Opening Cancel Out Cancer was singer/songwriter Scott Sweeney.
I have known Scott for many years, since his old band Saraphine was one of the first bands that I shot when I decided I wanted to be a concert photographer. I have kept in touch with him through the years, as he moved on to the band The Translation after Saraphine ended their musical run, and now as he is trying his hand out at some solo work.
Scott’s opening Cancel Out Cancer was sentimental for a few reasons: Firstly, he knew Fred Kosch (the individual whom the benefit show was honoring) on a personal level, as Fred’s son Phil used to be in Saraphine. Secondly, much of Scott’s set was comprised of old Saraphine songs that many people in attendance recognized and sang along to.
Scott’s performance was a slow-paced acoustic opening that set a nice tone for the rest of the evening.
Shooting Notes
I only shot a song or two of Scott’s set because I wasn’t thrilled with the lighting. As is evidenced by the photos, there was a lot of white front lighting, but no lights in the back, or any other colored fill. Very boring and flat.
However, on the bright side, with the lack of movement of an acoustic performance and the straightforward lighting, it was an easy shoot. 1600ISO, 1/100-125 shutter speed, and wide open f/2.8 on my 24-70mm.
Given the choice between difficult, but dynamic lighting and flat, boring lighting, I think I would opt for the difficult option. Aside from the fact that I’m always up for a challenge, I’d rather have grainy but interesting photos. For me, intriguing light is what makes great concert photography outstanding.
What option would you chose and why?
