Merle Haggard @ Chumash Casino Resort, April 23, 2010

[DwightMcCann]

I shot Merle about four or five years ago (there's a previous thread here in PA) in which the lighting wasn't very good. Well, this time was even worse. I'm not sure I got an image that I'm really happy with.

#1 The obligatory collage:
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggardCollage-1024.jpg

#2 Actually, I'm pretty happy with this, taken prior to the concert!
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggard005.jpg

#3 A significant portion of the view from my kneeling in the center isle position was blocked by the 30" video monitor that displays the lyrics to his tunes ... this is in addition to all the audio monitors and speakers that run across the front of the stage.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggard011.jpg

#4 1/40th at f/2.8 and ISO 1250 ... not great light!
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggard016.jpg

#5 Full stage ... this was the way the lighting stayed for the first three songs after which I left.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggard055.jpg

#6 And again, this is pretty much what the lighting was on Merle ... although he did take the hat off again at the end of the third song.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggard071.jpg

#7 Near the end of my three song limit I bellied up to stage left (all the way at the very edge of the stage) ... he noticed me and looked over several times for five to ten seconds with a bit of a smile, which I much appreciated. I was one of three togs and the only one with big white lenses and the only one who moved to this position. I know his beard is burned out ... I recovery in LR to little avail but I wanted his eyes.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggard083.jpg

#8 This is probably my favorite of the night ... the best balance of light and shadows I got ... not sure where the light came from.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggard087.jpg

There are a few more in my gallery at http://dwightmccann.com/ChumashCasinoResort/MerleHaggard04232010.html for your listening pleasure.

[DDCSD]

Hats can be tough, especially cowboy hats! I think you did good, even if they're not up to your usual standards.

How does Merle sound these days?

[DwightMcCann]

Hats can be tough, especially cowboy hats! I think you did good, even if they're not up to your usual standards.

How does Merle sound these days?
Thanks! He sounds good for as old as he is .. about 74 I think ... and just the fact that he's touring is a statement in itself.

He did start out without a hat as seen in this 300mm f/2.8 1/50th exposure but that only lasted while he was walking on.
http://dwightmccann.com/Images/MerleHaggard04232010/fullsize/MerleHaggard008.jpg

[burntpixel]

Good stuff, love the Hag!
I have nearly the same shot as #7 from a few years ago when he and Willie were on tour.

[johnstoy]

#4 is my favorite...

[BJWOK]

nice work dwight. hats and lighting are totally tricky. add a bushy white beard to the mix and you have a tough gig! i like your detailed explanations too :)

[DwightMcCann]

Good stuff, love the Hag!
I have nearly the same shot as #7 from a few years ago when he and Willie were on tour.

#4 is my favorite...

nice work dwight. hats and lighting are totally tricky. add a bushy white beard to the mix and you have a tough gig! i like your detailed explanations too :)
Thanks, guys!

[dlpasco]

Dwight,

First off, let me say that I've enjoyed your Chumash photos since I joined POTN. You always do a professional job and I admire your composure.

I am also a fan of Merle Haggard. These photos prompted me to play "Epic Hits" on iTunes while I work (a software developer, similar age, beautiful and understanding wife who tells me what to do...you know the picture ;)) and especially my favorite - Big City. I like the line "Turn me loose, set me free, somewhere in the middle of Montana." I did that - almost, I missed Montana by about twenty miles. I need to listen to that song periodically to remind me how good I have it. Thanks.

Merle may not be what he was forty years ago but he is a very talented guy. I recently ran across a video of him performing with another gifted singer - Marty Robbins. It's fun and quite humorous. I hope you enjoy the link (and my apologies if this is considered a hijack!!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1EJ0KxKvW0

Dan

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight,

First off, let me say that I've enjoyed your Chumash photos since I joined POTN. You always do a professional job and I admire your composure.

I am also a fan of Merle Haggard. These photos prompted me to play "Epic Hits" on iTunes while I work (a software developer, similar age, beautiful and understanding wife who tells me what to do...you know the picture ;)) and especially my favorite - Big City. I like the line "Turn me loose, set me free, somewhere in the middle of Montana." I did that - almost, I missed Montana by about twenty miles. I need to listen to that song periodically to remind me how good I have it. Thanks.

Merle may not be what he was forty years ago but he is a very talented guy. I recently ran across a video of him performing with another gifted singer - Marty Robbins. It's fun and quite humorous. I hope you enjoy the link (and my apologies if this is considered a hijack!!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1EJ0KxKvW0

Dan
Thank you for the compliment, Dan. I'm happy it's brought back nice memories.