Opening for a headlining performance by the legendary Wailers band, the Murder City Players laid down a tight set that slipped between reggae, ska, and dancehall grooves with ease and style.
Backed by a seven-piece band, the Murder City Players were led by Prince Philip and his partern in crime, Mark Condellier, during their 45-minute set.
The two singers, who took turns delivering lead vocals, created a compelling synergy on stage that propelled the group throughout its performance.
Photographer’s Notes:
This was a relatively easy shoot with a nice, wide pit. I shot for the entire performance, which was a nice luxury considering the constraints in place for most shows.
Thanks to the extended timeframe, I was able to concentrate more on photographing my friend and singer for the group, Philip McKenzie. While I tried to pick up shots of other band members as well, I mostly concentrated on nailing a few key shots of Philip.
Joined by singer Mark Condellier, Philip is just one half of the duo leading the Murder City Players, and the two alternated between lead vocals during their 45-minute set. The tag-team approach provided an interesting photographic rhythm for the set as I switched back and forth between the singers.
Lighting:
The lighting for this set was really quite straight forward, with white light from high in the front and a multitude of colored lighting effects from the behind. Magenta and cooler tones seemed to dominate, though there were some warmer schemes also employed.
Exposure & Metering:
Thanks to very constant lighting for this set, I shot at f/2.8, 1/200, and ISO 6400 for the whole performance.
Lenses & Equipment:
I shot this set at with the Nikon D3 and Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8. I picked up a few shots with the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 and the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8, but found that the midrange zoom did the trick for much of the set.
End Notes:
Big thanks to Philip for setting up access for his set and all the Murder City Players for being such fine subjects.
8 Comments Add your own
1. Celso | May 19th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Some extraordinary photographs from one of the best live show photographer who’s work I got to know…
Always an inspiration to see your photographs! Or should I say your ART!
Great job, and keep ‘em coming! ;)
2. Todd | May 19th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Hey Celso, thanks very much. Glad to hear you enjoy the work. I should have a few shows more to post in the next few days, so stay tuned!
3. Chris | May 19th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Favorites are 1, 5, and 9 after the jump, as well as the one before the jump. Number 6 shows his big dred — I’ve never seen a dred so big!
Rockin set!
4. Todd | May 20th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Hey Chris, thanks as always for the feedback and picks. I’d never seen Philip with his “hair down,” so to speak, so I was pretty surprised to see his dreads. Thanks again.
5. KillerBandPhotos | May 20th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Stellar work as always Todd. Your style has great vibrancy and crispness. The only thing that somewhat looks off is photo #5, the skin tones (very orange) and details (very smooth, no detail) of the two horn players.
- Rock Photo Star RH
6. Todd | May 20th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Thanks for the feedback. I definitely see what you mean about the horn players. I think part of this is a strange combination of the lighting and haze in the venue. All of the members of the band at the back of the stage were pretty dimly lit, and consequently in very low contrast lighting.
Thanks for the kind words, glad to hear you enjoy the work.
7. Fielding | May 20th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I would say that I was amazed yet again.. but to be honest, I just know your stuff is going to be good… Great work again.. keep it up
Fielding
8. Todd | May 20th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hey Fielding. Again, thanks very much. Glad to hear you enjoyed this set. I wasn’t sure what to expect for this show going in with regard to lighting, but was very happy that everything worked out so I could make these shots of Philip and his band.
speak up
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