Wow, that is quite a leap you took. Clearly I hit a little too close to home. So... because I said that one aesthetic style of band photography was overdone you interpret that to mean I adhere to a restrictive set of photographic ideals. I was just commenting on the derivative nature of a lot of band photography. Just as I comment regularly on the derivative nature on most bands that are labeled punk these days. I agree, what you probably consider punk was overdone 30 years ago. What I consider punk rock is still growing end evolving.

As far as my favorite film it is K40. Because it makes everything look like it was shot in the 70's and that is so artistic, just like all the filters on instagram.


Again, my main problem is with photographers on stage. They are not allowed on a field during a sporting event, why should they be allowed on stage during a show?

Jon

I would argue that you were the one taking the leap. Going from saying that photographers shouldn't be assholes on stage (hitting foot pedals, moving monitors etc..) - a notion I totally agree on - to commenting that the images they take suck anyways. I was just mocking that comment.



Nobody needs to be allowed on stage. Giving press/photographers access is just trying to make their work easier. Shooting from the middle of a moshpit can be quite inconvenient. Its as simple as that. And the whole problem would not arise if there were barricades with security/photo pits. Thats pretty much the answer to your sport analogy: sport shooters are allowed on the sidelines and in special press areas - which the normal fan is not - just like photographers are send to the security/press pits. If these exist. The only one I saw at Fest X was at 8 Seconds.

And seriously if these guys annoy you. Just ask politely to get out of your face and stay out of your way and stick to the sides etc.. Speak to them. The only guys that won't listen are assholes in the first place.

I'm told FL Theater and Stereo are going to have barriers this year as well. So idk about the Stereo replacement venue now, but my guess is it'll have a barrier too.

I don't see anywhere that I said all images taken during shows suck. The comment on sweaty face close-ups was in reference to the intrusive nature of some photographers. I figured my using quotes around pros would have clued you in to the fact that I was referring only to the photographers that do not understand their boundaries. If that is not you then why are you getting offended?

The blurry long-exposure comment was a reference to an image style and I stand behind it. It was not at all a broad statement against the general aesthetics of live music photography.





See, you and me, we think alike.



I did speak to them and they did not stay out of the way. These are the people I am referring to. I do not think all photographers are worthless. I understand they have a job to do. I am a fan of the first three songs and then no more pictures rule. Seems to work best. People get their shots and the band is allowed to play a majority of their show without disruption.

My post was meant to be comment on the rampant disengaged attitude of people at shows. If you are fine seeing the band play on a small screen or through a viewfinder, you can do that at home; here are plenty of people that would be glad to get into the show and actually pay attention.

Maybe it just comes down to the fact that no one ever wants to take my picture. I am very pretty and would look great spread across the pages of your favorite worthless magazine.

Jon

Here is an example of the crap I can't stand:




Jon

I can agree with that. Not a huge fan of this style myself. I only end up using it when the lighting conditions in a venue don't allow for better styles.

Lots of good info here so thanks again. My situation has changed a bit since I first posted. I've unfortunately become rather ill over the past month and don't have the energy to be moshing and the like (which is what I would normally be doing). So I thought I would take advantage of the opportunity and actually bring the DSLR and get some decent shots since I rarely take my camera to shows (usually too busy moshing!). Plus this is my first Fest which makes it all the more important to me.

That said, given my ailment I won't be going anywhere near the stage. Figured I'd just hang towards the back of the venues. I may want a close up of a face or two, but that's what zoom is for.

Apparently I will also need to be actively avoiding anyone who is holding a beer. Geez.

If this is real, come to the sound booth at Loosey's during any show and I am buying you a beer . . . and possibly a shot. . . And I want a picture with you and said helmet cam.

DH3

Completely agree, sir! You deserve more press. There was a picture floating around after Fest 10 that I saw twice with you and I staring blankly at one another because my PA caught on fire and we couldn't figure out why. It was funny, but I can't find it now.

DH3