2010 Vegas Concert Pre-con

Last Photoshop World in Las Vegas, I attended the Real World Concert Photography Pre-con, taught by the talented Alan Hess & Scott Diussa. I must admit, guilt forced me to make the switch.

I’ve attended almost every NAPP Photo Safari with the masters Joe McNally & Moose Peterson since it was offered at Photoshop World. I was planning on taking it again until I ran into a fellow Photoshop World Alumni. I was excited about the safari and she sadly looked at me and said for years she has been trying to get into the safari but it’s always sold out. I hesitated to swap with her until I felt my mother’s presents in the form of Italian guilt!

The class was amazing. We started off with the Duo showing their award winning shots and explaining the pros and cons of being a concert photographer. Now, I don’t have any intension of being a concert photographer, but learning to shoot better in low level light intrigued me. I wanted to learn what I could have done better when I found myself at one of Alec’s basketball games  in a poorly lit gymnasium or at one of his school plays when he was a kid. I struggled to get a shot without using flash. I was hoping to learn their expert tips and I wasn’t disappointed.

During the second half of the class, we had the chance to put our new knowledge to the test. We were treated to Scott Kelby and the band! We got to hear great music and take shots. I must admit, I thought Hess and Diussa had a pretty easy job until my self inflicted stress kicked in. I wanted to pretend I was on assignment and I had to get these shots or no pay day. The band was only going to play a few songs and we had to snap an award winning shot. Sounded easy until you had to compete with other photogs doing the same thing. Everyone was having a blast and a great time, except I was sweating bullets. At one point I tried to convince myself I didn’t have to pressure myself like this, but I stuck to the plan. I’m glad I did.

After the class, we were told we needed to submit our best photo before 11pm. I thought I had plenty of time. I was committed to making a few appearances and make my rounds at the Photoshop World pre-parties. Life was good until I ran into Alan at the last party of the night. He asked me where my photo was and I told him I have time, it’s not due until 11:30pm. He smiled and said you mean 11pm. The stress started to build again. I only had 20 minutes to run back to my room , pick the shot and upload it. I said you couldn’t find it in your heart to give me an extension could you? His grin was even bigger when he said what do you think. I took off fast and made it to my room only to realize I didn’t have Photoshop installed on my netbook. I pulled up Lightroom picked my shot did a quick edit and uploaded it. I made it with 2 minutes to spare!

The next day, Alan said he got my photo just under the deadline, but why didn’t I color correct it. In my rush, I sent him the raw file without the adjustments! So what did I actually learn taking the pre-con class, other than Hess and Diussa have an extremely stressful but rewarding job? I learned to approach low level light with a new set of tools!

More information on the  Real World Concert Photography Pre-con can be found on the Photoshop World’s web site.

Image information.

NIKON D300
f/stop 2.8 @ 1/100 ISO between 1600 – 3200
70-200 VR