Carry The Storm

I got a call the day of the Symphony X show from a person asking if I would shoot the opening band that evening. It seems she couldn't find the photographer who she used to know locally. She asked the Meridian and they said to call me since I'd probably be there anyway. As luck would have it I'd been looking forward to this show for awhile and I was definately going to be there. The only change in plans for me was make sure I got there early enough to catch all the openers. I generally do this anyway since I tend to like the warm up bands, sometimes more than the main act of the evening.
I get to the club and the lights are set about normal for the first bands, which translates, basically for shit. A couple of red spots aimed vaguely in the direction of the stage and wah la.. Granted people come to hear the band more than see a pretty light show but it's hell on the photographer. What's even harder is when the singer asks the house to "turn down these lights they are in my eyes" Which they did. Since I didn't bring along a pair of night goggles to band I was forced to use a flash, a practice I loathe to do in concert settings. What I ended up getting was sub-par to what I am happy with. The band seemed fine with the shots but I can't say I thought they were indicative of what I can get.

As for the band, I didn't get a chance to listen too much, I was concentrating on how to shoot with flash and get something I'd be happy with. From what I did notice was pretty balls to the wall straight up hard rock. They put plenty of energy into the set despite being allocated about 18 inches of stage area at the front of the stage. Seriously I thought they were going to have to play in the pit. I know I had more room in the pit than they had to manuever on the stage. Overall a short set but it shows promise and I'm sure I'll see these guys again pretty soon. Hopefully for a little longer and on a better lit stage. Hell I want to shoot them again.
satyr
4/27/2008