There’s this rule in my book of concert photography, and it’s simple: When someone sticks their finger in the air, you gotta press the button.
I count myself as fortunate to have photograph Rage’s set at Lollapalooza, because only 25 photographers out of all the press at the festival were allowed into the pit. The main reason for this limit was to give security the maximum amount of space in the pit to deal with crowd surfers and people who needed assistance, a choice that shut out the vast majority of press at the event.
This shot of Zack de la Rocha is just a teaser from Rage Against The Machine’s performance at Lollapalloza. Stay tuned for the full set, coming up soon!
25 Comments Add your own
1. Chris | August 21st, 2008 at 12:57 am
PRESS THAT BUTTTTON!!!!!
2. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 1:46 am
You know it.
3. Celso | August 21st, 2008 at 2:55 am
Completely tuned… You bet ya… Hope this is not as long of a wait like slipknot…
/me loves R.A.T.M. :D
best regards.
4. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 2:55 am
Hey Celso, I’m on it, but I’ve also been busy shooting other gigs. I photographed a festival, a smaller concert, and Bruce Springsteen this past week!
5. Thomas | August 21st, 2008 at 2:56 am
Push the button! (2:04)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0C7NhXffKw
6. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 3:25 am
Ha, Thomas. I hadn’t seen that Chem Bros video, thanks. But definitely: Press the button!
7. Greg | August 21st, 2008 at 3:34 am
Can’t wait to see these pics! :)
8. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 3:35 am
Hey Greg, I’ll get them out ASAP.
9. Jim Louvau | August 21st, 2008 at 3:44 am
Todd,
Had a great time working with you during Lolla, crazy times, crazy rules, and thousands of people. Im sure we will cross paths in the future, you are one of my favs..keep up the good work and keep in touch.
-Jim Louvau
10. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 4:48 am
Hey Jim. It was great meeting up with you, and I’m glad you commented on this post, because I was just looking for your email. I’ll be writing you later this week.
I’m glad we got to shoot together at Lolla, it was a crazy experience.
11. liveon35mm.com | August 21st, 2008 at 5:05 am
I am staying very tuned indeed, Todd.
You were not fortunate, you’re simply the best concert photographer on activity now. Sincerely you deserved to be among those 25. Lucky is who gets your pics.
Great Radiohead set too!
I book your first book but I want it signed by you ;-)
RATM rules.
best
Valerio
12. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 5:48 am
Valerio,
Thanks very much for the kind words. I must say, there was a little planning involved in being among the first to be in line for the pit, but that’s all I can say. There were some people trying to cut in line, but luckily that was kept in check for the most part.
I’ll let you know about the book when it happens! Nice to hear from you, thanks for the comment.
13. Toni Villen | August 21st, 2008 at 6:29 am
Hey Todd! take a look for this album, This is RATM at Electric Festival in Spain. I remember this Shirt….
I hope you like it!
sorry, my english is very bad!
14. Toni Villen | August 21st, 2008 at 6:30 am
Sorry! http://flickr.com/photos/tonetefoto/sets/72157605826767761/
15. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 7:48 am
Hey Toni,
Thanks for the link, some very nice shots in there. I think Zack is using this red shirt quite a bit on the current tour. Regardless, it looks great and fits with the band’s red star!
16. Keath | August 21st, 2008 at 7:57 am
My rule is slightly different - for me, anytime the arms are above shoulder height is an automatic picture :)
17. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 8:49 am
Hey Keath,
That’s also a good, more general rule. I like it.
18. Neetu | August 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Amazing as usual!
19. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Thanks, Neetu!
20. G | August 21st, 2008 at 7:44 pm
i didnt have money when they pass by belgium two months back. i’m really felling dumb.
u lucky boy!
LIGHTS OUT !
21. Todd | August 21st, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Hey G, it was a fantastic show. Hope you get to see them soon.
22. portiareigns | August 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 am
Awesome photograph. How was it up front? I was in the middle of the crowd and it scared the shit out of me.
23. Todd | August 23rd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Hey portiareigns,
The photo pit was OK, it was just a little hectic trying to stay out of the way of security while still trying to get all the shots.
We were told to have out chests against the front of the stage, so most photogs didn’t move around much during the first song. We did loosen up in the second song, but that was all we got, as the crowd was getting too rowdy and we were “evacuated” from the pit at that point.
24. Jessie | August 24th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
awesome rule, that’s what i usually try to do too… with my lame small digital camera lol
25. Todd | August 24th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Hey Jessie. It’s a rule that’s good for all cameras. ;)
speak up
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