New Respect & ACL Recap  {Austin Photographer}

Let's just say I have a new found respect for concert photographers. 

What an opportunity!! I got a press pass for ACL! Wahoo! I was so nervous that someone would yell at me for breaking a "rule" of the pit that I didn't know. But, I didn't. Well, not that I know of anyway. And, one photog was even nice enough to give me earplugs (that I had forgotten....rookie!).

Concert photography seems so glamorous - you're upfront and close and personal with the "stars".  But, in reality, you get two, maybe three songs in the pit to capture the perfect moment (or the moment you're employer wants you to get).  You don't control the lighting (no flash allowed), you don't control the subject and you don't even really control your vantage point.  There are microphones and speakers and other photographers all in your line of vision.  And, let's face it, most people don't really look so hot singing.  Their mouths are wide open and their eyes are squinty - but they sound great!  I don't know how they did it in the days of film.  Even if all your camera settings and composition are right on the money, you still have to shoot a ton of frames just to capture an interesting (read not so ugly) expression.  Don't let 'em fool you, it's a tough job.

I realize this post is months overdue, but it was so fun, I want to remember it!!  Better late than...well ya know.

 On our way in, everyone was so helpful...the ticket scalper, the info girl and the...hmmm...

We biked into a sea of bicycles.

Ahhh, Austin.

Sights of ACL.

The one and only band I had any interest in seeing.  And, they didn't let me down.  Vampire Weekend was fantastic!

This performer only allows the photogs to stand on one side of the pit or the other.  And, you have to choose before she comes on stage and you can't move to the other side during the performance.  I picked stage right because it was significantly less crowded.  And, I chose well!  She stayed on "our" side for the first two songs.  Which is all we got.

Here I was feeling young and vibrant, and this guy just took me down a notch.  I don't get DeadMau5.  I don't get a DJ who plays a bass beat repeatedly wearing a big mouse head with ears.  That's all he does.  The lights change slightly during the performance, but the music doesn't.  At least not to me.  But, these kids (and they were kids) were CRAZY about him.  And what's funny is that there's really not much to shoot.  I mean, you take one shot of each light set (all of four maybe) and you've got it.  But, the photogs in the pit just kept on shooting.  I have no idea why. 

My BIL loves this guy.  For you Uncle Wavy.

And here we are.

Our girls joined us for a bit and rocked it out too.

But, they headed home for naps.

My favorite band by far was Gorgol Bordello.  So fiery with energy.  They had the crowd in a frenzy.

My husband felt so cool with his guest pass which got him stage seats for this show.  And, there's little me trying to be cool in the pit.  I obviously need practice holding that big lens.

And, there's my husband thinking he's really really cool.

I <3 hot mommas too!

And, oh my goodness, besides Boomerang's Pies, the best value and best tasting meal was a pimento cheese sandwich and fries from Hyde Park.  Concert food CAN be delicious!

Lastly.  I love you Fried Twinkie.  You are divine.  I saw you the morning of the first day, and just HAD to try you on our way out the last night.  You were more perfect than I imagined. 

The best way to end the weekend.  Farewell ACL.