Photos

rlrad (1845) 2011-11-16 21:31

Hi Lisa!

I'm trying to puzzle out how you got into a venue with not one, but two DSLR cameras when I am reduced to begging to be allowed to shoot national (not to mention international) acts at all. Then I picture you juggling a pint of beer at the same time. Quite a feat - you are considerably multi-talented!

I had a look at both photos, somehow I must have missed the older shot because I can't imagine I would not have commented. Technically, I like the color version better, but emotionally I enjoy this one the best. It catches the action and the spirit of rock 'n' roll better, in my opinion. You got him screaming into the mic, sweat and veins popping out at his throat, eyes squinting from the effort. Here you show the feeling and passion of the man in his moment - one of the reasons why he became so wildly popular, even beyond the borders of his home nation.

It's moments like this that make me, a beginning-to-be-old man, clamor for tickets to shows and brave mosh pits at punk rock bars in an endeavor to capture how the music sounds and feels in one incredible shot.

So, technically, this shot might have been better, sure. Emotionally, no. I mean, you only have a split second to take the shot and maybe less to recognize it and bring your camera to your face so you can compose and press the shutter. You were fortunate to get Nick's screamin' self into the frame over the other folk's heads at just the right moment. And you got the area of most interest off-center, up and to the left in the sweet spot. Great job!

So, in Australia don't they refuse you entry at the door if you have a "professional" camera, or did you have some sort of special dispensation that allowed you to photograph your hero with wild abandon?

We have a fight going on with the music industry here - the bands are being more and more restrictive regarding music photography. Professional music photographers are starting to boycott shows when management tries to make them sign away the rights to their work. Even I have stopped giving shots to the band in support of the persons who make their living doing that work. It's counter-productive for the music industry. I mean, would you have been as eager to buy the Pearl album if you hadn't seen a Rolling Stone photo of a nearly-collapsed Janis Joplin, backstage after a concert, in a recliner with a bottle of Southern Comfort between her legs?

Photos like this make people seek out the music of the subject. They see they passion and will buy the music because they know the musician really means what he sings. I hadn't heard Nick Cave in some years, so now I will be checking out some of his latest. Maybe if he comes to St. Louis, I will hit up his Facebook to see if I can take a few shots myself.

I do like the black & white conversion and the over-exposed white of the background. Makes it seem more raw. Rock n roll is at it's best when raw, don't you think?

Party on girl!

Reed

RhodieIke (9207) 2011-11-17 1:04

Hi Lisa, Thank you for educating me in the Australian music scene with this post, have not heard of this guy, but his music is awesome, some of his songs remind me of Elton John. Just listened to The Ship song, Hammer song,The photo, as you say the harsh light etc, and no flash, These gigs are so difficult with all the elements against the photographer, so glad you posted though, Cheers Iain.

snunney (67430) 2011-11-17 1:57

Hello Lisa,
I am afraid I have never heard of Nick Cave & The Grinderman; he's probably a little after my time:-) Your composition lacks technical quality but that's certainly made up for by the atmosphere.

Juzo (4242) 2011-11-17 2:17

I didn't come here for your money..I didn't come here for your love...great tune..I have seen him back in 92 and 94..great shows..just wish I was old enough to see the Birthday Party, as Rowland S Hwards was a true genius and helped shape Mr Cave's sensibilities. I like this raw shot, it captures the engergy, the feel, of the music well.
Cheers
Justin

ikeharel (37424) 2011-11-17 5:02

Nice denture work the singer has, this was the first thing I noticed, Lisa.
Also, I imagine the "scream" coming from Nick's.
The shot is OK, considering the indoor's light, not an easy stuff to apply.
Cheers
Ike

sacimar (25957) 2011-11-17 7:19

Hello Lisa,

interesting image, I like the moment of the concert you present here, maybe the complementary image has a stronger visual effect, well done.. I hope you can get tickets for the next one!

Un abrazo,

Sergio

BennyV (12793) 2011-11-17 11:00

Good idea to convert to bl/w. Personally, I never carry a camera to concerts or football matches - it sort of gets in the way for me there. And I hate it when those screens light up right in front of me. Usually, I'm quite polite about it, but it does get on my nerves sometimes, especially because probably most of the shots are rubbish, anyway. BUT NOT THIS ONE. So, fear not, dear Lisa...

Btw, one of my personal favourite Nick Cave songs is the randomly generated background music here as I write this. "Idiot Prayer" - quite different from the Grindermen outing, but how I love that song.

Cheers.

Benny

ashres (1453) 2011-11-18 8:56

Hi Lisa
Nice shot of the man performing. The b/w version is nice and the workshop version also deserved to be posted as main photo. nice light here to fill the photo with the depth of the music. nice capture,
have a great weekend,
cheers,
ashish