Photo of the Week - No. 16 Cont'd.

ignite the sky was really enthusiastic about this selection which was really fun for me. Check out the interview below - we got some really great responses this week.

The photo was taken at Warped Tour - read below for the interview.

What were you trying to capture in this shot (If anything at all)?

I feel that one of the main reasons shows exist is to allow an interaction of energy and passion between the artist and fan. So I was mainly trying to capture that connection, the energy between the two.

How long have you been behind a camera?

I started messing with my dad's old Minolta probably 8 or so years ago.

Do you prefer a certain brand of gear?

I actually own three different brands of camera, I love them all. The only preference I can really state is how instinctual my Nikon dSLR's buttons/functions are for me versus its Canon counterpart. I suppose it would just take getting used to, but I found that my Nikon, even when it was new, feels just like an extension of myself.

What is your favorite piece of gear that you own?

I enjoy my 50mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor lens. Not expensive, but does really well. I never use that for festival shooting though.

Do you find it troubling to carry equipment around at festivals and still have a decent amount of mobility?

Two instances stand out for me when it's difficult to move with equipment. One, when you are shooting a large artist and the pit is completely filled with photographers. Not only are you trying to keep your equipment from being knocked around, but you also have to make sure you are not stepping into someone else's viewfinder, while at the same time still try to work. And two, when you are shooting a tiny stage with a "fake" fence-like barricade. I shot a set once where the pit was literally a foot or so wide, (just enough room for me basically) and I was scared the fence might fall over.

With that said, what do you normally carry with you at a festival?

Two or three cameras, my favorite being my simple but dependable Nikon d50. The lenses I normally take have focal lengths of 50mm, 18-55mm and 55-200mm. The extras, like film, batteries, etc. Lens cleaner is a serious thing to remember, it's saved me more than once. Lots of water. Sunscreen. I guess the last thing would be positive energy. Bands and artists in my experience honestly like to see working photographers enjoying the set.