Gary Allan Comes To Lafayette

This is a concert that I have been looking forward to for a long time. I always have liked Gary Allan’s music. One song in particular though I have loved for over twenty years now. There is just something amazing about ‘Songs About Rain’ that has had me singing it since I first heard it. The idea of hearing it in person was pretty cool. I have had the date marked on my calendar since I first saw the concert announcement. Then just before the day got here the idea of photographing the show came up. That would be pretty amazing.

Finally Getting To Take My Gear Into A Show

Thursday night after years of complaining I finally was able to get my gear into a show. Since I started this blog one of the most common things that I have said on here was something like “I had my point and shoot because they won’t let me bring my real camera into the show.” Well on Thursday night I finally could. On the way to the stadium I told myself that it was time to put up or shut up. After all these years you had better come up with something good. I think that I might have made a few good photos on the night.

In The Pits

This was my first time getting to make images in the concert pit. I was the only credentialed photographer at the show so I didn’t have anyone to lean on when it comes to the do’s and don’ts in the pit. I tried to just make photos and keep moving so I didn’t block anyone for too long.

A Beautiful Night

The threat of rain never came to pass on Thursday night, and the clouds in the sky gave us the possibility of a great sunset. The sky didn’t light up brilliantly, but it did have some nice color in it. I was hoping for some stage lights to compliment the sky, and I lucked out and got some.

The Sony 28-70mm f/2

When I bought this lens I had thoughts about using it for some sports, but the main reason I got it was to photograph theater. It would be the perfect lens for that. Of course I haven’t been asked to photograph a show since I bought the lens. It turns out though that this lens is perfect for music photography. I have found many uses for this lens, but concerts has to be at the top now.

Branching Out

This is all part of my plan to try more things in photography. I feel like it is time to start backing slowly away from sports photography. It seems like you have to just keep telling everyone that you exist for them to remember you when it comes to sports photos. I am the worst person ever at self promotion. That is not great when it comes to sports photos. I will never stop sports photography, but I definitely plan on cutting back on it a little. I have been finding other things to give me that same thrill. This definitely fit that bill. I walked out of the concert thinking about how I can do this more often. Lucky for me I had a concert booked already the next night.

Getting Tight With The 300

I lugged my 300mm lens around all night. For a while I had the thought that it was overkill. Then I started making some nice photos with it. I really like this detail photo. I probably could have cropped in with my 135 to get this, but I liked the framing that it took to make this. It was worth the extra weight for the night.

Mark Mackay

This is the second week in a row when I found an opening act that I liked. It cannot be easy to be the opening act. The crowd did not come to see you. They had something else in mind when they left their house. Mark took control of them and put on a great show. When I saw this guitar come out I moved back into the pits. I knew that we were in for some fun.

Having A Blast

If you can’t tell by the long post I had a great time at this show last week. I have spent years using a point and shoot at concerts. I still will this week in fact. It was really cool to have my gear though and to be able to make the photos that I have in my mind. I need to figure out how to make this a more regular thing. These first two shows will be with artists that I really like and am excited to be there for. It will be interesting to try a show when I am there just for the light. Will I photograph differently? I can’t wait to find out.