Last week while attending the Photoshop World Conference in Orlando, Fla, I had the privilege of attending a pre-conference class on Real World Concert Photography with accomplished photographers Alan Hess and Scott Diussa. I have been shooting smaller performances for a while and greatly enjoying it. My problem is that I have only been able to do it clubs where the lighting is often terrible and very challenging. Signing on to this class was a no brainer for me. I would get to meet two really cool photographers whose work I hold in high regard, shoot in a larger brighter venue, and get to see Big Electric Cat up close and personal, with instruction on the side. The class discussion was superb. We talked about everything from camera settings, to concert access, to post processing. Alan finished with many hilarious examples of photographer etiquette (do’s and don’ts) while in the shooting pit. After the class room presentation and discussion, we were treated to three songs, no flash, typical of what you would find in any large venue. It proved to be quite challenging, exciting, and extremely fun. Afterward, Scott and Alan continued with more on-site discussion and then we were treated to 3 or 4 more songs, then the grand finally with Scott Diussa, a fabulous guitar player in his own right, leading a ripping version of Neal Young’s “Keep on Rockin’ in a Free World.”
(If you popped over here from Scott Kelby’s blog, consider leaving me a comment so I know someone besides my mother is reading this….thanks).
Tony and Scott (my favorite shot of the event)
The lovely and enchanting Kalebra Kelby (Scott’s wife). Man can she sing. Think Nancy Wilson of Heart.
Tony taking the lead.
Felix on bass (when he is not designing as part of the NAPP/Kelby team).
Tony and Scott (I like this shot).
Mike on drums (never forget the drummer!)
Scott Kelby and Felix.
This class was worth everything it was built up to be. I had a blast and met some great people.
Big Electric Cat played again for the rest of the conference attendees at B.B. Kings the next night and really rocked the place.
Among Alan’s funnier presentation slides were what you do not do when in the photography pit….like hold up you new iPad 2 and shoot video while blocking the view of everyone else. Perhaps he needs to attend Alan and Scott’s class in Vegas!
The wonderful Joe McNally sharing in a special moment with wife Annie.
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