Last Fast Action with Tom Higgenson
You might have heard of Angels and Kings. It’s Pete Wentz’s bar, and is a recent hotspot for many after parties and social events in Chicago. Last night, my friends Last Fast Action and my husband and I went to check it out and to participate in a radio contest called DEMOlition, where attendees of the event vote on which of the night’s demos they like best. A local Chicago band, The Scissors, were also performing and provided the music for the night.
It was apparently the place to be. Bands were coming out of the woodwork: Tom and De’Mar from The Plain White Ts, Sick Puppies, The Fold, plus several other local favorites. Luckily, I don’t travel without my camera and I was able to grab some shots here and there in an environment that is atypical for me.
Oh, and in case you were curious… Last Fast Action did win the contest, and are slated to play at Angels and Kings next month. I’m bringing my camera then too.
Shooting Notes
As many hip bars tend to be, this place was nearly dark. It was lit mainly by some dim red recessed lighting, so the flash was a necessity. If I’m using flash, I generally like to get it way off camera, but was traveling light last night, so I only had a 550EX mounted on camera. It provided light, which was appreciated, but gave that flashy, deer in the headlights look, which I usually abhor. However, since one of Angels and Kings “things” is the mug shot wall, the flashy look actually worked well.
I shot these with the Canon 24-70mm on the 5D2. ISO 3200, 1/100, and f/2.8, with ETTL flash set to -3.
Since the red light from the ceiling was adding some crazy tones to the picture, I desaturated them slightly and removed some red via the color balance tool. Despite my love for bright colors (I rarely desaturate images), I thought these needed a bit more grit to them.
For any club shooters out there – any tips or tricks of the trade?
Sick Puppies
I love the blurry
Sick Puppies with Ryan Manno of Q101
Last Fast Action
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shooting clubs – since you didn’t have a set up, it would have been difficult either way. a mounted flash with a diffuser usually works best – you’ll get a nice even soft, bare bulb effect that works fantastic, especially when shooting people. the small plastic cap on ones, as well. not only portable, but sleek looking, like this one – http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/imagefile/d_1697.jpg. although, personally, i am a fan of the sto-fen onmi bounce. a smoother plastic silhouette, which i am in love with. =)
Comment by addy 05.21.09 @ 12:44 pm
Addy – You know, I have several diffusers, including a Sto-fen-esque one… I didn’t even think to bring one. That probably would have been really helpful in toning down some of the flash effect. I was also wondering if any club shooters use a snoot for a more directed beam of light… do you know?
Sam – You’re right.
Mary – Ha. Gotta be ready for anything, right?
Comment by Tasha 05.21.09 @ 3:26 pmi’ve never personally used a snoot, but i have seen one used. it was a really pretty effect, especially after editing, it gave the shot a beautiful fade-out around the edges, which it looks like you might have done some of already? i’d give it a shot – you never know until you try!
Comment by addy 05.21.09 @ 6:44 pmim totally over the mugshot thing.. lol
Comment by Scott 05.22.09 @ 6:01 amLeave a comment