Something new for me....concert photography

[Maestro]

X-posted in Photography group as well.

I had the great luck to have a parent at my school that works for the company that does the concert lighting for Metallica. She is based in town while her husband travels with Metallica. She obtained backstage passes for me. :bounce: I was able to go backstage, walk around, take pictures in certain places...Even with a pass there were areas that were off limits. Metallica had two opening bands that are two of my favorites as well. The first band was Gojira. They play a brand of extreme metal wrapped around environmentally and socially themed lyrics. The second band was Lamb of God who play a brand of new American metalcore or so the critics call it. They too are a very good and technically proficient band. I was able to meet the drummer for Lamb of God. He couldn't have been nicer and more down to earth. BTW, one odd thing about the whole night was how drug free the environment was. I am used to attending metal concerts back in the 80s and drugs were everywhere. I'm not complaining. It's nice to see people and bands who are more discreet about getting high or drunk. I guess it is the parent in me, but since Metallica is from generation there were many people with kids at the show and a lot of gray hair. :) The kids do not need to see that.

Anyhow, here are some photos. This is my first attempt at concert photography. I was only allowed a lens that was less than five inches long so to be sure I just brought in my Canon "Fantastic Plastic" 50mm F1.8 lens. I even had to use my back-up camera, the venerable Canon Digital Rebel 450D since my 40D is being professionally cleaned. It took me a while to figure out the best settings but I think what I got is usable.

Equipment containers






Chris Adler, the drummer for Lamb of God


Joe Duplantier, vocalist and lead guitar for Gojira


Michel Labadie, bassist for Gojira


James Hetfield, lead singer, rhythm guitar for Metallica


Kirk Hammett, lead guitar for Metallica


Robert Trujillo, bassist for Metallica


I have quite a few more that I will share later.

[Haole Girl]

1. Wow!

Love the expression you caught on James Hetfield's face!!

I'm ready to see the others already!

Great job. :D

p.s., I really like to see their whole bodies, too, though. :evilgrin:

[Maestro]

5. Thanks

Hetfield really seemed to be enjoying the night and what he does in general. As far as the whole body in the frame, it was actually quite difficult because I was so close. :)

[Tobin S.]

2. Holy hell! Hetfield has gone gray.

I posted about getting older this morning. He's not much older than me! Metallica was my favorite band up until the black album. I lost interest in them up until their latest release and I have that disk. If I could meet them, I'd thank them for helping me get through high school.

Great pics!

[Maestro]

3. They are certainly getting older.

However, they are only four or five years older than me. They still had plenty of energy though....thanks for looking.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. My dear Maestro!

It's so good to see you posting again, and WOW!

These are fabulous pictures!

I'm loving them so much...

Thank you for sharing, and I look forward to more!

:hug: