Photo Challenge 10 – Photographer

Well, we come to an end after 20 weeks of the original strict Photo Challenge format. We’ve lost two contributors along the way, with a third just hanging in there.

I am benefiting creatively by shooting in styles I am not familiar with, so instead of setting formal challenges online each fortnight I’m going to change the structure into something far more casual.  Any reader wishing to suggest a theme or get involved in a challenge should feel encouraged to do so, no matter what level they believe their photographic skills are at. Whatever I receive, whether it be a photo or an idea, will inspire me to shoot for that idea, and I’ll ask that you help me by continuing to contribute your thoughts and comments.   In other words, I’m going to post whatever theme I feel like, whenever I like,  in response to whatever conversation I’ve been having either online or offline with you guys.

Sounds like fun?  Well, it does to me.

On to our theme for this particular challenge – Photographer.

Steve’s submission

My thoughts:

My camera and tripod was still out after shooting a passport photo of myself, and when I moved it out of the cinema room (my “studio”) the cats showed their usual over-curiosity. Cue “ding” noise in sync with light bulb appearing over my head.

I took three images I really liked, and had a tough time choosing one, but this is as close as it gets to a cat setting up a “still life” photo of the outdoor BBQ. It so happens that the BBQ is the one spot the two of them can jump on to see over the fence. In this case I believe Mishka may be doing some rainy day reconnaissance so she is better prepared to make an escape bid when the sun reappears.

ISO 200, F2.8, 1/60

Joepi’s Submission

Joepi says:

The battle for the best spot to get the best shot.
There were more photographers at the back just waiting for their turn. I decided to get away first before I add to the non stop clicking and excited Photographer chatter.

My thoughts: As soon as I saw this image it reminded me of an image I took of a horde of male photographers swarming around a Japanese mini-celebrity in Akihabara. It’s unlikely that you’d see this sort of photographer/subject interaction on a Melbourne street. I’m not sure if that’s because Australians don’t take street photography seriously, or because the potential subjects so often display a bad attitude towards being photographed.

Joepi exhibits excellent paparazzi skills by being in front of all the rest.

Mat’s submission:

Mat says:

I took this during an Asleep In The Park gig where there were a few other photographers roaming around. I took this at 3200 ISO because it was a pretty dark venue then as the original shot was done in bright red light I fed it threw a gentle sepia filter in dark room to make it look less like a photojournalist visiting hell. I was tempted to
lighten up the camera but then I thought the photographer is the subject here and the camera is really irrelevant. At first I was amused at the way this guy has his left eye all screwed up in a painful looking squint…until I realised that I probably do the same thing!

My thoughts: Nice image, Mat. Well composed and exposed. I’m very impressed that 3200 came out this well. Seems like I might have to upgrade my 30D to the something with a new chip after all. I’m glad you didn’t lighten up the camera.  The photographer is, and should be the subject here. Definitely makes me squint when I look at it. In fact there are days when I wonder if I’m going to get my regular focal length back in my left eye, especially after staring at a bright stage through the viewfinder for an hour. On the flip side (excuse the pun) I feel very uncomfortable when I notice he is using his right eye to focus.  That just doesn’t seem at all right to me.  Well done in bringing back the image texture. After shooting once at Revolver under those bad red lights, I’ve chosen not to go back – at least not with my camera.  Note – Tyrah Banks thinks that lump above his left eye makes him uniquely photogenic. You may wish to suggest he try out for Cycle 13.

PS – “dark room”? You going backwards in your progression and fallen into film techniques, Mat?

Next Challenge

The next challenge is to think up the next theme for the masses to go crazy about. (Sarcasm is one of the services I offer).

I have some ideas for things I’m going to post when I get the urge, but if someone wants to put a rocket under me any earlier than that, then be my guest.

Jason & Misa’s wedding

Jason is a very tall, talented musician with a real enthusiasm for life.  And he doesn’t drink! What’s that all about? Never mind, he’s still an awesome guy.

Misa is a sweet and beautiful, outgoing Sushi Chef from Osaka, Japan, with part Korean lineage.

While Jason was spending an extended period of time in Japan in 2002 he met Misa on a train near Osaka.  Six years later they married at Queens Park in Moonee Ponds.

The weather was perfect, after nearly a week of sporadic rain and overcast days.  Misa looked absolutely stunning, and was a joy to photograph throughout the day.  With the combination of water, greenery and a very attractive guest list, particularly Misa’s family and friends who travelled from Japan for the occasion, it was difficult not to take wonderful photos.

There was a real musical bent to the day, beginning with the cello and two opera singers in the park, and ending with a rock show at the reception, performed by Jason and his large collection of musician friends.

I’m not a huge fan of photographing weddings for a number of reasons.  To begin with, I photograph in more of a documentary style, so I prefer very laid-back, relaxed weddings.  Secondly, I’m not really a fan of the institution itself, so if I accept a wedding job it is usually because I relate very well to the couple getting married.  This job was easy as I really enjoyed everyone’s company, and had a great day myself.  The third reason is due to the pressure of getting wedding photos right.  You only have one chance, and if you screw it up you can potentially ruin the happy day for the couple.  I can’t imagine what it must feel like to get home after shooting a very expensive, formal church wedding only to find your storage cards fail to be read, or have been lost or stolen.  I think I’d move to another country if that happened to me!

Misa’s Dad is an amazing man – humble, incredibly polite, and absolutely single-minded on ensuing his daughters are happy.  He seemed to be very proud, but did not betray too much emotion.  I only wish I could have spoken with him during the day.  I’m limited to about ten Japanese words and phrases, and there’s only so many ways one can string them together into meaningful conversation.

The best part of a wedding should be the reception. And this was one of the best.  With the band rocking out on hair metal hits of the 80s, the crowd was very quickly on their feet dancing.  And as you can tell from their smiles, everyone was having a great time.

After such an enjoyable wedding shoot as this one, who knows, I might just do some more!

Rock Gods II

December 13th, 2008 – Rock Gods II, live at the Gershwin Room, Espy Hotel, St Kilda.

The lineup was enticing – tributes to AC/DC, Kiss, Def Leppard, Van Halen & Skid Row. And with a Sammy Hagar tribute joining the expected David Lee Roth show I was genuinely chomping at the bit to see what quality would be paraded on stage.

I wasn’t disappointed. This was a fantastic night of showmanship, musicianship, and outright 80’s nostalgia, and I loved it!  With only one or two small issues – Def Repplica had an off night, possibly initiated by the fact that their opening track (Let It Go – my favourite!) was marred with no guitars in the house PA – I went home with a smile and 500-odd shots.

Thanks especially to Jason for his professionalism in not only performing with Van Hagar, but also stage managing the entire night and keeping every band to a very strict schedule. I know how difficult that task is.  Kudos to Enzo and Jim for their immense workload.  Jim drummed with X-Halen and played bass with Van Hagar.  Enzo seemed to be everywhere! He played the perfect Eddie Van Halen for both VH tributes, as well as pulling off a most credible Bruce Kulick in the Kiss “all-star” tribute.  The Kiss band was lead by “Paul” from Kisstroyer (well, I’m not sure if he’s still in the band or not) who seemed to be much more comfortable off the leash and without having to think about moves, makeup and a costume that must have been the largest Paul Stanley costume ever made.

After watching Enzo most of the night, I decided he looks more like Brian May on stage. I was also amazed at how far he has come since I first saw him jamming with In-Halen years ago when I was fooling around providing keys for those guys.  The guy plays like a freak, and looks so cool whilst doing it.

Following are a few of my choice images to wet your appetite for the rest of the gallery.

Skid Row Tribute – The lead singer was a female, which was more of a curiosity than anything else. She did a great job and entertained us well, but you can’t replace Sebastian Bach.

AC/DShe – The incomparable Josie Jason, my favourite Australian rock artist, was a surprise guest vocalist, stepping in for their regular female lead for the night.  As always Josie stole the show and had the crowd combining head-banging with hysterics for the entire set.   I knew she was struggling to remember all the lyrics so made sure she could read my lips throughout all my favourites.  Josie told me the following week she actually did just that at times.

Van Hagar - I was most interested in whether “Sammy” could really match the man himself. He could! From the opening electric drill of Poundcake, Enzo powered through the more polished era of VH and “Sammy” effortlessly covered the vocals.  When they finally played Dreams the crowd was in raptures, and I was truly impressed.  I’ll be seeing these guys again!
 
 
  
  

X-Halen – With Enzo still at the Eddie helm, and Jim back on drums, in strutted “Diamond Dave”.  Now that Enzo has mastered the VH chops, this was the best performance from these guys to date. It’s hard not to enjoy music this good when it’s played and performed this well.
 
 

Kiss Tribute – Enzo now shone as Bruce Kulick, and the crowd continued to grow and be satiated with many of the Kiss standards. Not a life-changing performance from these guys, but a helluva lot of fun all the same.
 
 
  

Def Repplica – The final act, and unlike their last gig which went very smoothly, this one was not so good. You win some, you lose some.
 
 

Go straight to the full Rock Gods II gallery here.

AITP at the Brunswick Hotel

I’m back in Melbourne, and taking a look at my online photo galleries I’ve realised I haven’t posted any band shots since early this year! Time to change that.

Wednesday night presented an opportunity to go see my friends in Asleep In The Park at the Brunswick Hotel.

Max in her trademark colour

Not known for it’s stage or lighting setup, I wasn’t expecting to shoot much, but of course I brought my camera just in case. Well, the lighting was well improved, and although the place was completely red I still managed to shoot some images I like.

The band rocked the house – they’ve improved out of sight since I last saw them. Very tight, new drummer, better song arrangements and production. Thanks guys for trimming down on the chaotic madness your music was getting lost in, and getting back to showing how good your song-writing is.

Rotation of duties

Marty goes without

Nomes in the engine room

Taste – Toorak Lion, 4th Jan 2008

Does anybody remember Taste?

It was the mid-70s, and Aussie rock was exciting! Taste was dubbed Australia’s answer to Queen, and after two albums really looked like taking the next step. Their sound was sophisticated with big harmonies, and they didn’t present banal lyrics about parties & girls like so many others did at the time. Something went wrong, and after “Tickle Your Fancy” and “A Little Romance” coloured the radio waves, Taste disappeared. Their drummer, Virgil Donati, went on to be one of rock’s most respected and well-known drummers, whilst the other three band members continued their own musical paths separately, but quite successfully in their own right.

Today, 30 years on, Taste has reformed with a young gun on drums to replace Virgil, and an awesome album that blows away much of what we are fed on rock radio these days. “Rock Is Dead” is a must-own, and Taste as a live band today more than lives up to the legacy of their history.

Click to view the rest of Taste’s photo gallery