself a 1D3 as well: Couldn't stand my 1D2 anymore: Way too many AF inconsistencies even after repeated repair attempts by Canon... So let us know if the repair on the 1D3 improves AF for you ;)

[DwightMcCann]

That's more then "a bit" backfocussed :rolleyes:
#2 isn't the best (more because of the cropped hand then the mic stand IMO), but this one isn't usable.

Just bought myself a 1D3 as well: Couldn't stand my 1D2 anymore: Way too many AF inconsistencies even after repeated repair attempts by Canon... So let us know if the repair on the 1D3 improves AF for you ;)
Well, there you go ... two songs isn't enough! :-) I do put some that are marginal in my galleries because my usual level of viewers love them and don't even see the imperfections and I am not trying to get any more business.

The AF issues have certainly plagued me since I upgraded from 1DMIIN which rarely misfocused. I am hoping this fix will have a marked impact since the issue seems to be for 'non-center AF points in low light'. I'm hoping the next 1D series bodies have some new AF technology as I think Canon has really been burned by this. If they had something new I'd buy a couple right now.

Isn't there a feature in EOS utilities or DPP that shows the AF point used on the image itself? I'm wondering if I can pull up the .CR2 with that and see just what the body thought it was doing, although I expect it will show the right point on the eyes and just be OOF.

[Blue Deuce]

Isn't there a feature in EOS utilities or DPP that shows the AF point used on the image itself? I'm wondering if I can pull up the .CR2 with that and see just what the body thought it was doing, although I expect it will show the right point on the eyes and just be OOF.

Anyone who has the need to sort through large amounts of files should use Breezebrowser Pro. It also depicts the AF point used. http://www.breezesys.com/BreezeBrowser/index.htm

Nice series. I can't claim to be a devoted country fan but find Alan Jackson easy to listen to.

[DwightMcCann]

Anyone who has the need to sort through large amounts of files should use Breezebrowser Pro. It also depicts the AF point used. http://www.breezesys.com/BreezeBrowser/index.htm

Nice series. I can't claim to be a devoted country fan but find Alan Jackson easy to listen to.
I use PhotoMechanic to sort, cull, inject IPTC, rename. It also understands PhotoShelter where I contribute to FightWireImages. Just having the added ability to see the AF isn't enough incentive to change. I have looked at their remote shooting software but it's not clear how well it interfaces with Bridge and PS the way EOS Utilities does.

I think Alan is generally easy to listen to, too. :-)

[Prssinglecut]

Cracking pics Dwight, love them

Phil

[René Damkot]

Isn't there a feature in EOS utilities or DPP that shows the AF point used on the image itself? I'm wondering if I can pull up the .CR2 with that and see just what the body thought it was doing, although I expect it will show the right point on the eyes and just be OOF.

On the Mac it's in Eos Viewer Utility or the latest version of DPP.

Also, have a look at this: Link (http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos1dm3af/index.html)

[DwightMcCann]

On the Mac it's in Eos Viewer Utility or the latest version of DPP.

Also, have a look at this: Link (http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos1dm3af/index.html)

I'll poke around next time I'm shooting.

I looked at the link ... they sure could have made that easier to read! I'll double check that I've got the setup they recommend, but I really think that it's just bad engineering that's causing my problems, but we'll see.

Edit: Yup, my settings are as recommended and as I expected.

[DDCSD]

Nice set Dwight, now I know what I missed last week when he was here!

[DwightMcCann]

Nice set Dwight, now I know what I missed last week when he was here!
Visually but not auditorially!

[DDCSD]

Visually but not auditorially!

Very true. He's always outstanding when I've seen him live on TV, so I can only imagine he has to be great in person.

[skifurthur]

I really like # 3 and 5 in this set, Dwight. It's a pity that you weren't able to get a tad wider on # 5 and make the sideman whole (half-sideman?). As usual the lighting that you work with is stellar with very few hot spots or ugly shadows.

[DwightMcCann]

I really like # 3 and 5 in this set, Dwight. It's a pity that you weren't able to get a tad wider on # 5 and make the sideman whole (half-sideman?). As usual the lighting that you work with is stellar with very few hot spots or ugly shadows.
Thanks. Yes, the lighting is stellar. As for #5: when I am shooting from back at the lightboard to get these full stage shots I tend to wait for the headliner to be in a good position, shoot, zoom, wait, shoot, zoom. While I try to be mindful of where everyone is, the sidemen are very secondary. I zoom, trying many focal lengths, because by experience I have found cropping in, in camera, often makes a much better picture. Alan tends to spend a lot of time with the microphone in his mouth, so combined with the two song limit I didn't manage to get the best crop with the best presentation.

[DwightMcCann]

One of my images used by this east coast magazine: http://countytimes.somd.com/ ... with permission, of course.

[amareica]

#3 for me Dwight. Looks like you really made the most of his stationary position and kept them interesting!

[alan_potter]

Loved #3 - that hint of a smile really makes him look like an amiable sort of a guy.

What do you use for the titling on your collages?

regards,
/alan

[DwightMcCann]

#3 for me Dwight. Looks like you really made the most of his stationary position and kept them interesting!
Thanks ... I do my best. :-)

Loved #3 - that hint of a smile really makes him look like an amiable sort of a guy.

What do you use for the titling on your collages?

regards,
/alan
The Reader's Digest Condensed version of my workflow: Windows Explorer drag-and-drop from CF card to folder -> PhotoMechanic to cull, rename and inject IPTC data -> LightRoom for adjustments -> Corel's PhotoImpact for creating collage and for adding copyright watermark. [I am in my third year of converting from PhotoImpact to Photoshop ... I have a huge investment in time in PhotoImpact so it's hard to give up, but I do all new non-concert work in Photoshop CS4, et alia.]

[alan_potter]

Thank you - I may try the PhotoImpact trial version; I really like the collages you produce and would like to try it myself (the pictures ain't half bad, too! :) )

regards,
/alan

[DwightMcCann]

Alan, the collage business is all simply hand-done. Usually a full stage image on a black background (so I can slide it around like a PS layer), then a cutout of the headliner facing in, and then text and logos. Other than the cutouts its trivial although it does take some time. You can do the same thing in almost any image editing software. But the price is right!

[yonders]

Amazing photographs of an amazing Alan Jackson.

[DwightMcCann]

Amazing photographs of an amazing Alan Jackson.
I thank you. Alan thanks you! :-)

[yonders]

I thank you. Alan thanks you! :-)

You're welcome :)

You may be amazed to know that Alan Jackson has fans in Goa [India] and that also goes country music.

Cheers.

[DwightMcCann]

You're welcome :)

You may be amazed to know that Alan Jackson has fans in Goa [India] and that also goes country music.

Cheers.
Actually it doesn't surprise me at all. I have links from fan clubs, fans and forums into my galleries that I audit every few months with a very large number being foreign language ... a surprising number from Japan and other Asian countries.

[Rock Photo Star]

As one person mention, you did a great job capturing personality from someone who is probably pretty stationary otherwise. #2 and #3 really capture my eye. #3 especially would be a great, blown up shot. #4 just a little soft. Top collage is a nice, clean, professional job as usual. Not going to win any graphic design awards but totally does the job for the type of artist and setting you are seeking to convey.

Btw, I've got some upcoming threads I would love to get your opinion on Dwight.

[DwightMcCann]

As one person mention, you did a great job capturing personality from someone who is probably pretty stationary otherwise. #2 and #3 really capture my eye. #3 especially would be a great, blown up shot. #4 just a little soft. Top collage is a nice, clean, professional job as usual. Not going to win any graphic design awards but totally does the job for the type of artist and setting you are seeking to convey.

Btw, I've got some upcoming threads I would love to get your opinion on Dwight.
Thank you. Yeah, I know I'm not a graphic artist! :-) Actually, I'm not supposed to manipulate the images, even the collage, too much. They are documentary for the most part. In fact, lately I have been asked to attend more to the stage setup, any additional stage thrusts or unusual lighting, etc.

Well, when you post your threads either put a note in here, send me a PM, or nag me some other way. I tend to drift in and out of here and tend to miss a lot of stuff. Don't be shy.

[Rockfreak300]

Absolutely crisp photos. I love it!!

How did you situate yourself in regards to setting up a monopod / 300mm 2.8 IS? (I'm assuming that's one of the lenses you used according to your EXIF data)

Seems like using a bigger lens would be a bit tricky in venues. Were you shooting from the soundbooth?

[DwightMcCann]

Absolutely crisp photos. I love it!!

How did you situate yourself in regards to setting up a monopod / 300mm 2.8 IS? (I'm assuming that's one of the lenses you used according to your EXIF data)

Seems like using a bigger lens would be a bit tricky in venues. Were you shooting from the soundbooth?
Thank you ... everything is not always so crisp as sometimes I choose looks over technical perfection, as Rene can confirm. :-)

The 300mm f/2.8L IS is eminently hand holdable. I don't use a monopod at the casino. It is, actually, my favorite lens although far from the most used. Anyway, I use it to get headshots from near the stage, either in the center aisle at about the third row or from the sides of the stage. Sometimes I am too close for the close focusing range. And I do get a lot of OOF, blurry and badly composed (half a face) images which I toss ... but the one or two good ones are stunners.

[Paul S]

well done

[DwightMcCann]

well done
Thank you, again! :-)

[Geo]

Great capture nice color, great composition and the 70-200 2.8L IS was supper nice. one of the best job,

[DwightMcCann]

The photos are cool, the best is the 5th photo. :D
Keep up dude. :)
Thank you ... I will keep it up ... I shot Brooks & Dunn last week and this week will shoot Vince Gill. :-)

Great capture nice color, great composition and the 70-200 2.8L IS was supper nice. one of the best job,
Thank you ... I generally prefer my 300mm f/2.8L IS shots ... there should be EXIF in all the images.

[AlphaChicken]

1 - Obligatory.

2 - OOF object in foreground distracting.

3 - Nice. I like it.

4 - Great. Best one of the bunch with a good overall composition. I like the emotion. I wish there was more room on the bottom and less on top; too much dead space on top.

5 - Good stage shot. Crop is a little off on the right; too much dead space.

6 - My fav of the two stage shots.

7 - Good shot. Bad crop; there is way definitely too much space on the right. Space can be taken from the top and bottom to remove some on the right.


I see pretty bad banding and noise in the shadows in all these shots. Calibrated screen at correct brightness.

[AlphaChicken]

Solid set. Seems boring concert for me :)
Not my kind of music.

That's just how I feel about metal, hip hop and rap! :-)

Aww why can't we all like all good music?

[DwightMcCann]

1 - Obligatory.

2 - OOF object in foreground distracting.

3 - Nice. I like it.

4 - Great. Best one of the bunch with a good overall composition. I like the emotion. I wish there was more room on the bottom and less on top; too much dead space on top.

5 - Good stage shot. Crop is a little off on the right; too much dead space.

6 - My fav of the two stage shots.

7 - Good shot. Bad crop; there is way definitely too much space on the right. Space can be taken from the top and bottom to remove some on the right.


I see pretty bad banding and noise in the shadows in all these shots. Calibrated screen at correct brightness.
Yup.

[DwightMcCann]

Aww why can't we all like all good music?
We do, that's exactly what we're saying! LOL.

[AlphaChicken]

Hmmm...guess if you take it as it reads. :)

I guess i'm spoiled with the gift of loving all types of music. :)

[JMHPhotography]

Big Alan Jackson fan... these are AWESOME

[DwightMcCann]

Big Alan Jackson fan... these are AWESOME
Thank you! :-)