Earlier, we introduced you to our 12 favorite music photographers in North Texas. We got more than 50 nominations, and our team of expert judges narrowed it down to these 12. Over the next two weeks, we'll be introducing you to each of the finalists in turn by having them share five of their favorite concert photos and answering a few questions about their process and passion. Our final photographer is Danny Raybon, whose work can be viewed from his website, Danny Raybon Photography.
Danny, what's the best thing about live music?
The best thing about live music is how powerful it can be within both intimate and large group settings. Whether it's a Coffee shop acoustic show, metal/hardcore show, or a live orchestra, they can all move people.
What makes a great concert photo?
The right moment with the subject or scene, within lighting and a composition that shows it best is what makes a great concert photo.
What's the strangest thing that has happened to you while photographing live music?
Getting sprayed with theatrical blood during a GWAR show was pretty strange, but definitely funny.
What makes a professional photographer as opposed to an amateur?
When it pays the bills.
Pick one of the photos you've submitted and tell us a little about it: Where was it shot, who is featured and (most importantly) how did you capture it? We'd love to hear logistical description or technical breakdowns or whatever else you want to tell us.
This photo is of vocalist Jeremy Bolm from the band Touché Amoré. I shot this at Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas, TX in October 2011.
I had an idea in my head of the type of shot I wanted to take from this show. The vocalist and crowd basically share the mic the whole time so I was going to try and get a shot of the interaction between the two. This show had no stage and the band was on the same level as the crowd. Getting this shot was a challenge because I had to balance framing my shot and making sure I didn't get knocked over by any of the 200 people surrounding the band.
