Concert Photography - Switchfoot Live in Singapore 2011

Introduction

I've been waiting for them to perform here in SG and I wouldn't miss to cover their live performance. I was blessed to take part on this wondrous event and I still feel the Switcfoot fever until now. Switchfoot has always been an inspiration for me, their music uplifting my morale in times that I'm very down. I've always been a fan of X-tian rock/metal music namely Relient K, Pax 217, Pillar, POD, Thousand Foot Krutch, Superchic[K], Sanctus Real and many more. It's always good take a break from my usual genre of music which is hardcore-punk and metalcore but it's all good, music is music and it's for everyone to share regardless of religion and genre. Although Switchfoot doesn't claim that they're a X-tian rock band, their music is somewhat related to it - lyrics of up-lifting ones morale, giving hope or just plain chillin' on a California breeze are the messages they bring to all the listeners. X-tian rock or not they are still one of the best acts in town and it's a bummer to missed them perform.

"Switchfoot"
Jon Foreman - Vocals, Guitar
Jerome Fontamillas - Keayboard, Guitar,
Tim Foreman - Bass
Drew Shirley - Guitar
Chad Butler - Drums

The Venue

One major preparation I did is knowing the venue. Like in all mission it's better to know the vantage point of the terrain were I can pin point the the spots where I can move around and do my thing. The venue is an auditorium (with seats) that can cater 1400 people not including the crew and artists. Lighting is okay I've experience worst but it's not about  that it's always anticipation of events and things to come (like Todd and Jared always say- love these guys). Must keep up with the artists jumping and running around. Don't forget the jump shot - it's the winning shot.

"Suntec City Rock Auditorioum"

What to Expect

Most of the times photographers are treated as opportunist which is basically true (hehe) we tend to grab opportunities and sometime push ourselves to get even more - What I'm trying to say is sometimes we're are not treated well on events specially the security but on this case the security is my friend and it's just one guy that thinks photographers are sharks that waits and go for the kill - the band manager. He is such a hardball he send us out during rehearsals but that's expected because it's part of their job nothing personal. I'm also doing what I'm instructed to do by the production manager. So as an advice for aspiring concert photographers out there be more enthusiastic and smiling doesn't hurt right so give smiles to everyone specially the security and crew that's one ticket for acquiring allies on the event an advantage you will definitely need. To summarize things be more friendly.

The Calling of Levi and The Great Spy Experiment

There are two front acts before Switchfoot's main show and all of them are very good. The calling of Levi and The Great Spy Experiment both are great on what they do. The Calling of Levi gave a very energetic performance with their uplifting upbeat tunes combined with hard guitar riffs that's soothing to my eardrums. These guys from Australia is must hear and must see on their live shows. The Great Spy Experiment also known as TGSE for fans are equally energetic with more atmospheric sounds and new-wave(ish) feel which is a plus points for me. These Singapore local band is one of the best acts I've seen aside from Stomping Ground (which is totally a different genre of music).

" The Calling of Levi"

Kieran Burne: "Sick Air"

"The Great Spy Experiment"

Lights, Camera... Switchfoot!

I was totally awed when Switchfoot hit their first note on stage. Hands trembling with excitement. One told me that being nervous will make the photos even more outstanding. The fear of having blurred, over or under exposed photos makes us more cautious but on the actual job it's more on instinct. Instinct to change lens, instinct to change angle and position and instinct on when to press the shutter button. The most important thing is timing - like the saying "Timing is everything." and yes I agree it's very true. Shooting photos like a trigger-happy maniac will not give you awesome photos it will just give you a lot of photos with same composition with different exposures and more wasted data on your CF card. Better to be compose wait for the right pose, the right jump-shot and the right moment. Also don't forget to take photos of the crowd, they love it! they're the proof of how successful the concert is, also gives them a sense of connection with the band. After all the craziness going on there's this feeling of self-fulfillment. Even though it's physically tiring still its worth it. Big time!

"Jon Foreman"

"Drew Shirley"

"Shredding Machine"

"Tim Foreman"

"Jerome Fontamillas"

"Chad Butler"

"Switchfoot in Action"

"Reaching Out"

Gears Used

All the photos you see here were taken with my trusted Nikon D700, Nikon 70-200mm F2.8G VR II, and Nikon 16-35mm F4G VR II. I brought along my Think Thank Retrospective 30 for easy access on my gears. One of the best concert bag I've ever used, better than my old Crumpler 8 Million Dollar Home and Nat Geo W5070. I've also used my Nikon 50mm F1.4G on band portraits which you can view on My Flickr Photostream.