breezy Loc: Foxville, MD

This is what I do, pretty much 7-days a week.. If I ain't shootin' I am working the stuff I shot in Lightroom..... I am not into PS what I shoot don't need it..
I joined this forum a bit ago to see what others do and to maybe let you see another side of photography I do.. which is "Rocktography" .. Look it up on Wiki.. It has been around for many years..
I have said before here that I shot for some publications back in the late 80's-through the 90's.. I just got back into this maybe just over a year ago..
This is my work, this is how I make my living..
I am excellent at what I do, I get tons of work from Local to national acts.. I work with some promoters, some venues, but mostly (85%) directly for the Bands.
I do 95% "Live Performance Photography".. I do some Promo work and have several "CD Cover/insert" work I am doing for several bands.
I know there are those that are interested in the same kinda work.. so here is the basic skinny..
NO FLASH..
You are NOT the subject, no one should even notice you are there, do NOT take attention away from the REAL subject.
DON'T DANCE while shooting.. (seriously)
TAKE your job seriously and others will take you seriously.
NO ONE PERFORMER wants to see the inside of their nose.. So many photographers lay on the floor, are all contorted at floor level, some even lay on their back and scoot around snapping shots... If you do this, you look like a fool and an amateur, you are only impressing yourself and maybe a few people in the audience.. You probably will not be working for that Band, Venue or Promoter again.
DON'T try for the top, work your way around locally and do your best work.. get it out there, don't let it be below you to shoot local bands pro-bono.. your main interest at the beginning is to get yourself noticed.. Offer to do Charity events for free, and do your best work.. there are MANY people in high places at big charity events..
BE PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES.. Don't get trashed, high or just plain stupid.. At the same time, don't act all stuff and un-approachable..
LEAVE THE OTHERHALF, GF/BF at HOME.. you are at "work" approach it as such..
NO FLASH...NO FLASH...NO FLASH..
Get yerself a 2.8 17 to 50 or better yet 70mm.. Get another 2.8 that will take you to 200mm or somewhere in that range.. Don't use a prime unless you are looking for a certain shot for work you are doing for a Band..
I make my living on my 17-70mm Sigma lens.. and I do not really care what brand camera you use.. use whatever camera you are tight with.. Don't use a Nikon, Canon or any other brand if a Sony is what your comfortable with.. cause when you are shooting live performance, you need to be totally one with your equipment.. Don't care what anyone else uses..
I am not going to give you a ton of info on shots I post... it is not the point I post for..
Does it matter if I am using a Nikon D3100, D700 or a Nikon D3? Or is the final product what matters..
I shoot heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Grunge, Hardcore Rock and Goth Models.. I love the edge they all bring.. I am over 45, age means nothing, what you bring to the table does...
SHOOT what gets your passion, energy and blood flowing. It will show in your final product.

breezy Loc: Foxville, MD

Another thing... Bring two cameras, carry one.. Keep one stashed I usually keep my stuff with the sound persons, throw them a 20, it is good to go.. carrying two cameras will get one broke.. Keep your set up simple.. Go manual, not programed, trust yourself and your instincts.. If you are truly into what your doing, you will be in a "zone" go with your head, don't think a shot, feel it and shoot it. This is rock n roll, not a flower..
Watch the lighting.. use it to compose your shot..
Know your subject and the music you are shooting.. There are things that may happen in a song, anticipate for the shot..
If you shoot for a national act.. do NOT post up any shots of them unless they give you express permission.. To do so, would probably be the last time you shoot for them..
Copyright/watermark EVERYTHING you shoot.. unless a Band is paying you big, and they want the rights to what you shoot.. then no watermark.. they own the work..
While I have been back into this for only a little more then a year, I maintained contacts in the industries I shot before.. so I had contacts.. Don't get frustrated, do great work and good things will come..

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When I saw the title, I was thinking of rocks, not rockers.

breezy Loc: Foxville, MD

LOL... :)

breezy Loc: Foxville, MD

Oh, yeah.. xxx Live Photography is NOT my business name.. It is just used as an example here.. just a fyi, disclaimer thingie..

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Over 60 and no rockin roll left in the bones. To fast a pace for me, I will stick with still life's :mrgreen: Unless you need a second shooter! :roll: But 30 years ago, might have been a different story.
Erv

breezy Loc: Foxville, MD

Its fun, I enjoy the energy.. I am much older than people think, as you get older, you get smarter and you pick your shots wiser.. I watch the young ones bounce all over the place.. lay on the floor, ect.. I have issues getting on a knee and getting back up quickly, since I have a ton of hardware in my left knee.. But I don't let it limit me.. I work within my boundaries.. :)
cheers...

Opus Loc: South East Michigan

Breezy, great post.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Breezy - kinda says it all - very nicely, too!

tinosa Loc: Grand Rapids Michigan

Appreciate the insight into your photographic niche.
What could be better than the wave of lucrative passion that you ride.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing. .

Lancer W/A Canon Loc: atlanta

I can relate to getting down low for shots. I do some sports photography, and if i'm real low, I tripped and fell and can't get up, so I make the best of it.

Virgil Loc: The Hoosier State

Move over everbody. Breezy is here and he is "excellent' at what he does. Anyone else excellent at what you do? Not me but that's just my 'humble' opinion! Sorry!

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

interesting lecture/rant.
relevence being what exactly?
Are shooters lining up for this gig?

Judddude Loc: Missouri

breezy Loc: Foxville, MD

Wasn't meant to be a lecture, or a rant, but knowledge of what to do if you want to get into this type of work.. I see photographers show up at lots of events totally unprepared.. people can take what I said here or leave it.. not really caring either way.. if the information is relevant to them, and it gives them a bit of insight.. then I did something to contribute..

And yes, MANY shooters are at Concert and live performances all the time.. Many sow up not knowing what it takes to get in..
I see many Photographers show up and use a flash, only to get asked to leave.. I am trying to be informative, if I didn't come across that way.. oh well... wasn't my intent to be anything but informative..