This was my first time having backstage access and a photo pass given to me by the artist.
Wednesday evening I gave the manager of Hot Hot Heat a ring, he had told me that unfortunately I would have no access into the photo pit to photograph. I was quite confused at first, i was told everything would be set up and ready, but i completely understood from where he was coming from, having to get it approved by the promoter etc etc, alot of hard work was needed to allow me to photograph. I shurgged it off and thought about attending the show anyways and watching for the audience. About 10 minutes after i had spoken to HHH's manager I got a phone call from him telling me he had pulled some strings and gotten me a backstage/photo pass. Quite excited I hurried into Surrey, to Holland Park. There it literally took me 20 minutes to find where i was suppose to go. Once i got to the proper gate, I met up with one of the organizers who showed me around and gave me my pass. She then took me into the band's dressing trailer.
Wednesday evening I gave the manager of Hot Hot Heat a ring, he had told me that unfortunately I would have no access into the photo pit to photograph. I was quite confused at first, i was told everything would be set up and ready, but i completely understood from where he was coming from, having to get it approved by the promoter etc etc, alot of hard work was needed to allow me to photograph. I shurgged it off and thought about attending the show anyways and watching for the audience. About 10 minutes after i had spoken to HHH's manager I got a phone call from him telling me he had pulled some strings and gotten me a backstage/photo pass. Quite excited I hurried into Surrey, to Holland Park. There it literally took me 20 minutes to find where i was suppose to go. Once i got to the proper gate, I met up with one of the organizers who showed me around and gave me my pass. She then took me into the band's dressing trailer.
There I met some pretty cool guys. Don't remember their names but they both were Videographers, which have been working along side Hot Hot Heat, creating their latest videos that they've had up on their youtube. They are part of a photographer/videographer group called The Futurists ( http://thefuturists.ca/ ) they have some pretty sick stuff check it out, if you have the time. It was quite weird, sitting in the dressing trailer. I Had always dreamed of being backstage see what went on before a show, what the band is up to. But honestly its nothing extra ordinary, i mean its cool being able to see what happens. But honestly its just the band chilling out having some drinks and food before a set, relaxing before they hit the stage. Between relaxing and watching the bands on stage, I was quickly introduced to Luke guitarist of Hot Hot Heat and Parker, bassist of hot hot heat. I Spoke briefly to Parker, hes quite the sweet, laid back dude. Not to mention super energetic and passionate about music, I'm saying that based on what i saw on stage that night.
After about an hour of just sitting the trailer, i went out and checked out Bend Sinster's final minutes on stage, they were decent, not my cup of tea but they were good. I felt so legit watching from the side of the stage in the VIP area. Weird. After their set i made my way to the photo pit where there were about 9 other photographers. Made it quite challenging to move around and get different angles. I Was pretty much confined to one or two angles of shooting. Not Fun. Also not to mention the lighting was horrid. The majority of the time i was photographing there was a stale blue light on their faces that did not help me out what so ever. I mean i made what i could out of what i had, and i believe i was quite successful despite the challenges. I was only allowed to photograph for the first 3 songs, so after i was asked to leave the pit i got some cool overall shots of the band planning with the crowd into the shot as well.
Hot Hot Heat played an incredible set, just as energetic as they were when i saw them 3 years prior. Quite astonishing! After their set was over i lost the band so i headed out of the venue. I had a fantastic time, it was an interesting way of seeing things. I loved seeing and feeling the vibe behind the scenes and i would love the opportunity to do it again, as well as having a chance to improve and gain experience dealing with bands. I realized i need to open up, and quit being so shy. In this industry i need to be a bit more outgoing,and talkative. That is something i really need to work on, the artistic part i have no problems with, its the socializing part.
To see more images click link below!
To see more images click link below!
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