Photos: Olathia @ The Outpost

It feels so good to be back shooting shows. To be honest, winter depresses the hell out of me. It happens every time and I just need a creative release to get me going. So when Chris, their lead singer of Olathia invited me down to the Outpost to shoot the band's headliner, I cleared up my schedule and made the drive to Kent. And since they were relativity close to my location, it was a no brainer. The first time I saw Olathia, they were playing their second ever show. So after seeing them Friday night, it was night and day difference. They really enhanced their performance and was great to see all the guys having fun. Plus when you open the show with "Hellhound", you know it's going to be a loud and crazy night.

Chris has one hell of a voice. When you see and hear her, you instantly get shivers from the growls and melodic tones she produces. One chick who can carry the metal name in her band.

Right now I'm in the planning stages of shooting the band's photos for their CD release this May. I'm beyond excited to lend my artistic hand for these guys. Should be interesting.

Left to right: Steve Albenze, Jake Nicholson, Chris E, Sully, and Jeff Morrow

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)
Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Photos: Mushroomhead @ The Outpost

Friday, the ever-popular Mushroomhead visited the Outpost for a very crowded and rowdy show. I mean, these guys pretty much sell out a venue with a snap of a finger in Ohio, but this show at the Outpost was really living up to the metaphor of "packed-in like sardines". I was able to get clearance from their drummer, Skinny and help from the lead singer of Olathia (thanks Chris) to shoot these guys. I was beyond hyped up for this one.

I have never been to a Mushroomhead show, but I've heard all the commotion about how bad ass they are live. AND WOW! Thus far, this marks the best I've seen. Not just to shoot, but to see the theatrical performance this 9-man group puts on is beyond entertaining. Their image may stand a bit intimidating for some, but these guys are so loyal to their fans and such cool guys that you look right past it.

I could go on and on about my night, but why talk about it, when I was able to capture it up front?

Mushroomhead are known for their technical "water drums" throughout the show. Water is spilled onto the base of the drums and colored lights are set underneath to boost the effect as each beat is hit. As you can see pictured above.

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Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)
Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
Accessories:
Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Like before any show I shoot, I did my research. I was literally right next to one of the water drums, so I was proned to water hitting my camera and lens throughout the set. I snagged a Zwipes Microfiber cloth and tucked it away in my back pocket and used it to wipe my gear off from time-to-time.

The lighting set up wasn't too bad. It got tricky as the band's 3 strobes trickled on and off, which had me constantly switching settings on my camera. As you can see in the very last photo.

With a small venue like the Outpost, I didn't know it was possible to fit all the members of Mushroomhead on the stage, but they did it with ease. Oh, and when you have a small stage like this and water spurting everywhere and fans breathing down your neck, you can expect the humidity and temperature to rise very quickly. Just to be forewarned.

If you're a photographer who loves to shoot shows, rather you are a fan or not, I HIGHLY recommend you catch one of their shows. Your portfolio will thank you. ;)