Thrice at Metro

So I've been spoiled, I know that.  But last night's show at metro was one of the more difficult shows I've ever shot.  Thrice is my favorite band of all time (which is a big statement) and anytime I get to see them live is awesome.  But security was less than helpful, not allowing us into the barricade until the house lights went out.  That doesn't leave any time for setup or just settling in.  Then we were booted after 2 songs.  I don't know that I've ever been limited to 2 songs and I know I never have at Metro.  Not sure if it was a house rule or band rule.  But the lighting in a club isn't even worth shooting until the 3rd song unless the band has their own light guy out there.  So it was a bit of a struggle to say the least.  The set was solid and following it Dustin went to the Wrigley parking lot to do 4 acoustic songs to benefit Invisible Children (if you don't know what it is, click the link and find out).  They passed a jar for donations and it was a great little set. Without further ado, the images...

Thrice in Chicago - 06/10/10

One of my favorite bands of all time is a band called Thrice from Cali.  Last April I as able to head out to the west coast to join them in the studio while they were recording their best album so far, Beggars.  They came through Chicago in June and I got some great shots.

Local Show at Metro

It's been a while since I've been to a local show at Metro in Chicago with bands that are younger in the scene. These bands... A Kidnap in Color, The Highlife, Draft Week, Footlight Frenzy, and Indecent Exposure played some solid sets. I hadn't heard them before but they were solid. Here are some of my favs...

Stephanie & Chris

So this year I’ve started doing weddings and I’m really enjoying it. The first couple were stressful, but now that I’m used to it I love just going out and making images. I’m going to post some galleries as I go along, here are some from the Hanselman/Davis Wedding. Ceremony: Springdale Community Church Reception: White Eagle Country Club

new 5d mkII

busted out the cammy for my first time at metro the other night (still waiting to hear on the house photog gig with them).  It's a pretty sweet little cam.  Shot everything at 3200 iso with the 24-70mm f/2.8L.  Not a big fan of the lens, but the camera is dope.  The files however are HUGE... 25mb each.  I could shoot about half what I normally would be able to since the files are twice the size and I'm only rocking 18gb right now.  Anyways, here are some favs from Ludo and Sing it Loud...

hollys wedding...

In the last two years I've attended a LOT of weddings of varying style.  This past Friday I had the pleasure of attending my girlfriend's friend's wedding in Barrington.  It was a good time.  Some bonding with the potential brother in-law (should he and I both decide to propose at some point to our prospective ladies) and general wedding good times.  It was a LATE one (wedding at 6/630, dinner at 9, went till midnight) but it was fun.  Some random selects from my very assorted photo taking...

Test time...

I've been talking the Metro for some time about a house photographer gig with them.  They're basically trying out photogs (not sure how many or whatever) but I did my test Friday night at The Fray.  It was a great show with some interesting lighting.  Tons and tons of lamps.  Check out some selects...

Obama Rally

I try to keep my personal beliefs out of my blog.  At least with some things where people can take it the wrong way.  The short version of the story is that I'm not an Obama supporter, however I am a huge American history fan.  And my best friend is a big Obama supporter, so we headed out to the rally.  It was interesting.  I don't know that I'd go again unless I was able to get there very early.  I saw like a 1" tall Obama, but I did get some shots that I love.  See them below...  

the young sea - promo

The other day I had the pleasure of meeting up with my friends in the band The Young Sea and shooting some photos for their upcoming release. They've finally decided to listen to me and are going to give away their music for free. They're going to do a track a month and try to do some cool stuff along with that. You should definitely give it a listen ( http://myspace.com/theyoungsea ). Here are some selects...

Music photography in Chicago

I LOVE Chicago, but shooting music (concerts and bands) in the city is quite the chore.  Sometimes I wish I lived in a minor market where I'd be the only photog.  A lot of shows these days are stacked with photographers.  Although with all that competition it forces photographers to really step up their game and deliver the best photographs they can.