Scenes from the Gig: Up Close and Personal, vol. 2

I’ve always loved music. But it was quite some time before I ever gave serious thought to concert photography.

Perhaps it’s because I’m Gen X. We grew up in the seventies, when music was still largely audio media. Sure, there were shows like Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert and The Midnight Special, but these were novelty shows. Music was about the radio and the record player and that was it.

Then MTV wandered into our lives and everything began to change. Suddenly, we could put faces with our favorite songs. We didn’t have to go to a concert in order to see what the artists looked liked!

I underwent what I call “The King Crimson Renaissance” in 1985. The music I loved became more complex and far less image driven. I wouldn’t have been able to pick the members of Crimson out of a lineup. And I didn’t care.

I suppose it was the dawn of the internet that finally drew me toward the visual aspect of music. I wasn’t fanatical about it, mind you. Seeing my favorite acts was an added, but not necessary, bonus. Concert photos were cool, but I didn’t see a ton of them. And I wasn’t concerned about it.

I didn’t go to a lot of concerts before the early nineties, when I would be part of a group of friends heading down to whatever hockey arena our favorite acts were visiting. It never even occurred to me to bring a camera. Even as my attendance at shows increased, I still wasn’t concerned with photographing the event.

That changed in 2017, when my friend Thomas Hatton assigned me to go to Progtoberfest in Chicago. It was my job to cover the event for Proglodytes.com. The writing, I figured, would be easy. And I was right. I also bought a point-and-shoot camera, figuring I could take some cool photos to go with the words. I thought it would be easy. My, how wrong I was. It was a disaster!

I didn’t take a single decent photo with that camera. So, I decided to take a few shots with my iPhone. The results were a revelation. I couldn’t believe what could be captured with a cellphone. And just like that, a mild obsession was born. The following year, my Progtoberfest photos were sensational!

I like to go to shows in smaller venues featuring up and coming artists. It’s easier to get close to the stage. If allowed, I take out my phone and get a few photos. I’m rarely disappointed by what comes out.

Even after buying a professional camera (and as my skill level with it continues to improve), I still take a few shots with my phone. I really enjoy capturing a few memories to go with the music resonating in my ear.

Here are a few more photos, courtesy of the iPhone. I hope you enjoy them.

One thing is certain: I spend a LOT of time at Reggie’s!