Sir Elton!!!

I know this is being posted very late … but I have been slammed at work.

Regardless, I definitely wanted to say a few words about photographing the legendary Elton John.

The thing I loved about shooting this show was the low-hum of the energy and the buzz of excitement that could be felt throughout the building before the sold-out show at the Nutter Center.

Then I was struck by how energetic and still vibrant Captain Fantastic was from the get-go.

He was adorned in a spectacular and dazzling coat covered in sequins.

The biggest radio-played artist of the ‘70s began his set with a crowd-rockin’ rendition of “The Bitch is Back.” The photography situation was tenuous at best as there were seven of us trying to stand in a 6-foot by 6-foot space stage right.

After the crowd was warmed up, Sir Elton busted into crowd favorite “Benny and the Jets.” The photo crew was moved back about 30 feet into an aisle on the left side of the stage. For someone who isn’t that tall like me and one of the female togs, it made for a difficult shoot. But there have always been worse situations. The mega-star’s spectacular lights show helped ease some of the pain of the location.

The worst part of this particular show was that after the two songs were over, I did not get to stay for the show (as I do at most shows).

So that was it. Two songs at a bucket-list show. And then it was snuffed out like a “Candle in the Wind.”

For more images from the show, click here.

And now for something completely different (Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett) …

So I pride myself on being well-rounded as a music fan, and I always tell anyone who asks I will photograph anyone. This weekend shows I am a man of my word.

I would say that as far as music goes, pop country is definitely lower on my list of musical tastes. So when the opportunity to photograph the Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley (and Thomas Rhett) show came up, I jumped at the opportunity (even though I honestly knew none of their music).

The first thing I found interesting came from Facebook. When I announced to the world that I would be shooting this concert, I had people that I do not even know commenting about how jealous they were. I secretly wonder if they look at my other work ever.

Anyway, my first real disappointment came when even after asking if this would be a soundboard shoot (and finding out through email that it would be a front of house shoot), we found out that it would indeed be from 150-200 yards away from the stage. Luckily, I had at least brought my 70-200mm lens. This situation was only made worse by the fact that there was no riser for us to stand above the crowd. So in all honesty, I was extremely frustrated before the first opening act even began – and debated leaving.

But I decided to stick it out, and I have to say I was quite impressed with what I saw. Although not a big country fan (as stated above), I enjoyed the bluesy, rock influences that were ever present in both Thomas Rhett and Dierks Bentley’s sets. These guys can really rock. And as I noticed my head bobbing along to some of Bentley’s signature songs like 5150 and Home, I saw why it is “pop” country.

The main headliner, Miranda Lambert, is less my cup of tea, but still an honest ear can hear why her music has a big following. The beautiful songstress is very engaging, and you can tell she cares about her fans. Also, I believe this devotion to fans was one of the reasons we had to shoot from so far back. She wants fans up close. I get it.

One major benefit to photographing from a distance is the fact that you can eye the whole crowd and the lighting production. The lighting was phenomenal and at times filled the arena and lit up the capacity crowd. I hope I captured some of that in the images.

The highlight of the night for most was the surprise appearance of Lambert’s husband country star and coach on The Voice Blake Shelton. Shelton joined Lambert on stage much to the delight of the sold out Nutter Center crowd.

So overall, despite difficult shooting conditions, I enjoyed the experience (will definitely shoot country again) and was pleasantly surprised by the lighting production and even will likely listen to more pop country in the future.

Dierks BentleyNutter Center – Feb. 15, 2013 – Fairborn, Ohio
SET: Am I the Only One, Free and Easy, 5150, Every Mile’s a Memory, Lot a Leavin Left to do, She Was, Tip it on Back, Up on the Ridge, Slowdown, Come a Little Closer Baby, I Hold All, What Was I Thinkin’, Sideways, Home