Photos: Chance The Rapper @ The Pageant, CAMP Tour

Chance The Rapper opening for Childish Gambino at the Pageant in St. Louis on June 7, 2012. (TODD OWYOUNG)

Photographing hip hop is one of the more challenging genres for live music photography, but one that can also be thrilling and very fun as well. Even when light levels are low, as the case was for Chance the Rapper's opening performance before Childish Gambino took the stage at the Pageant last week.

Chance The Rapper opening for Childish Gambino at the Pageant in St. Louis on June 7, 2012. (Todd Owyoung)

The crowd at the Pageant during Chance The Rapper's performance opening for Childish Gambino. (TODD OWYOUNG)

Chance The Rapper opening for Childish Gambino at the Pageant in St. Louis on June 7, 2012. (TODD OWYOUNG)

Chance The Rapper opening for Childish Gambino at the Pageant in St. Louis on June 7, 2012. (TODD OWYOUNG)

The crowd at the Pageant during Chance The Rapper's performance opening for Childish Gambino. (TODD OWYOUNG)

Chance The Rapper opening for Childish Gambino at the Pageant in St. Louis on June 7, 2012. (Todd Owyoung)

The crowd at the Pageant during Chance The Rapper's performance opening for Childish Gambino. (TODD OWYOUNG)

Chance The Rapper opening for Childish Gambino at the Pageant in St. Louis on June 7, 2012. (TODD OWYOUNG)

Photographer's Notes:

Cameras Used:

  • Nikon D3
  • Nikon D700

Lenses Used:

Even with tricky, dim lighting and lots of movement on stage from Chance the Rapper, this was still a fun and nicely challenging shoot. An extended intro by Chance's DJ gave me the luxury of getting used to the low light and knowing exactly what exposure would be appropriate once the rapper came out. Once Chance was out on stage, I was dialed in and ready for his fast moves. Even if the lighting was dim, the audience's reaction was anything but – lots of love for this Chicago artist and a great warm up for Childish Gambino.