Growing up I spent a lot of time in skate shops and record stores. To me they went hand in hand. Record Store Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in April. (For a complete history of Record Store Day please visit their website www.recordstoreday.com) Today, Indie record store owners and artists get together and release special vinyl, CDs and promotional material that would make Barry and Dick from Champion Vinyl jealous (maybe not them since they were really snobby but you get the point.)

We live in an era of technology and I am 100% ok with that. Digital downloads, viral videos and self distribution models have changed the way the music business operates – making record stores having to adapt to survive.

I kept thinking about the microcosm of record stores and my experiences in them – going crating with friends or searching out some import etc. Reflecting on these time I kept coming back to the same question:

“Why are Record Stores Important?”

So I asked people and here are their answers.

Kimber Lanning, Stinkweeds Records / Phoenix, AZ: “Record stores are important because they are community hubs- they are creative gathering places that make people feel connected to their city or town. Music is a social art- it’s best experienced with others.”

Steve Wiley, Hoodlums Music / Tempe, AZ: “Record Stores are important for people that are deeply into music:  People like Kristian (co-owner) and I who love to have the vinyl or CD version of an artist’s album.  People that appreciate the musical art form of the album, or sound quality above that of a compressed file, or even the visual art of CDs, DVDs, and LPs.  People that like to go to a store and be involved with other people that feel the same way.”

@reply: Album artwork. Visual browsing (via twitter)

@hepnova: Bargain bins. Since I select based on record cover, pawing through bargain bins 4 discs has resulted in lifechanging new tunes (via twitter)

I couldn’t agree more. There is something to be said for holding a tangible product, looking at the album art or photography and reading the lyrics and liner notes. To me these things are important. Record stores give me a place to go to so I can talk to other people about new music, old music and nostalgia. Not to mention the networking opportunities it provides me as a music photographer.

I don’t purchase all of my music from record stores – I do use iTunes to download music and I would be lost without my iPods. With that being said to me there’s still a place in my world for the record store.

So today, April 17th, 2010 – find your local independent record store and purchase some music. Take a minute – meet the employees or talk to the owners and start to plug yourself into the local music scene. In the long run by making a purchase you will help ensure that you have a place to go to talk music and be a part of the music community.

What are your thoughts? Do you ever visit record stores or do you purchase music solely online?

Another Saturday night and music filled the air at The Sail Inn in Tempe. A great night with a great line-up of bands filled the bill for Dry River Yacht Club’s CD release party. We got there around 10pm and watched the last four bands – Black Carl, Strange Young Things, What Laura Says and Dry River Yacht Club.

I decided not to take photos (that’s not entirely true – I only photographed What Laura Says.) It was a conscious decision to just go out and have a couple of drinks and enjoy the music and be social. Kristina on the other hand – wanted to shoot photos of Dry River for The Music Matters Project. Great idea – loved it.

Not taking photos allowed me to make some observations about the music, the bands, seeing music and photographing music – so here they are in no order of importance:

1. The Sail Inn is my favorite place to see music in Tempe.

2. The Sail is a great place to learn music photography and practice (the venue is extremely photography friendly.) I saw many people with DSLRs taking photographs. Very inspiring and super cool to see people who are interested in photography and music.

3. If you are a drunk girl in a skirt or dress and have a propensity to fall on the floor – you might want to wear panties. (Just throwing that out there.)

4. What Laura Says is still my favorite band in Tempe. Hands down. They have a unique sound that I compare to The Beatles getting together with The Beach Boys partying and playing together. (Yes I know it’s a very random comparision but makes perfect sense in my head.)

5. Watching Kristina take music photos was more enjoyable than doing it myself. She got some great photos of Garnet from DRYC for The Music Matters Project.

6. There are lots of people into the local music scene in Tempe. The Sail Inn was packed which is great to see.

7. No music photographer should ever think they are more important than the music. If you are not working directly for the band, you do not belong on stage. (Period.)

8. Brian from Kinch is a nice guy who makes great music. I am pulling for Kinch to have great successes in the future.

9. Corey from Strange Young Things works the crowd better than anyone else in town.

10. When attending a show like this – don’t be dumb (like me) and wear flip-flops.

11. Just GO. Show up to events like this. Talk to the bands – tell them you’re a fan or that you like their music. Generally everyone who plays are cool and won’t mind chatting with you after their set.

If you were there and took photos please leave a comment with a link to your photos – I’d love to see them.

When you see live local music where you are – how do you contribute to the scene? Do you take photos? Do you buy merchandise? Do you spread the word and bring people with you? Talk to me…

When I got the email to photograph Flogging Molly on St. Patrick’s Day I was super excited to see Metric was also on the bill. Metric is an indie rock band from Canada that people will be hearing more and more about over the years. Imagine a 2010 version of The Breeders.  They were playing this Tempe show before heading to SXSW and this would be my only opportunity to photograph them.

After the Bollox opening set I was talking to some friends around the stage area and I was told to leave by the promoter. My first instinct was – I have a pass to be here what are you talking about? After a super brief conversation with the guy who runs Luckyman (the Tempe/PHX want to be John Scher) I was told to talk to Metric’s tour manager because I can’t take any photos without permission. Long story short – the tour manager told Luckyman to escort me out. I had never been in this situation before.

I have always operated under the premise that if I am granted credentials by the headliner it also gives me permission to photograph all acts. In most cases that is the policy but in specific cases I need to get dual permissions. I left a little angry and extremely disappointed and tweeted some choice words for Luckyman but I didn’t want to make it a real big deal. I chalked it up to a learning experience.

I listened to most of Metric’s set and shot a panoramic photo from a bar area. (Photo) I would have never shot this photo if none of this would’ve happened.

As I photograph music more and more and I have learned a bunch of lessons.

1. Make sure you bring documentation of you being granted access
2. No two photo situations are the same
3. You are going to run into music business jerks – it’s inevitable
4. Get the tour manager’s phone number in case you run into troubles
5. Lighten up, don’t get mad – most situations work themselves out

Lesson learned, still a great St. Patty’s Day and I am wiser for the experience.

St. Patrick’s Day with Flogging Molly in Tempe on an 80 degree day – does it get any better? Not Really.

Flogging Molly has a lot happening on stage and sometimes it’s a little overwhelming as a photographer. Seven energetic members and eclectic instruments – I don’t think I ever shot a band with an accordian, banjo, fiddle, acoustic and electric guitars.

I shot most of the night with my 24-70mm lens with ISO 800 at f 4.5 which is different than my usual f2.8. The lighting was exceptional for concert photography and cooperated with me most of the time. There were a lot of nice whites and blues versus the dreaded red spotlights. Good light will always make the difference in shooting photos of any subject matter.

One adjustment I had to make was due to the height of the stage. I’ve never shot a show with a stage this tall. I had to reconfigure my angles to make ensure good composition.

Another fun night of photography and music in Tempe, AZ. (Click here to see a copy of Flogging Molly’s set list)

(Metric post later this week.)

I was saddened to learn of Alex Chilton’s passing last night.  Chilton was truly a musician’s musician and will be missed. Paul Westerberg issued a short statement to Philadelphia Weekly journalist,  Michael Alan Goldberg about Chilton’s passing: “In my opinion, Alex was the most talented triple threat musician out of Memphis — and that’s saying a ton. His versatility at soulful singing, pop rock songwriting, master of the folk idiom, and his delving into the avant garde, goes without equal. He was also a hell of a guitar player and a great guy.” (link to article)

Here is a recap of my Concert Photography 101 series and links to older posts. Music and photography are my two biggest passions – no wonder I am so passionate about music photography.

Getting Started taking Concert Photos: The equipment needed to produce quality live music photos (click for post)
Basic Camera Settings for Concert Photos: I discuss my baseline camera settings for concerts. Also, discussed is ISO and various lenses. (click for post)
Photo Credentials: This was no doubt the most anticipated part of the Concert Photography Series. What is needed before you request photo credentials. (click for post)

What am I missing? Please let me know what else you want to know about taking Concert Photos. I am willing to post and share whatever knowledge I have – so please post a comment with questions or suggestions.

As previously posted I am committed to a Photo 365 project (link to past video post.) Many people have been posting their photos daily, so I thought it’s time I posted how my project is going.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Photo 365 Obeservations

- I am really uncomfortable in front of the camera and I am trying to make myself relax
- Most photos are taken at the same time every day – early morning. I think it’s funny I am not wearing a wider variety of clothes
- I have a good side. One of my eyes reacts strangely to light and is photographed as being lazy
- I need to shave and get haircuts more often

Other Photo 365 Notes

- Daily self portraits are not as easy as I thought it would be. There are times when I just don’t feel like taking my photograph
- I had marks in a closet for my tripod but I have since abandoned the tripod method. I needed the tripod for a landscape photo shoot and it’s easier just holding the camera in front of me
- I was planning on sharing this project at the end of the year but I changed my mind and decided to post the photos monthly

Photo 365 Resources

Photo 365
Photo 365 Tutorial

How is your Photo 365 going? Have you experienced any unforeseen difficulties? Please take a moment and share with a link to your project – (This is a good time to show off your work!)

In the first two parts of my Concert Photography 101 Series (Getting Started & Basic Camera Settings) we discussed the basics of Concert Photography. I have received numerous emails asking how do you get your equipment into the venue.

[In my opinion concert venues have a skewed idea of the professional camera. Locally, venues define a professional camera as a camera with detachable lenses. Ridiculous, but that's another post for another day.]

There are many photo friendly venues here in the Phoenix area. Before you attempt to take photos from the photo pit start at the bar / nightclub level. Talk to the band and get their permission and then fire away.  Hone your chops and get really good at taking music photographs. It will save you a lot of frustration, headache and disappointment.

Once you feel confident about you photography skills I would try to align myself with a local publication (either print or online.) If you are successful at aligning yourself with the press – you will have no problems getting photo passes and most of the time you will not even have to make the request. Make sure you honor any commitments you make regarding deadlines – if you lose credibility with the photo editor you will not be sent out to cover an event again.

Freelancing is a little different. Before you contact a band’s publicist (HINT HINT – who to contact for credentials) make sure you have a professional portfolio. A professional presence will increase, but not guarantee your chances of gaining access to the photo pit. I spent a lot of time developing my website (through Photoshelter) to the have necessary online portfolio presence. (www.grtaylor2photo.com)

If all else fails – ask someone at the venue. Try and go back by the buses and ask to speak to the tour manager. There is a slight chance he may override the venue rules and allow you inside to photograph the show from the crowd. This situation may not be ideal but it’s better than not getting a chance to shoot the show.

Recap of Tips For Photo Credentials

1. Make sure you have the portfolio to back up your request
2. Align yourself with a local publication
3. Get creative – ask the the tour manager the night of the show
4. Honor all deadlines and commitments
5. Have fun – you may have the best seats in the house for at least three songs

Did I leave anything out? Let me know how you have been successful gaining access to photograph concerts?

To view my complete photography portfolio please visit www.grtaylor2photo.com

G. Love & Special Sauce brought their A-Game to The Marquee Theater in Tempe last night. Their set of laid back funky blues with the hip-hop flow kept the crowd dancing all night.

G. looked like he was having a great time and gave a shout out to our Phoenix Suns (the band attended the Suns vs. Blazers game the previous evening) before breaking into “Shooting Hoops”. (Click for a video of G. Love’s “Shooting Hoops” Video)

As a photographer this was not a difficult shoot. During my allotted three song limit G.  stayed seated with some decent lighting. The stage was back light in reds and blues (I hate red stage lights) with a spotlight that shined intermittently on him. For most of the shoot I stayed with the settings of f.2.8 – 4.0 at 1/60 with my ISO set at 800. (See my previous Concert Photography 101 Post for general settings.)

It was another night when as concert photographer you need to expect the unexpected. G. Love’s publicist left me off the guest list and I had to rely on the emails I had on my iPhone to make the tour manager (who was super cool and professional) feel comfortable in giving me the proper credentials.

All in all great show, G. Love’s tour management were extremely professional and the I was stoked to have had the opportunity to photograph the show.

(SIDE Note: If you are standing in the front row at the rail and I am getting ready to shoot photos in the pit, please feel free to ask me any photography related questions BUT I will not give you my camera so you can take a picture of me at the show. I know that I am there and my work will document me being there. Believe it or not I am asked that at every concert I photograph.)

In my last post I touched on my use of Social Media as a tool to get my work out to the public. The next day I read a great blog post by Valeria Maltoni discussing how she participates in Social Media. (Complete article can be found on Valeria’s blog by clicking here) She wrote:

“You cannot be expected to know what my settings are on each network. If I don’t give you a reference point, you will likely use your own settings as context. It’s not fair to you, nor it is to me.”

I wanted to step back a moment and outline the five Social Media Networks that I use and let everyone know what to expect from me. Outline My Rules of Engagement in Social Media.

FACEBOOK: I have two facebook pages. I use one for photography and the other is personal. My Facebook Photography page is an outlet for me to interact with people who have questions or want to know a little more about me. Also like my blog, I try to highlight other artists, photographers and musicians. It’s a quick easy way for me to push out messages or to post a quick link to a photograph I just shot. My personal Facebook page is a place where I do whatever I want to do and the people I know have come to expect that of me.

TWITTER: My username on twitter is @grtaylor2 and it is the place where my messaging is the most inconsistent. I will push out shortlinks to my photos, my blogposts, my friends blogposts or my tweets will be conversational in nature. Sometimes, I will tweet something that I find amusing and sometimes I will tweet about someone who is making me crazy. The main themes for my tweets are: photography, music, marketing topics, current events and issues relevant to my city – Tempe, AZ. I try hard to add value with most of my tweets to my followers but I admit sometimes I do tweet the inane. If you follow me on Twitter please let me know if my tweets ever get too inane and I become “That Guy”.

(TWITTER Update 3/19: I like the #followfriday thing. Over the time I have used twitter I have started to follow many people who were recommended through the #followfriday phenomenon. My #ff policy is to push out only one follow friday tweet per week.  All recommendations will be from one vertical or with like interests. This way I feel like I am adding value to the conversation and to the folks who follow me.)

YOUTUBE: The videos I post on my blog are hosted on YouTube – I use this network mostly as a media library. If you subscribe to my You Tube Channel you should expect music videos, my FOCUS web series and maybe some travel stuff. I tend to not get very personal on YouTube. And of course I do love watching funny videos on YouTube- so if you know of any great one please send me a link. (Here is a link to my favorite)

FLICKR: I post my non contracted photography to Flickr. My photography typically falls in the categories of: Concert Photography, Landscape Photography and Portrait Photography (there is some architectural photography mixed in but that’s not the norm for me.) I brand almost all of my photos and I post them under the creative commons license. If you want to use any of my work for non commercial purposes please feel free to – just properly attribute the photo. I try to foster collaboration as much as possible and for that reason I make all of my EXIF properties public. Please comment with questions etc.

That pretty much covers My Personal Rules of Engagement For Social Media. I want to interact with everyone as much as possible but I wanted to let you know what your getting into. Please know that I will not be offended if at any time you decide to unsubscribe to my blog or stop following me on Twitter. (NOTE: I am an eternal optimist so please don’t expect a lot of Doom & Gloom from me.)

In a nutshell, my use of Social Media focuses on: making connections, helping others make connections, learning and staying informed. How are you using Social Media or maybe more importantly why are you using Social Media? Leave a comment, leave a question – let’s discuss…

Let me clarify…how do you get your photos viewed? Do you care about it?

I take photographs because I like capturing an image or moments. I’ve never been concerned about art for commercial sake but I do like people viewing my work. I’ve never had an exhibit (though I do have one planned) and I’ve never been in any photography shows but I have had my photos seen by the public. How? Through the use of Social Media.

I am a bit of a Social Media nerd…there I said it. Through various Social Media efforts I have had people whom I admire and respect view, critique, hate and/or compliment my work. I post photos to Flickr, tweet about them and I have my Flickr stream automatically update my personal Facebook page. To me as someone who is making a name for myself these are very powerful tools.

I guess I could have taken a more conventional route – I could have called a curator for photo exhibits and submitted my work. But why? The power of social media allows me to interact with people who in many cases I don’t even know their real name – but  value their feedback. Social Media has allowed me to “push” out my photographs to people in my virtual network and have them tell their circles about my work. Real people and many times to people I haven’t even met. The power of Social Media is amazing when put to proper use...

My Question To You…

Is Social Media an important tool for you to get your work seen? Do you care if no one ever sees your work? Is this a topic worth exploring here – Social Media and The Photographer?

To view my complete photography portfolio please visit www.grtaylor2photo.com