Richard Avedon’s work has inspired me since college. He made the simple details and the unattractive appear beautiful, even if it was sad or superficial. So when Chase Jarvis posted a marked up image by Avedon and a editorial comment, I was ready  with my own two cents.

A story told by Chase. “I just recently overheard a self-described “purist” photographer ranting on about how we’re all cheaters and that the photographic masters before us lacked our current luxury–even desire–to “customize” (read: manipulate/photoshop) images. It was “…all about the the composition, a beautiful subject, and a properly exposed picture”.

So, here are my thoughts…there’s always going to be someone who disagrees with you and the way you do things. Points (pun intended) like this will always be up for discussion. Avedon’s mark ups are a classic example of old school technique going new school. We used to do this in the darkroom for hours…dodging and burning. The only difference is that now we can dodge and burn and layer and add effects at our desks with the lights ON. Photography and all the tools associated with it, have never been a luxury. Photography has always been a beautiful challenge, one that Richard Avedon has mastered. Now our task is to be aware.

“In a world of increasing conformity and musical banality, Devin Townsend is among the few real personalities who have character, charisma and surprising innovative creativity.”-Biography, hevydevy.com

He was fun, energetic and wore one hell of a fancy pinstripe suit. For a moment, before he started playing, I wondered what a guy in a the suit was doing at metal show at Northern Lights. He was funny, full of potty humor and good music. I was surprised, really genuinely surprised. Devin’s voice unified us with the amazing feeling of being lost in glorious sound. It was melodic, unique and energizing. I didn’t tune out at all (this says a lot because I’ve been known to read books during sets which do not capture my attention). This was my first time, hearing the mad hypnotizing and passionate music. For me, it felt like I was discovering something new, while spying on a mad musical scientist  in his dark lab filled with sound.

Oh yeah, Devy opened for Between The Buried and Me…they were there too.

So I’m going to shoot Cracker tonight at Rev Hall. You coming???

I listened to them a lot in high school. Back in K-town when the only station that would come in  my room was WDST (not unusual since I lived on top of a mountain). I checked these guys out back then, because Brad Pitt loved them and since everybody loved Brad Pitt – I was willing to give their stuff a whirl.

Cracker has been to this area several times. Every time they’ve come though I’ve always missed them. Well, not this time! Tonight is the night! I wish Brad Pitt was coming too. It’s not like he can’t afford it. I will report back later tonight.

POST-SHOW PREVIEW

The show was pretty packed from what I saw and had to squeeze through to get around to different sides of the venue. Ticket wise, I’m not sure how many were sold, but I think it was over half! Pretty good for a Tuesday night in the cold, cold winter in Troy!

They played some oldies but goodies like Eurotrash Girl Did you go?

Valentine’s day, 2009 and the first 40 days (If you know me, you know what that means to me). This was the most perfect way to remember and celebrate love, life and music. Jason put on a fantastic private show for FLY 92.3. He was kind, funny and thoughtful. It was lucky that he came to Albany and I was lucky to be there spending time with one of my best friends and my favorite musician to date. That night, I bought my D700. Ryan and I went to dinner. It was the most beautiful, difficult day of my life to date.

I’m not going to lie…this was the most anticipated show of the year and my photo career to date. I worked on getting clearance for this for 3 months. Yet, it was John Brodeur of Metroland who made it happen for me. I even ended up getting paid to be there! As a kid in Russia watching Enter Sandman on VH1 I never ever thought I’d see them nonetheless photograph them in my whole life. Metallica was rock music. Metallica is freedom and angst and joy. I know joy is an unusual comparison but to me they stand for freedom. Ryan tells me about the live footage of their show in Moscow, where the security guards fought not to enjoy the music but you could see its power in their eyes. Music has the power to move the spirit and these guys do it like the spirit moves them. To me Metallica is freedom and nothing else matters.

It’s not often that I surf on YouTube. The couple of times I have…I’ve discovered bands that are now my favorites. Metric is one of them.  Just as randomly, and on the way back from the GD shoot (above) I was meeting my boyfriend at Savannah’s before walking home. I sat at the bar and stared at the Absolut Vodka promo poster advertising a free EQX show presenting Metric! Unbelievable. While only Emily and James were at there, the show was hypnotic. The lighting, the sound of her clear  echoing voice energized the small club.  Everybody does want to fall in love and play the lead with Metric! Metric makes me happy. They make feel like dancing, hopeful and young. Dancing till tomorrow. No further proof needed.

They’ve worked so hard and for so long. Now, they’re selling out arenas all over the world, not just small clubs that’ll take them. I loved American Idiot and this album is pretty good too. I like my music loud and charged with energy, not necessarily political. There was a very entertaining pink bunny onstage before the set, GD t-shirt and all. The TU center audience was of all ages and everyone was screaming. When the guys finally came out they made getting the great shots easy. Their passion was obvious and the fans were happy. I wanted to capture the pride and excitement, the light and the sound of a band that was so deservingly sharing their glory with the world.

NUMBER 7: STAIND at SPACAaron and the guys were in good spirits as they came on stage for their headlining set. This was their annual stop in our area and my reunion with a band that started it all for me back in 2004. They were my first arena show, backstage experience (get out of the gutter NOW) and first national publication (in Fairways & Greens magazine by Aaron’s request…HEY, we all have to start somewhere). I’m sure he had no idea who I was when yelled “What’s up, Aaron” as he walked down the hill to the stage before the set. It was still very special to me. So they wailed and they played and did their thing. And that night, I left with a greater appreciation of a band that consistently delivers music and experience to the fans who will never get enough.