2018 is starting out a busy year.

I ended the year with a great assignment for the newspaper. Believe, Cirque Du Musica at Heritage Park. Acrobats, contortionists, and dancers with a backdrop of a full orchestra. Like a concert shoot as it was low light with fast motion. A full-page spread can be viewed in last Thursdays New Gazette. Also, extras are on this site.

I have obtained a photo pass for Joe Satriani at The Hard Rock Café in Orlando. Joe Satriani is in the top ten of guitarists alive. I have seen him once; this show will be a treat. A photo pass was also obtained for Blues Traveler next month at the House of Blues Orlando. Another great concert I am looking forward to.

These two shows are 11 days apart and I have a festival in Daytona Beach I will be photographing sandwiched in between. Over 100 bands. The Daytona show is for my artist, The Melissa Crispo Band. Past pictures of Melissa Crispo are in the gallery section of my site spanning 14 years. Truly my favorite subject and her career is gaining ground as her band prepares for their week-long Melissa Etheridge Cruise in March. The cruise is great for national and international exposure. The last cruise she participated in yielded many shows and even a 3-gig series in Ireland last year. I have been asked on two occasions to supply promo pictures of Melissa and her band to two separate publications. I am not coat tailing, I have just upgraded my equipment and become credentialed to gain more access to different shows.

The beginning of February will be very busy. With the rule of 3 songs, no flash, that take about 15 minutes of shooting in a show. The time comes in the editing done after leaving the show. Sometimes it takes hours. But, the better I get, the quicker the process.

Check back periodically to see what I am publishing. My work can also be seen at  

https://www.facebook.com/StopTheAction/

Hard Work and Persistance Paying Off.

I finally did it! After months of contacting bands, publishers, and venues. Just got photo pass approved for The Outlaws and the Artimus Pyle band who was the drummer in Lynyrd Skynyrd. They play all Skynyrd songs at the Plaza Live for Saturday nights show. Next week Cirque De Musica. Spanish Cirque du Soleil.. Thanks to Melissa Crispo’s House of Blues show. It lit a flame under my butt and I jumped all in. Buying the right equipment and learning the craft of the hardest discipline in photography. Low light, fast action, no flash, in a limited amount of time. 3 songs, no flash. Such an adrenaline rush, up close and personal. It’s a sport!

I had a great time. I met a pair of concert photographers that have spent the past 3.5 decades doing what they love. They were so generous with their knowledge and advice. I was able to ask questions and get experienced answers. They were real pros. I was humbled as I was taken seriously with the limited experience I have.

I heard great music and I was taken back to a time in the 70's when listening to music was a big part of my life. These songs brought back really thick memories. Living in Ohio, I was a huge Southern Rock Fan. I had seen the Outlaws back then, but I unfortunately procrastinated about seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd. Little did I know I would never see the original band.  I did see them in 1987 on their concert tour to pay tribute to the members that perished in 1977. It was a very emotional show culminating with a instrumental version of Freebird. A single spotlight illuminating a single microphone stand with the late great Ronnie Van Zant's hat perched a top. As the crowd sang and wiped back tears I can't ever remember a more moving moment at a concert then or since. So here I am 30 years later, Photographing this show. I felt honored for the opportunity.

The Outlaws and I also have a history. I saw them live in 1979. I also talked our high school athletic director to let us use their recording of Green Grass and High Tides as our warmup music before wrestling matches that year. Up until then, rock n roll had no place at high school sporting events. We were the first in our conference, who knows, maybe the first in the state to incorporate music to ready for competition.  

Stay tuned for next weeks CIRQUE DE MUSICA pictures.

Getting Published

I am back from a week off in the woods in Central Michigan. Like usual, I never fired a shot, from a rifle that is. I did however took a few pictures of snowy barns on some local farms. But, the big news is, the freelance gig I got with the local paper paid off as I got a full page with 6 pictures of a pioneer festival I shot the day before I left, I also got a stand alone picture on the front page. I got paid, so I am now a professional photographer. It's not Rock N Roll, but it's a start.

Before I left I had conversations with an online publication in Daytona Beach, Backstage Pass for some pictures I took at the Deland Music Festival sponsored by Songwriters Showcase of America, but it didn't happen. They said maybe next months addition as we were on a hard deadline.

One of the bands from the Deland Festival asked for my rates for a 3 hour photo shoot with 6 band members. We didn't come to terms, but I'm still hopeful.

Then today, the Lakeland Ledger contacted Melissa Crispo to use a photo that she has on her website. Since I had the copy write, I had to give written permission. That will be published on Friday.

Things are moving very fast the past two days since I have been away. Not to mention my 3 other businesses that I had left for the week of woods meditating. Just in time to relax for four days during the Thanksgiving Holiday. I am still waiting for word on a photo pass to shoot Alter Bridge on Friday night at House of Blues. They said there were a lot of Nationally credentialed photographers attending their show as they are hot currently so there maybe no room for a freelance photographer like myself. All I can do is ask, right?

Things are looking up for The Outlaws and Artimus Pyle Band in December. I will update when I hear more. The Osceola News Gazette also has more work for me in the coming weeks.

I have almost accomplished my goal. I am getting close. A lot has happened in the past month, and I am grateful. Goes to show that if you want something bad enough and your not afraid to ask or keep persevering, you can make anything happen.

Enjoy Thanksgiving!  

Weekend in Deland at the music festival.

I waited anxiously Friday for the postal delivery. Finally around 5pm they arrived looking for my signature for my package. A Nikon 300mm f/2.8 prime lens, just in time for Saturdays gig at the Central Florida Songwriters music fest in Deland, FL. The lens was huge, 6.5lbs and came with it's own satchel.  This lens needs it's own tripod, or in my case a mono pod. I had convinced my wife that I needed help as there were 170 artists and 27 stages throughout the city. Could I con her into being my pack horse for this newest prize?

We arrived on the scene a little after 1pm, we packed the gear around and after surveying the land, the 300mm was not needed. Access was good enough for my 70-200mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, and my new favorite, the portrait 85mm f/1.14. Fast glass being a must. Cameras set at 200 iso and lower, we were set.

I hear a sound from a small stag off the side of one of the larger stages. I looked over and the player was playing the guitar behind his head, very Jimi like. I hung out and the two songs I heard from Grindstone Sinners were quite good. 70's style Rock n Roll heavy  on the guitar licks. We shot a few shots of the 3 piece and headed deeper to flash my new credentials and get a program to get the lay of the land. They were also scheduled to perform on the main stage at 8:00pm.

4 O'clock was the reason for coming as my artist Melissa Crispo was a finalist for Songwriter of The Year. Her band was on the main stage, or stage 1 at 4:00. Toni and I made our way to stage one. An alternative jonrah band, Take Lead, was on stage half way into their set. Clicked a few pics, the headed to the food car near by.

Next on the main stage was "The Wait" curious as it's the name of one of my favorite songs from "The Band". They were quite good and entertaining. I later read they have been around since the 80's with different members. I had lost track of my wife and helper during their set. Suddenly she appears and demand that I follow to a cove where stage two is situated. I couldn't believe my eyes, a band with a 5 year old drummer. He also played harmonica and sang as he strutted around the audience. Truly remarkable as he was as good as he was adorable. A big hat, shirtless with a leather vest, jeans, and cowboy boots. His father played guitar in this three piece and the two of them had a shtik between songs, very entertaining as the 5 year old finished a song about finding a girl with money. "Yep, I need to find me a girl with money" he said.

I googled this band, Jesse Daniel Band to get some background. Jesse is the son, and one time we was in a coma for 22 months. His daddy Daniel never left his side. He use to bring his guitar and play for him while he was unconscious. To this day they are inseparable. They travel to gigs with the drum kit strapped to a Harley. In the sidecar is a stuffed pony. Quite a sight, and seems appropriate since Jesse is only 5.

Finally 4:00 rolls around and Melissa puts on her polished show, one I've seen many times, kind of a warm up for the bands 7 day cruise  performing nightly with Melissa Etheridge, Sarah McLachlan, and many others in March.

On the way to the car we stopped in Café Da Vinci where 3 stages were located. We were treated to the energy of Billy Buchanan. He really put on a great energetic performance. We were on a roll and decided to put off leaving and heated out to another stage off the strip. Looking for a gem in the rough if you will. Well, we were treated to rough and no gem. It was time to leave and not add any bad performances to ruin a great day.

When we got back to the house we were informed Melissa Crispo had won Songwriter of the year! What a great day! Now hours of editing in Lightroom. Please check out my galleries of this weekend above.

The 300mm f/2.8 really has no purpose for concert photography. A very expensive lesson to learn, but what a great lens. Friday night gridiron for the paper, here I come.

Getting Credentialed

It's been a few months, we survived a direct hit of Hurricane Irma. The storm played havoc on my other 3 businesses. But, there is always a silver lining. Today I picked up my credentials as a photo journalist for a small local paper. I now have my creds and hopefully this will open doors to the rock n roll venues around Orlando.

I will still have to beg, but I am now employed as a professional. This was my goal in July if you read my post. One piece at a time. November 4, 2017 I will be shooting an outdoor concert with 100 acts. Deland Florida shuts down the streets and erects stages on every corner. It is really a great event and if the weather is nice, one you need to attend as all musicians will be performing their original music. I will be at the main stage for Melissa Crispo's Band at 4:00pm. Say Hi if you stop by. The song writer of the year, and the song of the year are being voted on now. Give it a listen!  https://youtu.be/dApvrB13_4Q 

I will continue to add content to the site like I did from a weekend trip to Chicago where I took in the city, Cub's baseball, and a hoping local Blues Bar. Chicago, you are a great town and thanks for having me!

My mind is made up and I am saving for a Nikon 300mm f/2.8 AF VR lens to add to my equipment for concert distance, and outdoor sports. Moving to the next level, so come along for the ride.

Expanding a Dream

Well it's been a month since I entered on this blog. I have been spending a lot of time on Facebook starting a new page by adding data on an daily basis. The thought being to boost the action on this page. I have started a segment "On this day in Rock n Roll",  posting birthdays and events in Rock N Roll. Today is Mick Jagger's birthday by the way. 

https://www.facebook.com/StopTheAction/

I am also inquiring about getting photo passes, Ted Nugent was a no go this month, as was Chevelle at House of Blues, no response. I have recently inquired about Guns n Roses. I am not sure I will have any better luck. But, if you don't ask, you never know.

Working on getting credentials from a local publication to get my feet wet. Again, inquiries sent, and waiting on a response. Nothing gained, nothing lost. I will continue to go to local clubs and keep learning this art.

Still the lack of feedback on this site is deafening. It is all welcome.  

Practice, Practice, and Practice

I haven't updated the blog in a month, but since coming back from vacation I have added some more lens, fixed aperture lens that work very well in low light situations. I have been practicing in dark bars with this equipment. I did however attend an outdoor festival with the Melissa Crispo Band that had 3 acts. Unfortunately, Melissa ran into a sound ordinance problem and law enforcement shut down the main stage at 10pm half way through her set. Since it was an outside venue, the 3 song rule wasn't in effect, so I was taking my time and I didn't get all the shots I wanted to. It was cool though, as I was able to actually get on stage for a few up close and personal shots.

July might be interesting as I have requested photo passes for Chevelle and Ted Nugent. Being freelance might make getting these passes difficult. But, If I didn't ask, I wouldn't have the chance at a great opportunity. Nothing gained, nothing lost.

I have been spending more time gaining education in the development stage. The ability to adjust pictures is invaluable.

I am having a ball and learning an extremely amount of information. Remember, access is everything. Up close and personal. It's such a great privilege to be able to have that access.

Back From Vacation....Rested and Ready

After spending a week in the Seattle Area photographing landscapes with the new equipment I am home ready to hit a few clubs to checkout my new fixed aperture prime lens. Starting tonight I am going to see Bad Mannerz in Orlando.

Seattle was a completely different vibe as they have a dedicated station to music from that area, or grunge as most know it. The worst part of the trip was on the first day. The passing of Chris Cornell the lead singer of Soundgarden.   The local station played tribute with plenty of Soundgarden, which I love. It was a sad day. 

But, I was on vacation and there was plenty to take up my time hiking into the mountains exploring to located the numerous waterfalls cause my snow melting in the mountains. Checkout the pictures on this site!

The day I got back I went to shoot Melissa Crispo who was performing in a club that was filming bar rescue. I was limited in time as I had to vacate when the TV camera crews entered. But, as the band historian, pictures marked the time. I checked with the band and they only got to play 3 songs. (I was only present for sound check.) then they waited an hour and a half and never finished. They were also filmed during the initial segment, which if you have ever seen the show on Spike, that is where the show degrades the club owner. So, will the band be put into a bad light? All I can say is, there is no such thing as bad press. And if this club gets their stage, sound system, and lights upgraded, the show was worth it. Past shows had a little to be desired. Progress is always good.

Check in the next few days as I will post the latest show.

Where my love of live music was born.

I lived in Grafton, Wisc from 1964-1972 That's where I heard my first live band standing near the beer tent at the annual corn roast. They were playing a cover from The Wild Ones, then later The Troggs, Wild Thing. Yes as many of you remember, from the movie Major League. It was the summer of 1966. I was 5 and Rock-N-Roll was born! Pass me an ear with extra butter and salt. Loved those Brats too.

 The Troggs

Grafton Wisconsin's Annual Corn Roast started in 1959.

Where and when did you hear and see your first band performance?

Busy and Fun Weekend

Well Friday night was a long night with 3 bands a one venue. I got some great pictures, and some unique shots of a musician that plays an electric fiddle. The shots were money. Lots of unique composition and intimate posses.

Now Saturday night was completely different and full of energy in the streets of downtown Orlando where bands were performing for the opportunity to possibly acquire a record deal. People everywhere as just 3 miles away Earth Day Birthday 24 was taking place. The music vibe was everywhere, and the streets were having a great time moving from block to block in between the hot dog carts at every corner.

I have added all four bands to the site for your review.

Today I moved into offering real estate pictures to local Realtors. Most don't have the equipment to take the pictures I have and they see the advantage to advertising their listings with great pictures.

Please leave comments.

Expanding into Real Estate

After having a weekend off from concert photography, and constantly looking on Amazon for a used Fixed aperture lens, a AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR ll lens which I currently don't need or can afford, but I need to add to my concert collection for those times that access is limited to the sound board and distance is needed. I have been spending my time doing my regular job, Real Estate. In the past two days I have shot 3 home interiors. My Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 made really detailed photographs.

After shooting my second home today, the thought of aerial photography seemed to make a lot of sense, so back on Amazon to order a drone. Every great listing now adays has aerial photography so, I am expanding that capability to my presentations. As we all know, great pictures sell houses.

If you missed my last two concert shoots, they will be up until Sunday, as I will be shooting Melissa Crispo who just returned from playing in Nashville. On Friday night as her band headlines in Orlando at the Abbey, with opening acts, Lauren Lester, and Bob Green. A night of original music from 3 great songwriters.

Saturday, I will be attending The Florida Music Festival where area bands perform in the hope of getting singed by a record label. The last time I attended was in 2007 with Melissa's first band. This year, her drummer who plays in two bands will be on the main stage with his other band.

So, I will be posting new concert footage as I will be photographing at least 4 bands this weekend. If your free, come on out and support local music in Orlando, Fl.

I am still waiting and admiring that 70-200mm lens. Just need to sell a house or two.

Great weather for a busy weekend in two locations.

Saturday, 78 degrees and clear skies. North to Deland, Florida hosted Delandapalooza, 125 artists from 1PM to 1AM. A very cool event where many side streets are closed with stages every few blocks, lots of walking and crossing streets. If your a concert photographer, a real smorgasbord.  I saw 6 artists in the four hours I was there, of course working for The Melissa Crispo Band was the reason I was there so the majority of the time was spend at her stage for her performance. Then went to dinner with the band before the hour and a half drive home. The conditions were perfect, but the sun was behind the stage so I was shooting into the shadow of the stage with little stage lighting. Mostly shot at 200 ISO.

Sunday was picture perfect as well. Same weather as Saturday but a bit breezier. South to Ponce Inlet on the Indian River at Earl's Hideaway just of the East cost. The venue is an outside bar with a sand floor in the middle of a bamboo cove on two sides, the water complete with boats on one side and finally the establishments building. The venue was much rowdier as it usually is when The Stacy Mitchhart Band comes South From Nashville once a year every spring. As I have know the band for 12 years, my access isn't restricted and great shots are abundant, the player even mug for the camera as they enjoy Florida in the spring and you can tell they are just having a great time after winter in Nashville.

So, my two favorite bands, back to back. It doesn't get any better. But I am exhausted and I still have to edit both photo shoots which will be around eight hours of work. Of which I will start tomorrow after I have an interior photo shoot for my main business, real estate, as I will be listing that home on Tuesday. I can't wait to use my new 14-24mm f/2.8 wide angle lens for that shoot, but I digress, I did shoot with that lens at the beginning of the Melissa Crispo Band shoot as the stage was large, but I predominately shot both days with 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom as I was so close to both bands. Unlike if I attended the Tamp Bay Blues Festival which was going on Friday to Monday in St. Petersburg. That was a great show as well as I have been seeing pictures on social media all weekend. But, I was where I wanted to be and supporting my two very favorite artists.

I will start posting the band shots and some crowd shots starting Tuesday. Enjoy and comment please. 

Starting a New Look!

Well today was exciting as my new Nikon 14-22MM F/2.8 lens have arrived. A very versatile wide angle lens. Will be great in the pit, but also in taking interiors of homes with tight kitchens and bathrooms. Very exciting.

Second, I will be adding a commerce page to sell some of my work. I will have 8X10 glossy prints available, and also JPEG's for advertising flexibility in print and websites.

And lastly, my graphic designer created a new logo for my new business. Very clean and simple, yet professional looking. Now if only Apple would stop upgrading the iPhone cameras making everyone a photographer... But alas, my motivation isn't to replace my other 3 businesses. It's all about the music and the artists that create it. With a new camera, a Nikon D4 and a new Nikon 70-200MM F/2.8 zoom lens on the way, my next concert shoot should have great results. I should have pictures up by April 11, 2017

Getting The Right Equipment

As I have previously stated, I own really nice camera equipment as I take advertising pictures for my Real Estate Brokerages, Resident Team Realty LLC and Toni's Property Management LLC. But the atmosphere that I use that equipment is the complete opposite of Concert Photography. The obvious different is the subjects are moving and the lighting is much different in concert venues. Real Estate in most cases, the sun is the source of lighting, and you are taking stills.

When I started doing more concert photography, I realized I needed completely different equipment. I need faster cameras and faster lenses. The lens' F stops have to be lower to let in enough light to properly expose the subject. This type of photography goes against any camera settings in the auto mode. But, equipment still does not replace instincts needed for concert photography, it just reduces time spent in the editing process by having better quality shots to deal with.

From dark under lit  bar venues to well lit larger concert venues, I still feel I have the best seat in the house and have the pictures to prove it.

What Started it all.

I have been attending concerts since I was 14 years old in 1975. The first in Cleveland Stadium called the World Series of Rock. Put on by Belkin Productions and the radio station WMMS. These were common in the 1970's and usually the highlight of every teenagers summer. I still remember the bands, the crowd, the sights, and the smells. The Rolling Stones were the main and final act of the day. Proceeding the Stones were Joe Vitals' Madmen, Widowmaker, Tower of Power, and the band which started my introduction to what turned out to be one of my all time favorite live acts, The J Giles Band. I was hooked and attended 100's of shows since.

My older brother got into the business as a driver. First hauling shows with his tractor trailer, then later as a bus driver for acts from Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Velvet Revolver, Tool, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and so many more I can't even remember. Well with this family connect, all access passes were available and I saw and experienced a concert venue in a new and exciting way. I was even allowed on the bus in three Florida cities during an Aerosmith tour in 2001. My brother was hauling the roadies for the opening act The Cult. We made quick friends and I was given all access passes for the next nights performance in Tampa, FL by The Cults drummer Matt Sorum, who by the way was the drummer for Runs and Roses after replacing Steven Adler in 1990. I was a big fan. The next two nights I met up with the bus and hung out with the roadies, even helped load the trucks with them as they left the stage to clear for Steven Tyler and company. I was enamored and wished life had taken me on this path when I was younger. But, I don't play guitar or drums. Now I think I can sing a bit, ....But I digress.

Back to how it started. I met a very talented young lady that needed help getting her singing/song writing career started. We became quick friends and I lent a hand helping her at what ever I could. By this time, I was just starting my career in rear estate so I had professional camera equipment that I used often. So to help, I started to photograph her and her performances. That was 2004 and I have been honored to be her bands personal photographer for all their live performances.

As with every other profession or hobby, as she gets bigger and the venues get larger, more expensive equipment is needed  and the pictures become more important so I am always upgrading my gear and learning as much as possible every day. It's both fun and rewarding and I am in the middle of something I love. Check back and check my newest pictures for my last shoot!