Backstage Pass
Just slide the VIP pass across the table and expect results. The following images are from a single show that I was able to get in and on the stage. For me it was a first but after a few test runs with the camera prior to the show I was able to grab these shots. Every one was taken during their live performances. When I first arrived there were a number of other photographers and one had noticed I was not using the flash. He asked me "How do you think your going to get anything good without the flash?" I shrugged," I just dont like the way the flash makes everything look washed out." They of course laughed at me thinking I was an amateur. The truth was exactly that, it was the third time with the camera in my hand to shoot something like this.
When all was said and done, as the final act played i was the last one still there. The other photographers had their fill and left the building. When the curtain came down I put the cap back on and knew I was golden. Shortly after I got a call from one of the other photographers from the show. He asked me if I could teach him how to shoot like that, teach him my techniques. Its not always the expensive camera, its not about that textbook technique and lighting, or even the setting and pose. Its that moment and seeing it with your own eyes without the camera in your hand. Its knowing that in the little glimpse of life that it was perfect, to realize that and take notice of it everyday...thats what photography is about. Once you see that, then go get a camera and learn how to use it. Otherwise, your just buying equipment and lights and all that other crap but theres a guy out there with is cell phone snapping shots that could be in a magazine...because he sees differently then the rest.
Set yourself apart and be honest with yourself. Let them laugh at you, do not worry about being the object of their jokes. Be different, make mistakes, make more mistakes, then...make magic and the respect for never giving up will over come those that settled for mediocrity. - J
The following image won EDITORS CHOICE award on photoshopuser.com. It was a humbling experience when I looked at the pieces of some of the photographers that congratulated me on the award...something I will never forget.
