A lot of wedding photographers also shoot other types of work to make a living. Fashion, editorial, portraiture, commercial, doggies, etc. For the most part, those types of photography just don't appeal to me that much shooting wise. I mean I like looking at good photography, but that doesn't mean I want to shoot all of that stuff (well, dogs maybe, cuz I like fur kids).
So what do I like to shoot besides weddings? Concerts!!
Live music *done well* knocks my socks off. The power of a great concert that moves you is amazing and difficult to articulate with words.... much like a wedding. If you like live music, than hopefully you understand what I mean :) I find that there are actually a lot of parallels between shooting weddings and concerts. I think mostly it's about fleeting moments, the value of a shared experience, and mutual respect and appreciation between the band and the audience.
Concerts--like weddings-- are also really hard to shoot, albeit for different reasons. The norm is you get to shoot the first three songs--that's it. You don't get any second chances--just like a wedding. If you don't get good stuff, then you're toast. Everything changes before your eyes..... it's chaotic even at mellow shows. The lighting changes incredibly fast (although it is almost always very dark); performers move; crew people move stuff around between songs; hands + hair + instruments + microphone stands get in the way of a performers facial expressions; where you can shoot from is restricted; security people have badge-itude; some concert goers are already inebriated and aren't always friendly...... you get the idea.
Which brings us to the title of my post.
I like the Cowboy Junkies, who are often labeled as an alt-country band. I think that description is inadequate, just like most of our attempts to classify music. Anyway, they do a great live show. Like Pearl Jam and some other acts that I dig, they do a different set every night--never the same show twice. Also like PJ, an "average/ok" show for both acts is better than the majority of shows you will experience by a lot of artists. I'm not well known in the music industry yet, so I wasn't shooting for any specific music magazines or what have you. I really wanted to shoot their gig, so I contacted the band directly and they said yes. How friggin' great is that?!?
A HUGE thankyou to the band for letting me shoot the show!
With that, enjoy a few pics from the gig at the Wiltern in LA ;)
Michael
PS: Here are some music related threads: Music is the Drug, and Another one bites the dust: Music, Pt II.
PPS: Also, Pearl Jam has started announcing tour dates for the US and Europe. Ben Harper will be opening for some US dates with his new band. Ben is an outstanding live performer in his own right, and I would see him in a heartbeat. I've been waiting to see them together on the same bill for about 13 years. If you only see one rock concert this year, see this show.
I think Margo was having more "hair issues" than usual. NOT a put-down! CJ updated their website (still transitioning), but for a long time Margo had a little sub-section of their tour diary devoted to coping with her hair :)
This is my favorite shot from the night. Margo's brother Mike, at left, writes all of the songs. Unlike most guitar players, he stays seated for the whole show, but don't think for a minute he doesn't make it scream just 'cuz he's sitting down! Jeff Bird on harmonica in the back (plus mandolin and lots of other "shaky stuff," as Margo put it). He records his own music, and regularly tours with the Junkies.
Margo always has flowers, hot tea, water, and a big notebook on the music stand. The crew replenishes her tea throughout the gig.
