Images & Words
With the past couple of gigs I have shot being two of the most rewarding experiences in the fledgling attempt at a career – a bad night was just around the corner.
I had never shot at the Palais before. This was to be my first night so I knew not what to expect. Although she is a gorgeous, classic venue and pretty much right in my own neighbourhood, I didn’t know what would be in store for me photographically.
From the outset, the challenge had been set.
The promoter only allowed the first 15 minutes of the show for photography, before then being escorted out of the venue.
I can live with that. I would have to do my absolute best in the allotted time to try and capture the best I could.
Unfortunately, the Palais doesn’t really cater to photography. There was no designated photo-pit area but I, and my fellow photogs, would have to stand in the aisle on either side.
Boy, did this prove to be a monumental task.
Visibility was hard and I was only armed with a 105mm lens – which just wasn’t to cut it tonight. Further evidence I really need to invest in a 70-200mm – fast!
Shooting from such an acute angle was also difficult.
I just wasn’t feeling it tonight, no matter how much I tried.
As I was leaving the venue, I was also confronted by the promoter who practically bit my head off because it was deemed I was standing in a punter’s way. I apologised profusely and stated my case that I simply did not know if I was in anyone’s way and that is something I would never do willingly and knowingly.
It all left a bitter taste in one’s mouth. I felt as if I was working very, very hard in extremely trying conditions for absolutely zero reward.
It’s a hard caper this rock n roll photography. Some nights are just magical, there is no doubt about that – but tonight… tonight is one I’d rather soon forget.
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