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May 07, 2008
Was It Worth It?
All photos taken with the 35-135mm lens. Since I couldn't shoot the stage with flash, everything's been edited more than I generally prefer. Still, I was happy with most of the results, although I'd love brighter lighting in venues across the board.
Lots of fun was had by all. The band was great and the music was rockin'. Even the opening act was good. Unfortunately, there was some sort of "sticking point" with the camera during the first part of the evening and all my early shots had to be scrapped. There was just no saving them. Sure, if I'd shot RAW, maybe. But I didn't because, to be quite honest, until I get myself Photoshop CS2 or CS3, there's really no point. The adjustments I can make with Canon software don't do nearly enough and Paint Shop Pro XI doesn't handle the files as well as I'd like.
I felt horrible that the first part of the evening's product was crap, but at least I didn't give up. Whatever the problem was with the camera (I had everything set properly -- I checked 3 or 4 times -- but the camera wasn't cooperating), it resolved and life went on.
There was a special significance in photographing the drummer. Not only is he a friend, but he's an inspiration. Picture this: California, 2007. A man -- no spring chicken, mind you -- gets the opportunity to realize a lifelong dream of playing with an internationally recognized act. His successful business can be run by his wife, sister, and son. He jumps at the chance and has been having the time of his life ever since. This wasn't where his life was headed 20 years ago when he was an addict. It wasn't even where his life was headed after he got clean and sober. It was more a case of an unrealized dream gnawing at the very fiber of his being that caused him to grab those sticks and start playing every chance he got. Sounds a little familiar, no? Substitute sticks for a camera and a back injury for the addiction, but don't even try to substitute that passion... It doesn't matter what form it takes as long as it drives you.
I keep telling myself if Dave can do it, so can I. He tells me the same thing, which is very cool. And he has echoed what many others have said about the universe giving you what you need once you give it a chance.
All in all, I'm fairly happy with the photographs and I definitely think the lens purchase was worth it.
Posted by Da Goddess at May 7, 2008 04:08 AM
Comments
I really like the photograph of the drummer. The lighting isn't bad at all and the expression on his face is priceless. It reflects someone who really loves what they're doing, and you captured it perfectly. Bravo!
Posted by: Cindy at May 7, 2008 12:56 PM
Thanks, Cindy! Yes, the photos capturing Dave's joy are priceless to me. Those are the ones that matter most in my book. I'm still sort of grumbly about the lighting though. If you only knew how much color correction I had to do, you'd cry. Damn red gels.
Posted by: Da Goddess at May 7, 2008 01:07 PM
Yep, he definitely has the 'pursuit of happiness' look on his face.
Posted by: Mrs. Who at May 7, 2008 07:38 PM
Mrs. Who, you get a very shiny gold star for coming up with the title I should have used for this post. Pursuit of happiness, indeed!
Posted by: Da Goddess at May 8, 2008 09:32 AM