PDA

View Full Version : The Whitlams @ the Gov


BJWOK
28th of September 2009 (Mon), 00:50
I lived in Perth circa '96-'99 and it was around this time The Whitlams had huge success with their Eternal Nightcap album. I enjoyed the album and it was a favourite in the share house I lived in. Around that time I saw them play the "Eternal Nightcap" tour at The Ozone bar in Northbridge and enjoyed the intimacy of the venue and story telling within the songs. The band went on to release a number of albums after Eternal Nightcap, however they were somewhat lost on me. They never seemed to be able to re-capture that vibe again, or maybe it was just my circumstances changed, along with my taste in music?

Fast forward many years and shift from WA to SA and the band announced a "Eternal Nightcap" tour - much like other bands celebrating the anniversary of particular albums by playing the entire album from go to woe.*

I rocked up just as No Aphrodisiac - the albums opener and possibly the Whitlams best track was commencing. From the back of the sold out Gov I sussed a spot right next to the stage and the speaker stack and right next to Tim Freedman. Maybe it was too close, because there was no one there already??

I got my close shots with the 24-70 f/2.8L and then moved around the venue using the 70-200 f/2.8L IS.

After completing the entire album they went off stage for the first of three encores (??) returning each time to a thunder of applause. They certainly have not lost anything, the crowd gathered lapped up every song offered, particularly closing number (and the single that gave the band initial interest from a mainstream audience) "I Make Hamburgers".

Photographically The Whitlams are tedious to shoot. Aside from a small variety of facial expressions from Tim Freedman, there is not a lot going on visually. I got what I thought was a good representation of the show here in these 5 shots, the only thing missing is a crowd shot (which I did get, but it's not worthy of posting here...)

01. http://www.bjwok.com/photos/event/w/thewhitlams/thewhitlams01.jpg

02. http://www.bjwok.com/photos/event/w/thewhitlams/thewhitlams02.jpg

03. http://www.bjwok.com/photos/event/w/thewhitlams/thewhitlams03.jpg

04. http://www.bjwok.com/photos/event/w/thewhitlams/thewhitlams04.jpg

05. http://www.bjwok.com/photos/event/w/thewhitlams/thewhitlams05.jpg

johnstoy
28th of September 2009 (Mon), 02:18
Real nice colors and action...

Two great lenses to use too.

roman_t
30th of September 2009 (Wed), 07:52
2 and 3 for me look very nice

BJWOK
30th of September 2009 (Wed), 18:52
thanks guys :)

what's everyones consensus on the flare in 05?. i never use lens hoods at live gigs, maybe i should start! (although that wouldn't have helped on this shot)

René Damkot
1st of October 2009 (Thu), 10:04
Maybe a non too clean lens (since the flare looks like it's caused by a smear).

Been there, keep on doing that.

I do use lens hoods 24/7. Drawback is that if beer spills into the bag, they act as cups as well ;) (Been there :()

BJWOK
1st of October 2009 (Thu), 17:03
yeah, will have a look and clean the front of it. could also just be the angle of the light?
i only have one body, so am changing lenses rapidly during the first three songs - adding a lens hood to the equation just isn't something i have time for! ahh well, better buy a second body then!! heheh

René Damkot
2nd of October 2009 (Fri), 00:56
My lenses are hooded in the bag ;)

BJWOK
2nd of October 2009 (Fri), 01:06
hmmm, what kind of bag so you have? i've got the 7MDH from Crumpler and with hoods attached it wouldn't fit everything:

5D
16-35
24-70
70-200
580EX II (times two if I'm shooting a nightclub)

trt-reece
2nd of October 2009 (Fri), 08:05
2nd shot of tim is real nice.. 4th shot shows what you mean about them being real static.

As for the bag discussion, I have nothing specific to offer, since I use a custom shoulder bag (adapted from aussie disposals), and rarely change lenses, but it does alright with a flash and 2nd lens (tokina 10-17mm)

René Damkot
5th of October 2009 (Mon), 12:35
hmmm, what kind of bag so you have?

Billingham 445:

Very nice to work out of if there's space or a pit. Drama if you need to get through the audience at a crowded gig.

1D3 with either 20-35L or Sigma 20/1.8
28/1.8
50/1.4
100/2.0
80-200L
580EX
550EX
bits and pieces.

http://moonglade.net/rene/POTN/Billingham445.jpg

BJWOK
5th of October 2009 (Mon), 17:49
wow! looks like it fits nicely tho! heavy to lug around town tho - i'm often walking a fair bit between venues.