When Is Familiarity Important? Three Part Series - Part ONE

Yesterday I commented on a "How to photograph skateboarding" article and it got me thinking - When is it important to be familiar with your subject? I'll stay with skateboarding for a moment...

If you don't know skateboarding the chances of you taking a great (not just good) skateboard photo in minimal. There are so many subtle nuances in skateboarding that make a great shot. With that being said these nuances that are predictable when you know the athlete and the sport. Here's a photo of Neal Hendrix I shot at The Skatepark of Tampa / Tampa Pro.  Neal is a perfect example. As a skateboarder he is super consistent and since was a contest run he was doing the same tricks in the same parts of the ramp - which is typical of contest runs and in practice. But if you didn't know Neal or the tricks he was doing - you would be at a severe disadvantage. (Thanks Neal for being a good example.)

I ask myself constantly - "Why am I shooting this?" Many times the answer is "because I want to" or simply "this looks cool." I'm fine with any answer that makes someone pick up a camera but if you go back to the why - it's something that interests you - right? Why else would you want to capture that moment in time?

With all that being said sometimes the subject is something that doesn't take a long time to get familiar with. In the next posts of this series I'll give examples of different subjects: subjects that I had to get to know well before I made a great picture and others that I familiarized myself quickly with before a great photo was made.


(Note: Thanks for reading my blog. Please post comments as you see fit or send me an email (grtaylor2@mac.com) with any questions etc.)

Thank You...

So much of what I do is based on other people helping me with credentials and access so I just wanted to take a moment and say thanks to everyone:

Keara Zito :  Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers (and a big thanks to Roger, PH, Nick, Jim and Jamie)
Joe Cohen : Lucero
Alana Mulford from Doyle Kos : Rusted Root / Crowfield
Kristine from Avid Exposure : Mickey Avalon
What Laura Says
Kinch
Dry River Yacht Club
Johnny Dudley

Plus there are a number of artists, photographers, musicians and mentors that are too numerous to mention. You're assistance, guidance, critique and friendship is greatly appreciated and truly valued.

 

Rusted Root : Marquee Theater / Tempe, AZ

This blog has been moved to: www.grtaylor2.com - Come on over and say hello!

Thanks - Greg Taylor

LUCERO - The Clubhouse in Tempe

I've heard of Lucero and heard them a couple of times so when the chance came to see them in Tempe (1/4 mi from my house) I jumped at the opportunity. Their managment was cool enough to put me on the list and set me up with a photo pass - although one wasn't really needed.

Jack O was also on the bill. He delivered a straight rock and roll set that disappointed none. A lot people came to see Jack and Lucero was a bonus.

Lucero took the stage around 10:30 and played about a 31 song set. A nice mix of old and new stuff and they took a bunch of requests during the show. Definitely worth seeing again. Good night, great music and all on a Thursday night.

The venue was small. A little weird how they separated the over 21 crowd from the rest. The lights we tough for photos - but I came away with a couple of keeper. My favorite is a Pedal Steel Guitar Photo - click here

I ran into some friends I haven't seen for a couple of years at the show. After talking to them for about 10 minutes it was no surprise why we haven'e spoke in so long. They are the cool kids. The cool kids that have nothing going on and you're a sell out if you actually have a 9-5 and a career. Real interesting vibe - wasn't feeling it at all.

Next post: Rusted Root and Crowfield at The Marquee

RCPM : Marquee Theater / Tempe, AZ

What a great weekend of music. Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers delivered rock and roll to a hometown crowd like never seen before.

10/30/09 "When in Rome" Highlights: The band played in full Roman gear and/or togas all night. I don't know how they managed to do so. The crowd, many also dressed in togas loved every minute of the 2 hour upbeat rocking set. The highlights for me were: "City Girls", "Louie Louie" and "West Texas Moon" - great set selection. The energy is The Marquee was amazing as everyone was ready to have RCPM play full shows back in Tempe.
photos of "When in Rome"

10/31/09 "Disco Nights" Highlights: Roger and the guys were dressed as The Village People and played all night in costume. At one point Roger said, "I think I found the one thing more difficult to play in than a toga," about remarking on his chief's headdress. This set was full of all the stuff I love to hear that isn't always played. I love Mekong and Nada - don't get me wrong, but this night was full of old favorites. "European Swallow" to open, "Interstate", "Buffalo", "Tributary Otis" and "Persephone". Just a great night.
photos of "Disco Night"

After one long night of RCPM security started to regulate alcohol consumption and weren't as laid back and chill on night two. That aside - it was a great two nights.

I want to thank Keara Zito from RCPM Management for photo credentials and allowing me access - I appreciate it.

If you've never seen RCPM - go check them out. You'll probably knock down a few beers and a shot or two
of tequilla, forgot all your troubles for two-hours and leave saying "Here's To Life!"

Link to my live music photos

NOTE: I saw Lucero and Jack Oblivian last night 11/5/09 and will post photos and a review. Tonight I see Rusted Root and that will follow.

First Time Ever Published - Uncle June Bug's Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce

This is the first time I've ever published my original Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce recipe. It took me about a year of trial and error to perfect. After three years of keeping it to my self I wanted to share it with everyone. (Who knew a vegetarian could make such a mean BBQ sauce - anyone see the irony.)


UNCLE JUNE BUG's SPICY SWEET BBQ SAUCE

1 Cup Ketchup

1/3 Cup Beer (Fat Tire or a nice Amber of choice)

1T Cider Vinegar

1/3 Cup Honey

1T Chipotle Powder (I get ground chipotle powder at our local Farmer’s Mkt)

Juice from 1 Lemon

Dash Chili Powder

Dash Garlic Pepper

4T Worcestershire Sauce

Combine ingredients and bring to boil – while stirring.

Add Honey once at a Boil

Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-30 minutes

Enjoy! Thanks for all the support I received for the new blog.

RCPM Back Home For Halloween in Tempe

From the RCPM website (www.azpeacemakers.com)
[The biggest rock-n-roll fiesta in Arizona this Halloween will be at the Marquee Theatre.Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers return for two highly anticipated performances Oct. 30 and Oct. 31! To help everyone get into the Halloween spirit, each night there will be a different theme.Friday - "When in Rome" Toga Party. Saturday ? 70's Night.A $500 Marquee gift certificate will be handed out to the best]

I am excited for these shows for many reasons. Besides the shows (which will rock) being home - I am moving back to my adopted hometown of Tempe, AZ that week. After moving out of Tempe - just South to Chandler, a couple of years ago - I've been planning my move back. Chandler is good, just not for me and Tempe is home.

RCPM playing once again (almost) on Mill Ave. in Tempe at one of those cruxes in my life. Coincidental - maybe, but probably not.

So on 10/30 & 10/31 - friends will be toasting one another, singing and laughing. "Here's to Life!" (Photos and show reviews to come.)