Alice in Chains

Once again, getting to appreciate shooting in the Coliseum. At Alice in Chains the barrier was so far back, it made the pit feel like a bike lane or something. So much room to move, even though there was only 4 of us. Isn't that the way though? When there's 10 photogs in the pit, it's like 4ft wide. This was a good show, killer music of course, but it just wasn't the same without Layne. It was good, however, to hear the familiar rip and tear of a classic grunge band live again, shot me straight back to '94.

Arcade Fire

Just a quick post about shooting the Arcade Fire show the other night... Used to hate shooting in the Coliseum, the light is always a challenge. But for concerts, it isn't bad. Stage lighting is usually adequate, albeit less than spectacular sometimes. For Arcade Fire it was nearly perfect. Rich, juicy colors spotting the leading performers, and the occasional full wash when they were all on mic. And you can't beat a well light up crowd shot!

Lady Gaga concert in Portland

Odd restrictions on this one... Showed up at showtime, as is normal, but had to wait an hour or so before being escorted into position, which was soundboard, terrible static angle. Thanks to seasoned photojournalist Thomas Boyd for having some extra glass!! Further restrictions were explained to us as we were all herded in through the backstage area..."don't shoot the crowd, especially during the moments as we're walking in. If your lens swings towards the crowd, you'll be tapped out. And don't make me run, I hate to run... You've got two songs. When you're done, we'll walk you out. And oh yeah... you must surrender your credential before we get to the back door, other photogs have tried to re-enter after leaving." Dude... Really? Walk me out to my car already, that Gaga credential on my 'Wall 'O Fame' is gonna get me sooo far, really dude.

TNT Ice Cream

Timothy Croghan makes Ice Cream, with a kick. He infuses his confections with heavy-hitting liquors such as Maker's Mark, Clear Creek Brandy, and Chipoltlé Vodka, and the results are smooth and flavorful. Most of the alcohol is cooked out in the process of tempering the cream, but the bold flavors of the booze remains. Currently, TNT Ice Cream is only available at Pope House Bourbon Lounge in NW Portland, but Timothy has plans to start serving his goodies from a cart, so keep an eye out for him at your local farmer's market soon.

Justin Bieber

I've shot some pretty loud shows in my career; Metallica, Foo Fighters, they were loud. Weezer, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Avenged Sevenfold, all very loud. KISS was loud. Normally when it's a loud act, and especially if I'm shooting from the pit, I'll get an email from the promoter to bring earplugs. I got that email before the Justin Bieber show, which I thought was odd, I'm not terribly familiar with his music, but what I had heard, I wouldn't considered LOUD. When I got into position that night I realized that the promoter wasn't warning me about the sound that would be coming from the huge speakers in front of me, but it would be coming from the throngs of adolescent girls screaming behind me. And since this was a sold-out show, the intensity and decibel level of the shrieks and screams was ear-splitting. I could have used double plugs that night.

And P.S. the first image has been selected as 1 of 8 finalists in the Crowd category in this year's PDN Ultimate Music Moment contest. Winners will be announced early Dec. Fingers crossed!!