Rock Photography – Photogeek Blog

Experimenting with Music Photography

Damion Photo, Editorial, Finding your Zen, Indie Rock, Memories, Music Journalism, Rock Photography, Show Photography

It’s safe to say, my interest in photography was born out of necessity. As a teenager in love with hardcore punk and going to Sunday matinees, I started a fanzine which needed pictures to go with my interviews and show reviews. Admittedly, my pictures were terrible. I really knew nothing about composition or camera settings. When I think about it, I didn’t even own a film SLR until I was twenty four. by then I was more interested in documenting my new surroundings in a neighborhood known as Hell’s Kitchen. While I was still going to shows regularly. and taking much better photos, I eventually got bored, which started my focus on experimentation with light and movement. Ultimately, is was within the shadows, movement and darkness, that I found my love. The more I learned about composition and waiting for the right moment, the more my images stood out. While it wasn’t alway pretty, I felt that I was finally capturing the energy, raw emotion, and elements that capture the essence, and intimacy that smaller venues offer.

… And So it Begins

Canon Lenses, Portraiture, Promotional, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

If you took time to read my July 21st post “A New Beginning” Here . You’d know I’m taking steps towards what I hope to be a new chapter in my studio and promotional work. In reaching out to the many friends I’ve made over the years as a photographer and music blogger. I hope to bring bands and musicians out of the comfort zones or the clubs, stages and recording studios and into my world to capture edgy studio and location images. Having had both my live and studio images appear in magazines, music media sites, record covers and inlets. I hope to build on my reputation and continue to earn the trust I’ve worked so hard to earn. With the studio and post production skills I’ve both learned and applied. I feel I can offer artists the professional and creative edge that will best represent their art and distinct personalities without feeling posed, forced or inauthentic. So, whether you’re a musican, artist, band, record label or creative spirit looking for images that best represent you. Reach out, we’ll put our ideas together and create something special.

07-26-2016 Adriano Garcia5646Erc

A New Beginning

Marketing, Promotional

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As I write this post I am in the throws of missing a favorite band perform at a local club and reflecting on what seems to be an end, or at least a much needed hiatus from my music blogging days. And as one chapter comes to an end. I am hoping to continue writing a new one.

During my decades of show going. I made it a point, with very few exceptions to bring a camera to and document jut about every music event I have attended. As the years passed I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on what I would have done different if I had given the chance.

Aside from the thousands upon thousands of images and pictures I’ve taken of bands playing live. I would have taken more time to document the people and personalities that were often in attendance. Aside from that, I really wish I would have had the time and people skills needed to perhaps photograph them in a more intimate and personal way. Thinking back at all the people I interviewed and shared even the most casual conversation with. I would be gazing upon one hell of a body of work.

Years later, as I see myself greying out of show going and embracing somewhat of a “Take it or leave it. Give no fucks.” , view on life. I feel more comfortable in reaching out. And while I know many of the people I reach out to will turn down my proposal solely based on their hatred of being in front of the camera. I will be forever grateful to the ones that do.

Concert Photography with the Canon 5D Mark III

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment

When I decided to upgrade from the Canon 7D to the Canon’s 5D Mark III. It was strictly a business decision. One that would hopefully take my studio and event photography to the next level. Never once did I ever consider it becoming my everyday, every occasion camera. However, with my wife urging me to trade in the old model. I was left with little to no choice. So within a week of purchase and two studio sessions knocked out. I carefully took my fresh out the box Canon to a local music venue and shot some imaages of my favorite local and touring bands. With thec 5D not featuring a pop up flash like the 7D. I brought along my Canon 320 EX external flash and experimented with bouncing the light in different directions. The results were rewarding, to say the very least. Attempting and successfully working with a completely different set of tools felt amazing. As I’ve always felt somewhat of a sense of fear that I might fall short when trying to adapt to new things. Below is a sample of a shot I took of Shakusky’s Kira Mattheson. I’ve also included a like to one of my music sites where I’ve featured sets from each of the bands that played that night. Document Fanzine . Rock On.

Shakusky-6

The Cold, Hard Truth

Event Photography, Happiness, Music, Philosophy

The other night I posed a simple, yet complex question to a friend and fellow music photographer. “Can you ever see yourself enjoying, or even going to a show or concert without your camera?” It was a question I had to ask, considering I’ve asked it of myself countless times. After what seemed to be a decades long pause, he exhaled “No. I don’t.” The answer was as much a surprise as it was a relief. Having asked myself that very same question numerous times over the years. I find it somewhat strange that I know for a fact that I couldn’t. I don’t see any time in the near of distant future where I’m hanging back with a beer in my hand taking the show in as nothing more than a spectator. Whereas I see myself now as the old man with the camera at the show. I’ll probably end up as the really old man with the moment capturing apparatus at shows twenty years from now. Otherwise, I just wouldn’t know what to do with myself.

“Bass, How Low can you Go?”

Canon lenses and equipment, Digital Printing

After years of not printing much of anything. I’ve taken on the task of printing some of my favorite music related images shot throughout that time frame. Each week I’ve picked four images to printed at my favorite lab Duggal Visual in Chelsea. For this weeks trip in I’ve focused on some of my favorites featuring bass players. From as far back as I can remember. The bass has always been an instrument for inspiration. Below are the four images I picked. Any feedback would be appreciated. Feel free to share your favorite Bass slayers.

Cory Pula-Bowers

The Shirt Off Your Back

Advertising, Marketing

Earlier this week I received an email request from a band asking to use one of my images for some shirt designs they were working on. The request, one that would most likely have me beaming with pride in the past. Left me with more mixed emotions than I ever thought I would have. Feelings ranging from surprise, feeling somewhat honored and even a bit uneasy came and went. Sure it was cool to have someone appreciate your work and even want to use it to promote their art. But as selfish as it might look. I couldn’t help but think, “Well, what’s in it for me?” There was no offer of money, product or a percentage share in future groupie earnings. Considering the band is asking for a copy of the image that doesn’t bare my standard watermark. No one is really going to know or care who took the shot. No one will know it’s my work. So it is in no way promoting my so called brand. Later that day, after much consideration, I asked the band for a big bag of filthy money and a stolen truck filled with shirts. I’m still not sure it will happen in the end. Until then.