This semester I'm taking a Documentary Photo class. Unlike the photography classes I've taken before, this one has a catch. We have to work on ONE project that has to withstand the entire semester. Now, this is something that has the potential to be extremely awesome, or extremely horrible. Hopefully it won't be the latter of the two. Here's the e-mail I wrote to my professor. Let me know what you think, please?
"This is super late, I know. But I have finally come up with what I may want to do for this class. The reason it has taken me so long to talk to you about it is because of uncertainty; this is one idea that has stuck with me the longest but I didn't think it could withstand the longevity of the semester, so I've entertained other thoughts ideas. This is it though.
This past summer I think I've found my niche and exactly what I want to do in the field of photography, and that is music. Towards the end of last semester, I found myself shooting local show after local show, and even used my images for my final project. After the school year ended, I shot three huge concerts in Atlanta and it was the most satisfying experience I've had with a camera. It seems as if shooting music, in general, fulfills me more than shooting in any other realm of photography (portraits, weddings, fashion, sports, etc).
So here it is, I have figured since this is the one thing I know I'm good at and the one thing I love, why not keep doing it for not only myself but for this class.
So far I've had about 4 ideas, but I would like to narrow it down to two perspectives, and tell two different stories. I would like to tell two stories from two different perspectives.
1.)The Artist's side- There's one artist and one band that I would like to follow, and I know they're more than willing to allow me to do so. These are local artists and I frequent their shows. The great thing about them is that I know them personally, and I know how they are when they aren't doing music. You can still tell that even when they aren't holding a guitar, or drumsticks, that they eat, sleep, and breathe music. With the one artist, I've been helping her out a lot behind the scenes in terms of her trying to get herself out there in order to perform more frequently, at more venues, and to begin to expose herself, music wise of course. It's the small things that matter the most, and these are the things that we have been working on. I don't think I want to reveal them in this message; I'd like my photos to do that. With the band, I would like to do almost the same thing. They just recently signed with and Indie label and they're extremely amped up about it. I haven't worked with them directly yet, but that can definitely change. They're well known in Carrollton, and in the metro-Atlanta area. They've traveled a lot around the state and have even been outside the state a few times. THIS is something that I would like to document. I guess you can say I want to capture "the good/the bad/ the ugly." I want to get shots of them practicing, traveling, performing; I want to know what drives them, what's they're motivation, why they do what they do, etc.
2.)The "fan's" side- I believe that this will be done on a much broader scale because there are a variety of fans out there, and there will be an abundance of people to talk to and take photos of. Again, narrowing it down to two within this portion of the project , I would like take a shot at "local fans" vs. the fans that attend the huge shows, the sold out concerts, the fans who finally get to see the one person that they've always wanted to see perform live. Several questions I would like to answer are questions include:
What does music mean to you?
How important/why is music important to you?
What does it do for you?
I would like to interview these people to get direct answers, and also attempt to catch them candidly while the show is going on- I believe these portraits will answer those questions because of the raw emotion. Right now this part seems a little on the surface but I'll be able to dig a lot deeper as the semester goes on because more questions, situations, and topics will begin to arise.
I think I'm more than capable of making this series last not just the entire semester, but I see it going further than that. I feel that strongly about it. What I look to gain from this project is better understanding of how music works, for lack of better words. I want to know what it’s like to be a musician. I want to know how other people view music and musicians. Of course, this project isn’t something only I would like to gain something from, but I would love for people who view these photos to gain the exact same thing, if not more."
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
We May Be Famous
"You never know who you know"
That was pretty much the gist of our conversation last night. Why just slumber in your free time when you can go out and do something? Something you're passionate about. Something that you enjoy. Something that can make an impact on others.
That's our mission this year. We're going to skyrocket.
Photo by....Myself.
That was pretty much the gist of our conversation last night. Why just slumber in your free time when you can go out and do something? Something you're passionate about. Something that you enjoy. Something that can make an impact on others.
That's our mission this year. We're going to skyrocket.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
How It Happened
So we left for Six Flags to shoot the Bobby Ray (B.o.B.) at around 3 in the afternoon and got there around 4:30. The doors to the ampitheatre opened at 4:00, so we were half an hour "late". We got into the park and as we made our way to the venue, we saw signs that said "No Cameras Allowed Beyond This Point". That kinda...put a damper on things but hey, our cameras were in book bags so it's not like anyone could tell. Once we get in, the ampitheatre is halfway packed; of course everyone is towards the front. We walked around and eventually sat about 10-15 rows back away from the stage. At this point we're thinking:
a.) How are we going to get to the front?
b.) Well...even if we did get up there, we're not allowed to have cameras so...
As we're sitting there dumbfounded, Terence and I see this dude who's all dressed up with a Six Flags name tag, so we figured he was official. Terence got up to go talk to him. He asked the guy who was in charge of the photography for the show that day, and he referred us to one of the event photographers...you know, the bounty hunters who take you down when you first walk into the park, wanting to take your photos. Of course, Terence asked them who was in charge, and they referred him BACK the the same guy he just talked to.
So we're back to square one with the same questions we had last time.
a.) How are we going to get to the front?
b.) Well...even if we did get up there, we're not allowed to have cameras so...
A couple of minutes go by, and then I see this guy who looked AWFULLY familiar walk from the back stage area. I point and say.."Terence...isn't that...." and before I could finish my sentence, dude got up and speed walked to him. His name is Jon Gist and he graduated from West Georgia two years ago. They were about 100 yards away from me and the whole time I had my eyes on them, watching how the conversation went. Terence asked him who was in charge of the media pit. "I am"
That was the ticket. Terence looked at me and gave a weird grin and text me "bring the bags nigga."
We were able to get press passes to get into the media pit to shoot the show! If you read the previous blog, you know how the show went. It was SICK. After the show we got invited backstage to meet B.o.B and shoot his meet and greet.
Today Terence's photos were published to the Channel 2 Action News website, The Source, Yahoo! via the Associated Press, and Newsshoppers.com Big ups to him on getting exposure!
As for me, my shit was looked at, and wasn't good enough. It kinda sucks but...whatever.
a.) How are we going to get to the front?
b.) Well...even if we did get up there, we're not allowed to have cameras so...
As we're sitting there dumbfounded, Terence and I see this dude who's all dressed up with a Six Flags name tag, so we figured he was official. Terence got up to go talk to him. He asked the guy who was in charge of the photography for the show that day, and he referred us to one of the event photographers...you know, the bounty hunters who take you down when you first walk into the park, wanting to take your photos. Of course, Terence asked them who was in charge, and they referred him BACK the the same guy he just talked to.
So we're back to square one with the same questions we had last time.
a.) How are we going to get to the front?
b.) Well...even if we did get up there, we're not allowed to have cameras so...
A couple of minutes go by, and then I see this guy who looked AWFULLY familiar walk from the back stage area. I point and say.."Terence...isn't that...." and before I could finish my sentence, dude got up and speed walked to him. His name is Jon Gist and he graduated from West Georgia two years ago. They were about 100 yards away from me and the whole time I had my eyes on them, watching how the conversation went. Terence asked him who was in charge of the media pit. "I am"
That was the ticket. Terence looked at me and gave a weird grin and text me "bring the bags nigga."
We were able to get press passes to get into the media pit to shoot the show! If you read the previous blog, you know how the show went. It was SICK. After the show we got invited backstage to meet B.o.B and shoot his meet and greet.
Today Terence's photos were published to the Channel 2 Action News website, The Source, Yahoo! via the Associated Press, and Newsshoppers.com Big ups to him on getting exposure!
As for me, my shit was looked at, and wasn't good enough. It kinda sucks but...whatever.
Monday, August 23, 2010
July C, The Cool Kids, Bobby Ray aka B.o.B.-What More Can I Ask For?
Maybe a new camera, because I'm starting to grow rapidly out from my D60. A new D300 is in the works though. Man, this past week has been crazy. Sleepless nights, sweet concerts, one beautiful model. I've been one hard working man. Want to see what I did? Well the fruits of my photography loins are right below this, so check them out!
I was able to turn my room in to a mini-studio. I had to take my BABY BABY photos down in order make space for a white wall. I used my flash/umbrella kit and photographed Miss July C.
The Cool Kids, at West Georgia? What? SAC surprised us all by bringing these guys here. The show was okay, they could've been a little more enthusiastic though. At least my homies Terence Rushin and Twist made the show look more fun than it was. [It was still fun, but I thought it could have been better. I'm not hatin' though]
Man, I missed out on Bobby Ray's free show at the beginning of the month at Center Stage in Atlanta because I had R.A. stuff to do. I thought it'd be my only chance to shoot. Little did I know, he'd be in Atlanta performing again at Six Flags! I ended up goin' with my man RUSH and, again, he was able to hook me up. I got in for $10 with his season pass! I'll blog about the whole experience shortly in the Loser's Always Win Blog. I'll just say this, we got SUPER DUPER lucky. Here are my fav photos from the show.
Each set from which the photos are from are available at the following links:
July C: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tristography/sets/72157624610165807/
The Cool Kids: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tristography/sets/72157624646687561/
B.o.B.: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tristography/sets/72157624790733652/
Thursday, August 12, 2010
What I've Been Working on as of Late
It's been awhile, but I'm back. A couple of things came up that inadvertently put me on photo hiatus. But now I'm "back and better than ever".....? I ended up making a couple of purchases to add to my belt, including another SB-600, a mini-softbox, a flash trigger and receiver, and a stand and umbrella for my flash. Sadly, at the beginning of the summer, my other SB-600 flash broke while shooting Leslie, and the old Vivitar my dad gave me had died. Eventually I'll get the 600 repaired and order another stand, so I can have a pair.
Anywho, things have slowed down as of late and there's been a couple of things I've been working on, experimenting with, and playing around with. Had I'd known that I could get these tools at such a cheap price, I would've been at this point a long time ago but hey, better late than never. Right?
Here's a couple of photos I've taken over the past week.
Leslie and I are working on business cards for her music. We finished the back of it last night but we couldn't find any images I've taken of her actually with a guitar. We shot today in my room; here's one of the photos we came up with.
While she was making sure her hair was okay, I got curious. I ducked into the umbrella and took a photo of myself just to see what I could get. Usually you don't see a person INSIDE the umbrella so..
Lastly, here's a sneak peak at a little something Terence RUSHin (of RUSH Photography and Video) and I have been working on. We can't spill ALL of the beans yet but....."V"
P.S. Remember this:
Anywho, things have slowed down as of late and there's been a couple of things I've been working on, experimenting with, and playing around with. Had I'd known that I could get these tools at such a cheap price, I would've been at this point a long time ago but hey, better late than never. Right?
Here's a couple of photos I've taken over the past week.
Leslie and I are working on business cards for her music. We finished the back of it last night but we couldn't find any images I've taken of her actually with a guitar. We shot today in my room; here's one of the photos we came up with.
While she was making sure her hair was okay, I got curious. I ducked into the umbrella and took a photo of myself just to see what I could get. Usually you don't see a person INSIDE the umbrella so..
Lastly, here's a sneak peak at a little something Terence RUSHin (of RUSH Photography and Video) and I have been working on. We can't spill ALL of the beans yet but....."V"
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
You Can't Miss With These Two..Well, I know I can't
Over the past two years, I've shot countless people. I've had good shoots, and bad shoots, and...okay shoots. Sometimes, with certain people, it's either hit or miss. Your models will either give you exactly what you want, or vice-versa. More times than not, your vision will go right over the model's head. There are two people in particular that stand out, and that I absolutely love shooting. Both of these people go above and beyond each time, and we always come up with amazing results. With every shoot we do, the bar is raised for the next one.
Chelsea Turner
As I was shooting Chelsea the other day, I got to thinking. Every time I have every shot this girl, she not only gives me what exactly I'm looking for, but she goes beyond. Not too many people can do that, and a majority of the time people will only give you the bare minimum. I've shot Chelsea numerous times. Yes, she's a very attractive women, and yes every photo that I have ever taken of her usually comes out amazing. This time was different. I don't know what it is, but she absolutely blew my mind with these photos, and she definitely made my job a lot easier. This shoot was totally worth the 14 mosquito bites on both of my arms.
View Chelsea Turner's Shoot-June 14, 2010
Leslie Mack
When it comes to photos, Leslie and I just seem to click. It seems like we're on the same page about every aspect of the shoot. The outfits, the poses, the expressions, the scenes...everything. My Dad even made an analogy about her and I.
"You two are like the Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of photography. There hasn't been one shoot that you two have done where either you or her seem remotely look out of tune."
I believe it.
View Leslie Mack's Shoot-May 18, 2010
I know what you may be thinking, "Tristan, you should totally do a shoot with them together."
The funny thing is that we have. About a year and a half ago we did a murder themed shoot and the photos came out pretty decent. Of course, since then, I'd like to think that I have upped my game a little bit, and I'd REALLY like to get them together again and do another themed shoot. Hopefully we can do this soon.
View Cold Blooded Here
As I was shooting Chelsea the other day, I got to thinking. Every time I have every shot this girl, she not only gives me what exactly I'm looking for, but she goes beyond. Not too many people can do that, and a majority of the time people will only give you the bare minimum. I've shot Chelsea numerous times. Yes, she's a very attractive women, and yes every photo that I have ever taken of her usually comes out amazing. This time was different. I don't know what it is, but she absolutely blew my mind with these photos, and she definitely made my job a lot easier. This shoot was totally worth the 14 mosquito bites on both of my arms.
View Chelsea Turner's Shoot-June 14, 2010
When it comes to photos, Leslie and I just seem to click. It seems like we're on the same page about every aspect of the shoot. The outfits, the poses, the expressions, the scenes...everything. My Dad even made an analogy about her and I.
"You two are like the Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of photography. There hasn't been one shoot that you two have done where either you or her seem remotely look out of tune."
I believe it.
View Leslie Mack's Shoot-May 18, 2010
I know what you may be thinking, "Tristan, you should totally do a shoot with them together."
The funny thing is that we have. About a year and a half ago we did a murder themed shoot and the photos came out pretty decent. Of course, since then, I'd like to think that I have upped my game a little bit, and I'd REALLY like to get them together again and do another themed shoot. Hopefully we can do this soon.
View Cold Blooded Here
Friday, June 11, 2010
Broken Bells at Center Stage
[For those of you who haven't heard of the Broken Bells, please read my previous blog.]
As soon at they walked on the stage, I had a permanent smile on my face. These guys KILLED it. Every last song had the crowd either singing along, or just flat out screaming and "WOOOOO"ing at the top of their lungs. I felt bad for not knowing their songs, especially listening to it nonstop on a daily basis. RUSH and I, again, got in the front row as we did at the Big Boi show, and didn't budge. We got both got some awesome photos, and I recorded my FAVORITE song, "The Ghost Inside", as well as "The High Road." We also got some awesome(expensive) schwag. T-Shirts and a Matchbox....with matches in it of course. This show was perhaps one of the greatest experience I've had in awhile at a live performance. The best part-they sounded EXACTLY as they did on their record. I loved that. The performed eight songs to open the show, then for some reason, they just walked off stage! No one knew whether that was the end of their show, or what. They didn't wave or anything. But every second of the wait, the crowd got louder and more excited. Then out of nowhere, James Mercer comes back on stage with a bottle of beer in his hand, followed the rest of the band. These guys definitely know how to work the crowd. They performed four more songs, and closed out with a SICK instrumental. One by one they each left the stage in about 2 minute intervals, each waving at us before their exit.
From entrance to exit, these guys were total crowd pleasers. Sadly, the Broken Bells conclude their nation wide tour tonight (6/11/10) in Athens, GA at the 40 Watt Club.
Below are a few photos I took of the show, and beneath those are the two live performances of "The Ghost Inside" and "The High Road"
The full set of photos can be viewed here.
The Ghost Inside Live!
The High Road Live!
As soon at they walked on the stage, I had a permanent smile on my face. These guys KILLED it. Every last song had the crowd either singing along, or just flat out screaming and "WOOOOO"ing at the top of their lungs. I felt bad for not knowing their songs, especially listening to it nonstop on a daily basis. RUSH and I, again, got in the front row as we did at the Big Boi show, and didn't budge. We got both got some awesome photos, and I recorded my FAVORITE song, "The Ghost Inside", as well as "The High Road." We also got some awesome(expensive) schwag. T-Shirts and a Matchbox....with matches in it of course. This show was perhaps one of the greatest experience I've had in awhile at a live performance. The best part-they sounded EXACTLY as they did on their record. I loved that. The performed eight songs to open the show, then for some reason, they just walked off stage! No one knew whether that was the end of their show, or what. They didn't wave or anything. But every second of the wait, the crowd got louder and more excited. Then out of nowhere, James Mercer comes back on stage with a bottle of beer in his hand, followed the rest of the band. These guys definitely know how to work the crowd. They performed four more songs, and closed out with a SICK instrumental. One by one they each left the stage in about 2 minute intervals, each waving at us before their exit.
From entrance to exit, these guys were total crowd pleasers. Sadly, the Broken Bells conclude their nation wide tour tonight (6/11/10) in Athens, GA at the 40 Watt Club.
Below are a few photos I took of the show, and beneath those are the two live performances of "The Ghost Inside" and "The High Road"
The full set of photos can be viewed here.
The Ghost Inside Live!
The High Road Live!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)