Here’s my hot take: Paramore are great.
Ok, that’s not super original but whatever. What an incredible band. Truly once a generation in terms of the passion and adoration they inspire and exceptional when it comes to the quality of their songs and performance.
Normally, I’m not a fan of arenas. Because the corporate interests that are a prerequisite of arenas that size ruin…everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if next time I went to one they made me pay a deposit to even be allowed to que at the bar to choose between one of their three corporate sponsors.
Also I’m old and hate standing up for long periods of time.
Anyways, as much as I love being asked to shoot shows, it’s nice to sometimes go to them not to work. That being said, I don’t think I’m physically capable of going to a show and not thinking about shooting it…which is why now having my wee point and shoot is such a joy.
As much fun as all my pro Canon kit is, it’s really nice to have something so small, simple and direct to hand to carry around everywhere. It makes so much easier just tot take photos without thinking and remember why I love it so much in the first place.
Plus, it’s also nice to not have to do the paperwork of invoicing someone. (Though I am available Paramore if you’re interested. Please call me.)
If you’re a photographer, I’d recommend getting your hand on a wee point and shoot to carry about. It makes photography so much fun, and not just a service for clients.
I find all the limitations of the fixed lens of my Fujifilm X100F super satisfying and a fun challenge to use. The 35mm equivalent is perfect for a carry around, and gives everything a very immediate and real vibe. Sure, I’d love something longer like an 85mm for that level of compression and the way that isolates your subject but there’s a liberating sense to embracing the limitations.
On top of that, the vintage inspired controls on those Fuji cameras are a total joy to use. Again, something about the limitations and inability to dial in your settings or use a modern EVF to get to your exposure makes everything so much more…instinctual. Which in a lot of ways, I feel like photography should be.
It’s also really nice to have set the camera to shoot in a black and white film simulation. Obviously I keep a RAW file for editing, but it’s really cool to immediately see my photos in a way that’s more classic and lacks the flexibility of a raw. It somehow makes the image feel so much more immediate and RAW then when I review images on my R5C. on a job.
Editing wise, I deliberately keep it simple with the point and shoot stuff. I chose a single image, edit that and then just sync those settings across all the images and then just tweak exposure if needed. I won’t shoot film because it scars me and I don’t have the cash, but also…it’s nice to feel like I did a little roll of film at shows like this.
Like a real photographer.
In this case, I used the Mastin Labs presets for the Cinestill 800T film stock as my base…because it rocks.
There’s a place for poise, consideration and detailed composition but the joy of a show like this isn’t one of them. Gigs like this are all about those shared moments and I’m stoked I was able to document a few of them .
Here’s a some more snaps I like or whatever.
