Concert photography...something new for me. 56K warning

Maestro · October 4, 2009

I really couldn't find a home for these images so I am posting them here.

I am usually pointing my lens at birds or some other wildlife. This was a whole new experience for me...no concerts, but the photography part.

I had the great luck to have a parent at my school that works for the company that does the concert lighting for Metallica. She is based in town while her husband travels with Metallica. She obtained backstage passes for me. I was able to go backstage, walk around, take pictures in certain places...Even with a pass there were areas that were off limits. Metallica had two opening bands that are two of my favorites as well. The first band was Gojira. They play a brand of extreme metal wrapped around environmentally and socially themed lyrics. The second band was Lamb of God who play a brand of new American metalcore or so the critics call it. They too are a very good and technically proficient band. I was able to meet the drummer for Lamb of God. He couldn't have been nicer and more down to earth. BTW, one odd thing about the whole night was how drug free the environment was. I am used to attending metal concerts back in the 80s and drugs were everywhere. I'm not complaining. It's nice to see people and bands who are more discreet about getting high or drunk. I guess it is the parent in me, but since Metallica is from generation there were many people with kids at the show and a lot of gray hair.

The kids do not need to see that.

Anyhow, here are some photos. This is my first attempt at concert photography. I was only allowed a lens that was less than five inches long so to be sure I just brought in my Canon "Fantastic Plastic" 50mm F1.8 lens. I even had to use my back-up camera, the venerable Canon Digital Rebel 450D since my 40D is being professionally cleaned. It took me a while to figure out the best settings but I think what I got is usable.

Equipment containers

Chris Adler, the drummer for Lamb of God

Joe Duplantier, vocalist and lead guitar for Gojira

Michel Labadie, bassist for Gojira

James Hetfield, lead singer, rhythm guitar for Metallica

Kirk Hammett, lead guitar for Metallica

Robert Trujillo, bassist for Metallica

I have quite a few more that I will share later.

Mav · October 4, 2009

Great shots - I love the way you've managed to capture very different atmosphere with each of the performers

Were these shots cropped or were you that close?

Looking forward to seeing the rest.

Sexy6Chick · October 4, 2009

Oh man, you are so lucky! I have always wanted to do concert photography. I thought it would be awesome to travel the world with a band and take photos like that.

Great shots..love the one of James!