Smokin' Hot Blues Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is Cedric Keel, drummer for the Billy Gibson Band - captured in the Blues Tent at the Beale Street Music Festival during Memphis in May.

I converted this to b&w to bring the steam that was rising from his head out a little better than the blue and purple cast from the spotlights. You could see it, but I think the colors were just a little distracting and the steam was not as evident.

The atmospheric conditions were just right for the blues that evening.

It had been raining off and on all day, the festival was starting to turn into a mud pit, just like it does every year. The weather was mild, but humid, everyone had on raincoats and rubber boots.

Due to the amount of moisture in the air and the heat thrown off by the spot lights and the exertion put forth by this man, steam actually started rising from his head! It was a sight to behold - I've seen one other shot of this, in a Memphis magazine on-line, but they left it color and just as I thought it distracted from the actual subject.

This Billy Gibson Band really smoked!

They are headlined by Billy Gibson, a local Memphis harmonica prodigy. He and his band backed up blues great Hubert Sumlin and, for one song, Elvis Costello on this afternoon. It was a fantastic set for blues aficionados or anyone who loves music.

I hope you enjoy my Monday Blues offering - it's going to be a busy week as I have to be ready to leave for Chicago on Thursday...

jjcordier, worldcitizen, phwall has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

baba_flies (8495) 2009-06-22 4:51

Hello Reed! Oh yes, I have the blues after my long vacation, besides I caught a bad cold and I sit at home instead of working :))) But my Swiss life comes back and I love it too. So this is another Keel like me but with two "e". The Kehl Keel come from the same area (Appenzell), a tiny Kanton (or State) in Switzerland. There he sits behind his drums, almost a relative of mine as it seems ... just kidding. Great shot, Reed, love the smoke, this all belongs to the blues in my eyes. Cool the b/w treatment, suits the mood you want to show us in a perfect way. Happy week for you ... Barbara.

sayantan20023 (177) 2009-06-22 5:03

A very interesting photograph and perspective. I also like the film like grain effect you've given to this photograph.

The photograph seems to be part of a story.
TFS.
Regards,
Sayantan Mukherje

jjcordier (26278) 2009-06-22 7:39

Reed
Excellent ce batteur qui fume!Beau coup d'œil.
Amicalement
JJ

worldcitizen (2391) 2009-06-22 8:00

Hello Reed,
Now there's something you don't see everyday!! At first I thought he had a cigarette, but it is actually his head that's smoking!! You were right to convert to B/W, it accentuates the smoke. I also like the grain, and the concentration on his face. Another good one from Memphis! :-)

jasmis (52354) 2009-06-22 11:45

Oh yes. Incredible climate of this presentation. Superb B&W tones.
Makes impression.
Regards.

phwall (5974) 2009-06-22 16:25

Hi Reed,
A great catch, the B/W conversion is a very good idea, it has really accentuated the steam rising.
This brings true meaning to, "smokin". Reminds me of the Jim Cary movie "Mask"
Cheers
Pete

katrinh (232) 2009-08-22 13:06

Hello Reed,

a very good decision to choose b/w for this picture. I love the texture of the it that is caused by the high ISO you used, underlines the smoky atmosphere.

I like it a lot,
Best regards,

Katrin.

Coolka (675) 2010-01-06 5:35

Hello Reed,

I do love the music theme and photos converted to B&W.
Especially with such texture and film grain.
The smoke above the drummer`s head is amazing element of the whole composition.
Very impressive image.
best regards
Joanna