Warth Photo Blog

Mayhem Fest 2011

2011-07-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Mayhem Fest 2011 came into Cincinnati, Ohio July 20th. As with past Mayhem Festivals, there were several well known "main stage" acts and several lesser known bands on two side stages. The set times and bands for Cincinnati were:

On the Side Stages:

Mobile Death Camp - 1:45 (Jagermeister stage)
Straight Line Stitch - 2:05 (Revolver stage)
Red Fang - 2:35 (Jagermeister stage)
All Shall Perish - 3:05 (Revolver stage)
Kingdom of Sorrow - 3:35 (Jagermeister stage)
Suicide Silence - 4:05 (Revolver stage)
Unearth - 4:35 (Jagermeister stage)
In Flames - 5:05 (Revolver stage)
Trivium - 5:40 (Jagermeister stage)

On the Main Stage:

Machine Head - 6:25
Megadeth - 7:15
Godsmack - 8:30
Disturbed - 9:55

I took hundreds of photos, and though I missed Mobile Death Camp, Straight Line Stitch, and Unearth due to making arrangements with In Flames to do a cover shoot, there was a lot to see. To be blunt, I feel like I missed a lot. There is always so much to see at a festival like this, and it really might be too much for the fan who just wants to see a concert.

Of the photos I got from the media pit, the following are a few of my favorites...

Dan Donegan of Disturbed

Disturbed always puts on a great show, and although the media pit was way too small and packed with a lot of photographers, Dan provided all of us ample opportunities to get a great shot.

Shannon Larkin of Godsmack on drums

As a drummer myself, watching Shannon Larkin play is like watching an animated machine with a wild and chaotic style play the drums with pure precision.

Niclas Engelin - guitarist of the Swedish band In Flames

Niclas was a blast on stage. Honestly, the entire In Flames band was entertaining on stage. Though I knew of the band, I had never purchased any of their albums. After seeing them live, I wondered why. They have sold over 2 million records and continue to gain fans all over the world. Their style of "melodic metal" is a little bit different (in a good way), and definitely not the tired sound of so many other metal bands.

Adam Duce - Bass guitar - Machine Head

Machine Head always puts on a great show, there is so much I could say. The bottom line, the band has massive stage presence, and the sound remains solid after all these years.

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine sporting the double neck flying V

Seeing Megadeth again in Ohio within a year, and a day after my birthday was awesome to say the least. The band was on 100% with their set and appeared to be having a great time playing for the 18 to 20 thousand metalhaeads at Riverbend.

Mitch Lucker of Suicide Silence

Suicide Silence is a high energy, metal-core band from California - they drove the crowd like a mad wave of anger. I expected a lot of injuries in the mosh pit, but it looked like everyone survived.

Matt Heafy - Trivium

Trivium - Holy @#$&! I did not expect them to carry such a heavy set. Between them and In Flames, I could have called it a day. They would make a great show on their own and the fact Trivium was a side stage band one could watch before the main acts on this tour is a testament to the quality of bands on the tour.

There are still several dates on the tour - get out and see these bands.

Cheers, I'm off to eat pizza and drink some beer...

\m/

In Flames - Backstage before the show

2011-07-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

In Flames - © Michael Warth

I have so much to share about yesterday's Mayhem Fest in Cincinnati, but for now, I just want to give a shout out to the Swedish band In Flames, their tour manager, Laura (the onsite coordinator), the BC Rich guitar rep, and everyone back at their management company for helping me and Alternative Revolt Magazine set-up a quick photo-shoot before their set.

In Flames is to be Alternative Revolt Magazine's cover feature (August issue)...check it out, check out the band, and see them on tour!

- more to come

\m/

Mayhem Fest is coming...

2011-07-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Quick post here,

Stay tuned to the blog this week. One of my favorite festivals is coming to Ohio this Wednesday - Rockstar Energy Drink, Mayhem Fest 2011!!

I'll be there covering the event for Alternative Revolt Magazine, and sharing some "behind the scenes" photography type stuff here on the blog later in the week.

\m/

Motley Crue - Live 2011

2011-07-10T02:46:00.001-07:00

motley crue 20110626 live 011, originally uploaded by michael.warth.

Downplay

2011-07-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

Downplay!

Downplay - © Michael Warth

Last weekend I got the chance to meet-up with the band Downplay outside Youngstown, Ohio to make some promo-style photos and live work during their set.

See a slideshow of selected live photos here.

Making these photos, drinking some beer, and hanging with others listening and watching live music is what keeps me from quitting. I really hope Downplay goes straight to the top - recently signed to Epic Records and working with a great PR firm, they are in the right place!

More about the shoot:

The shot above was made using a main light positioned overhead on a boom using a 47 inch octabox. The backlight is a radio triggered SB-800 with a full CTO. Finally, fill is from another radio triggered SB-800 on the ground and diffused with a shoot-through umbrella.

Check out Downplay on the web:

UPDATE -

I had a few requests to share the lighting set-up. As I typically shoot a wide angle of my set-up, here it is...

Downplay / The Set-Up - © Michael Warth

Making photos for myself

2011-06-22T00:14:00.000-07:00

I always love the process of making pictures but I rarely like photos of me. It is so much easier to be on the other side of the lens.

A lot of goofing off went into the self-assigned project, as did beer and tinkering with lights and settings. I'm still not 100% happy with the results, but I can live with it. Some of my concerns are with the post processing I do in Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop. Over time I hope to start using Apple's Aperture 3 to process the RAW files before opening them in Photoshop.

Overall, it was a two light process. I used an Alien Bees B1600 strobe for the key light, and a Nikon SB-800 for fill.

Details:

AB 1600 at 1/32 power, 22 inch white beauty dish with diffuser sock positioned overhead on a boom.
SB-800 (on Manual) at 1/64 (+2/3) power, no modifier, gelled with Roscoe blue gels (one 1/2 blue, one full blue to make 1 1/2 blue)
Nikon D300 shot tethered (from the Mac in the photo) using Nikon Camera Control Pro 2. Settings were; 1/125 shutter, f/7.1 aperture, and 100 ISO (LO 1.0).
Triggered via Pocket Wizards - I know, overkill but I had control from my chair since I was using my Sekonic meter to check exposure and Camera Control 2 literally takes total control over the D300...I really never needed to get off my butt!

The final shot...

A production shot...

As you can see in the photo above, the Alien Bees strobe was low, and I hand-held the SB-800 in my left hand. Notice the Apple logo is not bright in the production shot. The final shot (second photo in this post) had some Photoshop work involved in making the logo bright. It never looked great in the set-up photos so I opted to enhance it myself.

Oh, and for the beer drinkers out there, I'm drinking a Guinness Extra Stout (my favorite).

Cheers

Father's Day Shooting

2011-06-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

Backside Board Slide - © Michael Warth

Today, my son and I spent some quality time doing the things we love. I love to make pictures and he loves to skateboard, so naturally...we made skate photos for Father's Day.

I was shooting at 1/250th shutter speed, and 200 ISO. I metered the sky (f/8), dropped the Aperture to f/13 and set the light for proper exposure. The light was set to 1/4 power shooting through a 22 inch beauty dish with a sock diffuser.

The angle was tough to keep Matt sharp. I found that when I photographed from the end of the rail (Matt coming at me) made the image sharp but the background was even worse than what I have in this shot. Ideally, we would have went downtown and found a great place to skate/shoot. I thought about pulling out the D70s so I could cheat the shutter speed but rain was on it's way and I wanted to pull this off with the D300.

After a little post processing, the shot is done. We had fun, and spent quality Dad/Son time - I call this a success.

New website - Now with online ordering!

2011-06-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the new WarthPhoto.com! I am still working on the fine details, adding photos, and more, but the overall look and feel of the site is done.

View the site (CLICK HERE)

Have a great day!

Band Promos and New Projects

2011-06-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

ViFolly is a band from Eaton, OH (Dayton area), and a regular at McGuffey's House of Rock. I have seen them perform and got the chance a few weeks ago to make some press and promotional photos for them. We had a great time hanging in their music studio making the photos. The shot above was made in their studio with one key light, two accent lights for rim light, and a gray backdrop (yes gray, I added the texture in post-processing).

The photo of ViFolly is the first photo I consider to be part of the CORE360 Project I am working on. The idea is to feature Central Ohio Rock & Entertainment here on the blog. Wether the subject is a finished promo as the one above, or simply a candid of what Central Ohio has to offer in the rock and entertainment culture, I hope to share all the cool stuff Central Ohio has to offer.

Later

News: Ideas for the blog

2011-06-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I have been working on ideas for the Warth Photo Blog for some time and over the past several months laboring over what the content of the blog "should" contain. I have eliminated a lot of ideas, and even thought about other ideas.

I would love your input as well. So here is your chance...

Do you like the colors on the blog or should I go with a lighter (or even white) background?
In terms of content; what would you love to read about on the blog?
Should I just keep it the same as it is?
What would you have me change?

Drop me a comment or an email.

Over the next few weeks I plan to develop a new look, and concept for the blog and your input is greatly appreciated. I do believe the blog needs a change, and I want to share more of the "behind the camera" type stuff so the blog is more of an informational blog than a "Hey! This is what I am doing today" type of thing.

I look forward to reading your comments and emails.

Later

The Dilemma - I'll Pay For This One

2011-05-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

Although I recently watched the movie (The Dilemma) starring Kevin James, and Vince Vaughn, the dilemma I speak of is directly related to freelance photographers working in the editorial field.

In the movie Nick Brannon (Kevin James) and Ronny Valentine (Vince Vaughn) are long-time friends and business partners. Ronny discovers Nick’s wife is cheating on him and he can’t find the best way to tell him and it only causes trouble and other “issues” that make the movie truly hilarious.

How does this relate to freelance photogs? Easy, when a freelancer wants the credentials to shoot a concert he is almost always asked, “what publication are you shooting for?” and the dilemma is simply most publications do not have staff photographers. Many photogs must lie because I have seen folks in the pit with absolutely no business being there. To put a nail in the coffin, a lot of photographers never get their pass because they are not working “on assignment” for any publication and they are simply there to get photos to market to publications who may want the images.

Another dilemma is getting paid. I know a lot of “on assignment” photographers who hardly make enough to cover their cost(s) just to be at the show let alone a profit they can use to make a living on.

Back to the movie reference, I think the industry is using photographers and photographers have to jump through hoops just to get “exposure” in a magazine. Notice I never said paid! To many “suits” at the PR companies and publications, they think they are doing us a favor putting our name next to the photo. Some even require photographers to give up their rights of ownership to the very photos they made. But I won’t even start that conversation!

The dilemma...

Though there may always be photographers willing to do it for free, we can’t make a living this way so it never lasts long. And as the industry demands more and more credentials from photographers who work “freelance” and not “on assignment” the great photographers will simply stop going to the shows. Over time, many of us know “exposure” is really useless. After all, remember that cool photo of Slash in that one magazine? Who was the guy who shot it? See what I mean? As the great photographers move on and new blood enters the pit I fear the quality will continue to suffer. Coverage starts to suffer, bands lose their mojo and the “press” support they need because all the “legitimate press” outlets are going out of business.

That is the dilemma, if we don’t start truthfully educating the industry, and if they never figure this out, or fail to recognize the problem; magazines, and other publications will continue to fail. Bands will see their popularity fall, and we may never see the golden age of music again. Everyone may as well sit at home with their earplugs in trying to imagine what a live gig would be like.

The industry is cheating on us and I have seen it, now I am trying to share this with all my photographer friends and I know, like Ronny (Vince Vaughn), I will have to pay for my honesty. But one thing is true, I will never stop telling a story as a photojournalist, and I will never fall to me knees for the industry (any industry) that “uses” talent for their own greed. After all, local, unsigned bands need fans too.

Back for More

2011-03-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

When I set out to write a blog post today I had a very specific idea/topic in mind. And well, I changed my mind. There was the, "gee I'm sorry it's been so long" post ideas, "how to" post ideas, and even the "hey look what I'm doing now" post ideas. Then I ran across a few blogs, got lost in cyberspace for a few hours and here I am, "Back for More."

Photography is hard. It is more than pushing a button, or buying the best gear to "take" great pictures. Photography is about making people comfortable in front of the lens, coming up with fair prices that folks can (and will) pay, while remaining profitable. It's about marketing, philosophy, creativity, and always coming back for more. Giving up is easy, and I wonder how many would be professional photographers quit last year when they realized they just couldn't take it anymore.

In the months to come, I have so many plans for my photography, and this blog. I hope to share a lot more with you all regarding the music photography, and I even have some new stuff planned as well. So, be sure to come "Back for More".

cheers

Pressure and Getting it Done

2010-12-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, just when I think I have it all together, the pressure to get it all done, and done right sets in. It was Thanksgiving, I had concerts scheduled, we were passing a family illness around the house, and there was even an on site band press photo session coming up.

Thanksgiving went well, and fortunately I didn't over eat! I used to always feel like crap because of how much I would eat with the in-laws and then again at my Mom's house. Not anymore, I just quit eating before I'm full and enjoy the time with family.

Now that the family sicknesses have gone around and Thanksgiving was a success I looked to the concerts and press shoots. I had the Privilege to photograph 10 Years, and American Fangs December 1st before the show at McGuffy's House of Rock in Dayton, Ohio.

With band schedules, and venue requirements, there are always changes to the preplanned photo arrangements. And that is the real pressure. When me and my assistant made our way into the venue we got with the contact we were given by band's PR company. What was to be a 6:30 and 7:15 photoshoot turned into a 6:30 and 6:45. No worries, just had to move quick. We had to have the gear out by 7 since the venue was opening the doors to the public. Alright, no pressure, just get the bands in there and make good photographs as fast as possible, don't waste their time and do your best because there are a lot of people expecting to see great photos!

The headlining band 10 Years was first. After the introductions I got them into a formation and fired a test shot. My assistant and I already had a good start since we took several test shots before they got to the shoot. A few position changes and we had it. A press photo for the magazine. Now all we had to do was get American Fangs done before the doors opened.

Everything went smooth! Both bands were awesome...they were ready to go and helped keep the schedule going. The tour manager / front of house guy, Mike, was great and he made sure we got what we needed. The pressure of getting it all done was greatly eliminated by working with all the great industry professionals involved with this tour.


James Scott / State Your Cause

The opening band was none other than Ohio's own State Your Cause. A great, high energy rock band, State Your Cause is in my opinion one of the best unsigned bands in Ohio and having them on the bill Wednesday night was a bonus. I always enjoy seeing them play. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to get a press photo of them this time.

Wednesday night was the first time I've seen them play with their new bass player Corey Catlett (former bass player in Ardor). Corey is an awesome bass guitarist and really found a home with State Your Cause, they sounded like they have been playing for years. One would never think he is the new guy.

I have to say the entire concert was more than I bargained for. It was so much fun to meet the bands, make some photos, and enjoy the show. The staff at McGuffy's was great! Better than most really, and they made me feel right at home. Particularly the house photographer...thanks Toby, you rock bra'!

I can't say too much here in this blog about the show since the complete show review and many more photos are being used for an upcoming issue of Alternative Revolt Magazine. So if you want to read more about this show, be sure to check out the magazine in January.

If you are in a band and want press photos and/or live photo coverage, give me a call (740-703-2396) or send me an email ( mike at warthphoto dot com) and we'll make a deal.

- Mike

New Portfolio

2010-11-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

I spent the last few weeks going over photos I wanted in an updated portfolio and trying to decide how to segment the work into multiple portfolios to highlight some of my favorite images. I still have a long way to go and hope to add new projects to the mix.

About the portfolio...
I came across a great design used on Scott Kelby's blog and was happy to find out more about the portfolio design thanks to RC Concepcion. He described how to get it from this great Romanian designer over at FWDesign. I am sure I'll be using more of this guy's flash components in the future for other projects. Thanks RC for sharing!

Take a look and let me know what you think.

My new portfolio page

Mike

Share - The Social Art Message

2010-11-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

What is Social Art and why share it? What are we doing as photographers today? Who are the successful "artists" out there?

I'm not sure what the answers to these questions are but I am sure what it all means. Modern photographers are content creators, motivators, innovators, and so much more. I finally watched a video today I've been wanting to watch for a while now. The video was longer than what I like to watch as I'm browsing my favorite blogs so I left it tagged to watch later. The video is just over an hour long and if you are a photographer, photo editor, film-maker, or creative geek in any way, I recommend you watch it.

The video can be found or at Chase Jarvis' blog here.

Read more after the jump...

I struggle daily with what path to take, and how can I make a living at being creative, and all the other crap associated with being a creative person. From my oil paintings, drawings, and custom framing to all the photography work, I become almost paralyzed mentally with what to do next. I wonder if I'll ever be on the radar of my favorite artists and photographers.

There are no real answers for the obvious questions like, "how do I become a professional photographer" or "what can I do to make a living from my art." I mean, it is different for everyone. There is a real "all paths to success" thing going on here. What works for you may not work for me. I guess the best way to say it is "blaze your own trail". I had to giggle when I read Zack Arias' blog today. He posted his colorful response to the "Top Ten To Becoming a Photographer" type of blog posts out there on the Internet. (Check it out here).

Share!

Yep, just share what you know and learn from others. That is how we get better, that is how we blaze our own trail, that is how we find our way! The social art message, at least the one I hear, is that we create because we love it. We create because we have a need to make something. If we create something and never share it then was it ever created? Who will ever know?

Get out there and create something then share it. I certainly don't have the answers to the big questions but one thing I know is true. Each of us have our own story to tell, our own journey to travel, and our own creative muse to keep happy.

I'll probably never be able to pay my bills, and and keep up with rising health care costs but I'll always be an artist, photographer, and creative guy. Many of my peers are just one step away from success but they don't push. Many of them are in the best place at the best time and yet they are looking for a "key" to success.

In weeks to come I hope to share more "stuff" I am working on. I have several irons in the fire and I really can't wait to start sharing!

Cheers,

Mike

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

'Stitch' during the Mushroomhead Halloween Show - © Michael Warth / Warth Photo

Happy Halloween!!!

I had the privilege to photograph the Mushroomhead Show at the historic Agora Theater in Cleveland for Halloween. The band put on a great show as usual with a set full of new and old Mushroomhead hits. Look for more about this show in an upcoming issue of Alternative Revolt Magazine.

- Mike

I'll be adding more photos on my Flickr site soon.

For more on Mushroomhead visit their website here.
http://www.mushroomhead.com/site/main

Story Of The Year

2010-10-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Monday, I got the privilege to photograph Story Of The Year for Alternative Revolt Magazine. The photos are for the issue coming out this November.

Even though we were in a major time crunch to get the photos, the shoot went amazingly smooth. It was one of those moments when the setup went fast, everyone was ready, and the settings all came natural. Of course looking back there are always things I wish I would have done for the shoot but there is always next time.

The insanely energetic band was a blast to photograph live as well. I'm currently editing the live shots for the magazine and hope to have a follow up post to this one in a few days.

Be sure to check out Story Of The Year, they are a great rock band from St. Louis, Missouri!!

Story Of The Year links
http://www.myspace.com/storyoftheyear
New album on iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-constant-deluxe-edition/id353550625

- Mike

Free Paul Reed Smith "Carnival of Madness" Guitar

2010-09-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Want to win a FREE guitar? Even if you don't play guitar or never intend to play guitar, this is one very cool collector item. Not to say guitarist's wouldn't like to win this...after all it is a Paul Reed Smith!

The contest is being run by my friends at Alternative Revolt™Magazine. Here is a link to the quick sign-up form (it is so quick and easy - just do it now). CONTEST LINK

Find Alternative Revolt™ Magazine on Facebook (Like Us)

For the record, October is a busy month for the magazine. I have several photo assignments coming up for the magazine that I am very excited about. Subscribe and get the magazine delivered directly via email in PDF form - great for iPhone, iPad, and iTouch users that like to use their mobile device to read!!

- Mike

THE BIG FOUR!!!

2010-09-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

If you like concerts, and I know you do...

That is for my metalhead friends!

- Mike

Sundays

2010-09-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ah, Sunday...a day of rest and relaxation. A day to sit back with a beer and enjoy the day. Perhaps a day to spend with friends and family, or to nurse that ugly hangover from the night before.

At any rate, Sunday can be the best day of the week. Why not Saturday right? The simple answer for me is that Saturday is the first day of the weekend and I haven't quite relaxed enough from the week just finished. For me anyway, Sunday marks the first day I can wake up feeling better about not being part of the weekly grind.

Many of you already know I work a regular job Monday - Friday in addition to the photo work with bands. When I walk out of the factory each day I feel like I am free to follow my passion. I often travel to a concert venue right after work, or even to a band's rehearsal space to shoot press photos. But when Friday comes, I'm like a kid on the last day of school before summer break.

This one is for all of you...enjoy the day!

Cheers,

Mike

Lead Me To The Stage

2010-09-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

"Concert Photography" - © Warth Arts / Michael Warth

The roar of the crowd, the energy in the air, the freaks. I love concert photography! Seriously, if I could do a concert every single night I would. Call me a failed musician but this music photographer loves the live stuff.

When I started out to make music photography my niche in the massively difficult, challenging, and competitive world of professional photography I had no idea what was coming next. I was a little nervous to say the least. After all, there are so many great photographers out there and how was I ever going to get to shoot photographs of David Draimen of Disturbed or Rob Zombie from the photo-pit? And now that I have, what next?

Lead me to the stage...point me to the venue. Just get me there so I can feed the addiction of photographing the incredible energy. I am truly consumed with this passion of music photography.

Enough with the "me fest". Over the past few months I have juggled a job, family health issues, the artwork I want (need) to create, the graphic design work and the intense schedule of concerts I photograph. I feared burnout was about to happen and I pushed through it like a 325 pound lineman making the biggest play of his life and that is why I'm writing this post.

For my fellow photographers:

When you feel burned out - keep pushing (your addiction has made you bored)
When you feel like giving up because the money isn't enough - keep pushing
When you feel like there is nothing left - keep pushing

Why do I say this? Have I experienced this? The quick answer is because I have learned a valuable lesson over the past few months (and yes, I have experienced this due to my intense schedule). That lesson is simply that photography is hard, and its not about making money or proving something. Photography is about feeding your passion and following your vision. Anything worth doing like this is worth putting everything you got into it. I don't sleep, I don't eat, I don't have a minute I am not thinking about Warth Arts. It consumes me, it is my addiction.

I'm not saying money isn't important - it's required! Otherwise you have one really expensive hobby. But what I am saying is that you better have a passion, you better be addicted, you better be a hard worker, you get the idea. If your not, then you will get burned out, and you will quit. And I'll buy all your used gear (just kidding).

My mantra is "lead me to the stage" - to be honest that is really all I need to shoot a show. If the photo-pass and ticket are covered I'll shoot it. I don't care who it is either; metal, rock, hip-hop, jazz, it really doesn't matter. So if you are one of those photographers looking to get rich "taking pics" with your new "professional" camera, then you better rethink your decision. Some of us use limited gear (even used), and we love this stuff. We ramble camera settings like you order your fast food. This ain't a hobby it's an addiction.

David Draimen of Disturbed from a recent show.

To see more of my work visit my Flickr site or Warth Photo Online

So now what?

2010-08-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

The UPROAR festival is coming to Columbus this Tuesday and I really can't wait! As for the stuff I want to photograph, Disturbed is one of those bands I have added to the photography bucket list for me so I am stoked. Add that to the chance to shoot from the photo-pit at the Nationwide arena, and I am almost busting.

All kidding aside, I am thoroughly excited about what is coming my way, BUT....

read more after the jump.

I have been feeling the tug of creative freedom for a while now and to be the artist and photographer I want to become (or am...this could get deep) I need to spread my creative wings a bit. Because this is the photo blog for Warth Arts I'll spare you the details regarding my oil painting and graphic design work. But when it comes to photography I am branding myself as a freelance editorial and music photographer. Over the next few months I plan to get several portfolios online to represent the work I do as a photographer. Be watching for the following portfolios:

Live Music
Bands/Musicians
Life Style/Travel
Portrait

Live music is just that...concert footage of the music I photograph. The bands and musicians portfolio consists of promos and general portraits of bands and musicians. The life Style/Travel portfolio consists of everyday life and locations I find interesting. The portrait portfolio consists of portraits I find interesting or of interesting people with stories to tell without saying a word.

For now, the major coverage is still focused on music. I hope to cover extreme sporting events like skateboarding and BMX, performers, entertainers, interesting people, and life in general. I really want to grow as a photographer, and work in an editorial style to capture the world round us.

I believe this path still keeps me grounded in the core of what I want to be as a photographer. More specifically, the path remains true to my passion and vision without sacrificing the creative drive. I have to be honest, if all I ever photograph is live rock concerts and band promos, I may never get to feed my creative hunger. The new direction also opens the door to work with ad agencies and commercial projects that push the creative envelop into the realm of high demand productions. I really can't wait!

As you can see my work is evolving. The fine art oils have their direction and the photography is finally gaining real steam. The creative journey is just getting started really; and I am ready to see what lies ahead.

Mike

Then and Now

2010-08-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mayhem Fest is over...what a festival!? I had such a great time photographing the bands on the tour this year and even got the chance to meet a few rockstars.

To be honest, seeing Rob Zombie in the press area was pretty surreal. I mean this guy is a creative machine when you look at the music and movies he creates. Always working, always creating!

But the real deal at Mayhem was all the bands! I mean it was like going to at least 7 concerts all in one day with openers and headliners with about 30,000 metal head brothers and sisters. The main stage was home to Lamb of God, Five Finger Death Punch, Rob Zombie, and Korn.

In respect to photography, Five Finger Death Punch was the easiest to photograph because the time of day and stage lighting. Lamb of God was a bit of a challenge due to the harsh sunlight making it's way onto the stage but Korn and Rob Zombie were very challenging. With Zombie's set being the most difficult of the festival. The smoke, red lighting, green lighting, the band's energy, and the massive video screens made photographing Zombie pretty intense and metering useless.

For me, the toughest part about photographing Korn was the time. It could have been the fun I was having but three songs went REAL fast and I wish I had three more to get more shots of the awesome performance.

There were two side stages (Jagermeister, and the Silver Star Stage) alternating bands so that fans never missed a performance!! The Silver Star stage was home to Winds of Plague, 3 Inches of Blood, In this Moment, Norma Jean, and Atreyu. The Jager stage featured Waiting for Never, Shadows Fall, Chimaira, and Hatebreed.

Shadows Fall, rocked the Jager Stage! Well they all did really, but I was more of a fan than a photographer for the Shadows Fall set...I mean these guys have been around a while and they rock like they just came out of the gates. I have to say I was bummed because I had to make my way to the Silver Star Stage to be there when the next band started and I had to miss their cover of Ozzy's "Bark at the Moon".

So that was then (August 8, 2010)...

I always look back at these shows and the reality of it all sets in. I got see awesome bands, massive performances, in many cases legends in rock and metal. I got to meet great people; fellow photographers, and some of the coolest fans on the planet!

I have to tell you that going on the road with these traveling carnivals of sonic bliss would be a dream come true. As a musician I will always feel the urge to perform but being a part of something so big and capturing the moments for fans (and me) is pretty awesome and being able to do it day after day all over the world would be something. If the money were there and a promoter (hint, hint) should ask, I may be gone a while!

And now...

As of now I am looking at the local bands here in Ohio for promos and live gigs in the near future (the next week). Tuesday, August 24th I get the chance to photograph the UPROAR festival with Disturbed, Sevendust, Avenged Sevenfold, and Halestorm to name a few. I can't wait!

One thing is true, there are too many shows to do it all! I have so many places I wish I could be, and so many bands I wish to see (even my friends in bands). Driving all over Ohio to catch a band is expensive at $2.75 per gallon in a full size truck sucking 17 miles per gallon! And sometimes it is just not a good time with the current schedule.

I appreciate all the bands who invite me to their shows. My friends at Alternative Revolt Magazine also deserve mention here! They rock; they set up passes and get me in the pit and all I have to do is get the shot.

So there you have it...Then and Now. As for the future, I'm not planning too far in advance. It never works out for me when I do that so here we go! Another weekend is coming, another band is hitting the stage, another fan is buying tickets, another sonic blast of metal is on it's way.

Mike

See highlights from Mayhem Fest 2010 in Pittsburgh HERE on my Flickr site.

Five Finger Death Punch @ Mayhem Fest 2010

2010-08-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Five Finger Death Punch...

Quickies

2010-08-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

It has been a busy week and this one is already proving to be a handful. Between the promotional shoots, meeting with clients, contacts, and business associates I have been driving all over the great state of Ohio.

Last weekend I photographed several bands at the Newport in Columbus thanks to my friends in "One Pretty Minute" (OPM). I expected to see a few other bands but the lineup changed. In weeks to come I have a promo shoot with OPM and I expect it to be a lot of fun, we have several ideas for the shoot.

In addition to the Newport show Friday night, I attended the annual "Barnyard Bash" in Washington CH, Ohio. Who knew; right? A metal concert in the backyard of a farmhouse surrounded by corn! Put me in mind of that movie "A Field of Dreams" and the part were James Earl Jones says "build it and they will come" - well they did. I'm not sure of the total, but there were at least 12 bands and at least 400 people - probably more!

The beer was a buffet style, $10 all you can drink, kinda thing and with the heat it went down like water. $10 to get in and you can even camp, it was pretty cool! I met up with a lot of bands, a lot of fans, and had a great time. To be honest, I'm still trying to get through all the photos but I posted some highlights on my Flickr site from the event (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SET). I'll be adding more to the set in days to come.

Finally, Thursday had me feeling like a kid in a candy store. It really hit me when I was standing in the photo-pit at the LC Pavillion and turned around to check out the massive 4000 - 5000 plus crowd there to see Ted Nugent. The energy was incredible and I was truly about to bust with excitement. Don't get me wrong...photographing any live music performance is a blast...but this was a legend I grew up listening to. And I had the chance to be there with my camera shooting for Alternative Revolt Magazine.

The Ted Nugent concert was the highlight of the week...see the full set on Flickr (Ted Nugent Set). I'm headed to Burgettstown. PA (near Pittsburgh) this Saturday to photograph the Mayhem Festival and it is sure to be a riot! The magazine setup interviews with a few of the major acts in the lineup and there are 13 signed (read Major) acts in the show. I'm personally hoping for a Five Finger Death Punch interview!

That's all I have for now...see you at the show!

Mike

Who Are You!?

2010-07-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

What makes you who you are? Did you decide to be who you are or did the things around you make you who you are?

I pondered this question today as I was having quality time with the family grazing on cake and pizza. On Monday I turn 38 and I'm still working on my "when I grow up, I want to be a..." thing. When I was 13 I wanted to be Lars Ulrich (drummer for Metallica) and I didn't know Ross Halfin (famous rock music photographer) from Kermit the frog. Which is funny now that I photograph music more than I play it! When I was in high school I wanted to be an artist, but I was scared of the stereotypical image of the starving artist who is in constant anguish over his craft. So I chose to go to drafting and design school over art school. Looking back, it was not a poor choice but I don't need the drafting major now! Kind of a waste really, art school may have been a better choice.

I know, we all hear it...it's never too late. But I really don't care about the school thing anymore. After all; do I need a degree to hire myself? I like the direction my art and creative life is going. But, thinking about why did I decide to do this, or why do I work there, and all the other mid life crisis crap, I wonder if I chose this or if I am a product of my surroundings.

My brother is six years older than me and I was never allowed in his room or allowed to touch anything he owned. However, when I sneaked into his room and stole his KISS platinum vinyl album from his room to play on my Mickey Mouse record player I was hooked on loud guitars, thumping drums, and fist in the air rock-n-roll. Not long after that I snatched a "45" with Detroit Rock City on the A side and Beth on the B side. I played that record all the time! My muppets drumset didn't fair well with a wannabee 8 year old rock drummer. The paper heads and cheap sticks were crap to say the least.

Even at a young age I liked to draw and paint, loved music, and was interested in technology. I'm a geek really, just an average guy with a dark side for metal music, a soft side for good art, and passion for creativity. I tried this, and I tried that, but was never really all that satisfied with "career" decisions. What does that mean? It's simple really, as long as I am working for someone else, outside of the creative realm it is a "JOB" not my career. And, I have finally learned to follow my vision. Just because I can shoot photographs, I don't need to take every photo job out there. I like the music and entertainment photographer gig. All the other guys can do weddings, and family portraits - I really don't have the time.

My blue collar job, and love for creativity makes me who I am. My choice to live in a small town in central Ohio makes me who I am. My love of metal music, and fine detailed oil paintings of wine bottles and peaceful scenery makes me who I am. No one thing defines me. And yes, the is a "ME" fest but it is written for you. Who are you? What made you who you are? Are you working a job because you need the money? Are you moonlighting to follow a dream or passion? Be who you are...be the best at being you...the world needs you. Not another Ross Halfin, Kermit the frog, or Lars Ulrich. We already have one of them...we need you.

If you are a creative person struggling with your place in the world then follow your passion when you have the time. Take care of your obligations but always keep your focus on your dreams. Success is a useless term and happiness is a judgement call at best. Have goals and milestones in mind. Stop looking at the future and live in the journey now. I hope you reach every goal you set. I hope one day we can stop working a "job" and we can make a living from our creativity/passion. If you are not there yet, maybe you're not who you really are - or who you think you are. Be yourself and show us what you can do!

- Mike

Promos

2010-07-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to shoot some promotional photographs this week (more planned) and even got to that "to do" list of shooting a promo for my own band, Wrecking Five.

Jason - Wrecking Five © Warth Photo / Michael Warth

Tonight I shot the band, BIG - a three piece rock band. I wish I could have stayed for the show but my son Matt was helping me and being 13 he is a bit young for the bar scene.

BIG © Warth Photo / Michael Warth

I had a great time shooting BIG. It was a quick 15 minute shoot outside the Cross Keys Tavern in Chillicothe but luckily the weather held out for us and they were able to setup their gear on time. I like shooting under this kind of pressure, I get the "gotta get it right the first time" feeling and things tend to go better. With that said, I wish we had more time to pick a location near the tavern. I resist brick wall backgrounds with everything I have but we had to get this done so I broke one of my "rules".

- Mike

Fun at the Alrosa

2010-07-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Friday, when my shift ended and the assembly line finally stopped, I hurried home to clean up and change clothes so I could make it to the Alrosa Villa in Columbus before I missed too much of the show. And what a show! I only wish I had my 8 gig CF memory card I lost, and that I would have made it to the Alrosa before the bands started.

I was only able to shoot Noise Auction, State Your Cause, Cellbound, and Curse Icon this time around but I do hope to see the other two bands (Of Human, and Valliday Parking) again some other time so I can make up for the lost shots.

Read more after the jump...

I walked into the club and handed my ticket to the staff and was then given the old pat-down to search for weapons. I didn't mind at all; to be honest I wish every club did this. I couldn't help but think of the tragedy that happened just a few years earlier in this very club (RIP Dime).

Cellbound Promo - © Michael Warth

If our music was an alcoholic beverage, we would all drink it! I love it
when we join forces with a new crowd at a concert venue that has a great
vibe, like the Alrosa, and when we're done they are as spent as us. We feed
off each other, it's a metal machine. - Chris E, Cellbound

I proceeded to the bar and grabbed a quick Guinness and started looking for people I know. As luck would have it I ran into my friends in Cellbound so I took advantage of the time and shot some pictures at the pool table. I have to tell you though, walking into a dark club alone with camera gear makes me a little nervous and when I see friends it's like seeing family. It is really good to see them; the comfort level goes up and it's easy to remember why I go to these gigs. Metalheads are like a family.

See the slideshow of photos from the show...

As luck would have it, I had a blast and got a lot of photographs in spite of the rush to get there and being down one memory card. I want to thank all the bands for there friendship and hospitality - you guys really do rock \m/ !! Not to mention the show was awesome...I often wonder why so many people spend $60 - $100 to see a band and crappy opening act at a national venue when our local bands do shows for $5 - $10 and one often gets 5 - 10 good bands to see instead of two.

A special thanks to "Se7eN" for the invite to the show! I had a chance to see Noise Auction at Slammerfest and was pretty anxious to see them play at the Alrosa Villa.

"Se7eN" / Noise Auction - © Michael Warth

That's all I got, it has been a busy weekend. And the assembly line starts moving in about six more hours! Good night metalheads.

- Mike

Me & Zack

2010-07-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night after the day job I headed out for Cincinnati, Ohio to hang with a few fellow photographers and the great Zack Arias. For those of you who don't know who Zack is, he is an Atlanta based music photographer and he is the "shiznit" when it comes to lighting and working with the gear you have.

I met a couple from Ann Arbor, Michigan, some folks from Dayton, a guy from Kentucky, and several others all passionate about improving their craft and learning from Zack. He is an awesome teacher who shares the real world, everyday, life of a working photographer principles to make his students better.

Unfortunately I am not able to attend the workshop he is presenting this week but I have learned so much from Zack already. Hopefully I can make a trip to Atlanta to pick his brain later.

If you are a photographer you owe it to yourself to check Zack out. Between you, me, and anyone browsing the net right now, Zack Arias, David Hobby, Chase Jarvis, David duChemin, and Joe McNally represent everything I want to know about photography. I hope to learn, meet, and attend workshops from these modern masters of the craft. Many of you know I take this stuff seriously, and these guys are my jedi knights of lights!

So what did I learn from the informal mixer? I learned not to park on a side street in a bad part of town (even in the daytime a few blocks from the police station) because people steal stuff. One of the attendees had her car broken into! I learned it is OK to do free shoots as long as you (the photographer) progress from it. I learned that the Six Degrees of Seperation Theory works and one can make new friends using social media!

That's all I got for today...I still have a few FREEBIE band promo shoots open. Book your slot by August 8th before the price goes up to the normal rates.

Mike

Vision Growing

2010-07-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

What is vision? Why is it important? And why do I care?

Vision is the ability to see the direction of one's artistic work and fulfill their passion in that vision. In other words, if you are a photographer who shoots weddings but you really want to spend your time on safari in Africa photographing animals from a Landrover then maybe your vision is to be a wildlife photographer. Maybe you only shoot weddings because it pays the rent. Maybe you shoot weddings because you can work your day job Monday through Friday and make money on the weekends. The bottom line is that vision is what one really wants to do if money is taken out of the equation.

"Teazer" Band Promo Shoot

2010-07-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Teazer - © Warth Photo / Michael Warth

Tuesday I had the great opportunity to shoot a band promo for the band Teazer. The guys are getting back together for a reunion concert August 7th in Chillicothe, Ohio and I was thrilled when I got the chance to shoot the photographs. A truly historical moment for the band that started rocking 30 years ago.

I have to admit I was a little nervous about this shoot too. Two of the members live in Tennessee and came up for rehearsals. The last thing they needed was a photographer wasting their time trying to "get it right." Therefore, I was in a real hurry to nail it and let them get to work. more after the jump...

Another reason for my nervousness was the drummer. Why? Because Tony (the drummer) was my drum teacher when I first started playing the drums and let me tell you I felt like that kid again trying to show the teacher I can do it. The grown up in me was running the numbers to get the shoot just right...f/11...with a shutter speed of 1/250th...ISO set to 200...etc., etc. The kid in me was fogging the photographer's process worrying about looking smooth, not sweating, and being clever and witty.

The pressure was on. Now that I found the rehearsal place, I needed to work with what was there to get a cool "rock-n-roll" look for the band. I took my strobes and my backdrop just in case but when I was making the 30 minute drive I had time to think of the possibilities. I thought of the classic "on the sofa" shoot, the "in the woods" shoot, and so on. I didn't have to worry about train tracks or brick walls thankfully (these are the "done to death" shots I plan to avoid at all costs). Not that they are bad, I am just trying to avoid the typical shots. I really had no idea what to expect.

Fortunately I was not alone. My son Matthew went along to help pack gear and be my VABS (Voice Activated Boom Stand). We pulled up the drive and a few of the band members were already outside so I figured I was at the right place. After the quick introductions I began scoping out the place for a suitable location. I was lucky! No rain, clear day, later in the evening (no harsh sun), and there it was...a covered deck on the north side of the house. The perfect shot! Matt and I started setting up and testing the lights for proper exposure. Yes I Know, this would be the best time to get the light meter out but I don't have one (not yet anyway). The band was getting ready, I was getting ready, and it looked like it was all going pretty good.

I got everyone into position and we started the shoot. The shooting process was only about 15 to 20 minutes but I was already feeling like I was wasting their time. They were awesome, they lined up like pros posing for Rolling Stone magazine and they were pretty easy to work with. They were just a bunch of really cool guys and I am so glad I got to shoot the photos for them.

Driving home I had the typical, shoulda, woulda, coulda, thoughts but overall I was happy and eager to see the photographs on the MAC back home to see what I really got. With minimal processing in Adobe Camera Raw I could see it was a good shoot. My nerves settled down finally and I got to work preparing the images for print. At this very moment I have a few more things I want to try before I commit to sharing all the shots with the band but let me just say I am very happy.

The band's concert is August 7, 2010 at the Elks Lodge (42 West 2nd Street) in Chillicothe. For tickets and promotional material visit teazertickets.com (LINK).

Visit the band's Facebook page by clicking the (LINK).

- Mike

Slammerfest 2010

2010-06-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Slammerfest 2010, Friday and Saturday June 18th and 19th has come to an end. I had a lot of fun shooting this festival. Although I wasn't able to be there for every band I was able to shoot both nights.

Here is a small slideshow of a few of the bands there...
(featured bands in this slideshow: Negative Influence, Damn Near Down, Grimstone, Negative Zero, Pets or Meat, Act of Violence, and Noise Auction)

My friend Ryan made the one hour trek out Ohio Route 50 on his Harley after riding 100 miles earlier in the day...he earned the "iron ass" award for the night since he rode back home after midnight Saturday and helped Grimstone with their equipment. What a friend!

I really liked the fact that all the fans and bands could choose to camp at this festival. Route 50 is dangerous enough during the day, let alone late at night after a full day of rockin' and rollin' - Ohio's finest was out enforcing the laws heavy too. Better safe than sorry!

I was primarily there for Grimstone and Noise Auction but I enjoyed all the bands I got to shoot. Damn Near Down was a new band for me, as I have never heard their music before (other than on the web). I am a firm believer one can learn a lot about a band when watching their performance live. And let me add, Damn Near Down put on a good show!

The overall mood (as I figured) for the festival was pretty good. For the most part - at least as far as I could tell, everyone had a good time and partied like rock stars. It always cracks me up when I go to a show like this and everyone is cool with everyone else. Their is a like-minded attitude and brotherhood among metalheads. The reason it cracks me up is that I can go to the local supermarket and feel uncomfortable, but concerts, well...I am safer...I have a lot of friends there.

Thanks to everyone who organized and worked the festival. Thanks to the bands and fans for bringing your "A" game. Can't wait for next year!

Mike

Mushroomhead - Waterdrumming Slideshow

2010-06-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

See the slideshow of selected "waterdrumming" images from the Mushroomhead / Cellbound concert in Sandusky...

That's all I got for today,

Cheers...

Mike

Slideshow of Cellbound at the Underground

2010-06-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is a slide show of Cellbound's performance at the Underground, June 12, 2010. I hope to publish the Mushroomhead slideshow later this week.

- Mike

Mushroomhead / Cellbound Concert - Sandusky, OH

2010-06-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

I woke up Saturday tired from the night before (see the Swanky Goat Post) and editing photos ~~late~~ early into the morning. I was like a kid waking up to watch Saturday morning cartoons with a bowl of ~~sugar~~ cereal as I anticipated the road trip I was about to take.

The soon to be 18 hour event was hanging over my head in a bitter sweet way. I was worried about the drive, lack of sleep from the night before, cost, and other things as I packed the camera gear (minimal setup). And then...I made a few quick decisions (some good, others I paid for later) and head out of the house for an evening loud and proud music. Click the "read more" link below for more.

I was starting to tire after the 4 hour drive, hanging out at the Ohio Bike Week festival downtown Sandusky, and the other bands when Mushroomhead hit the stage at around 12:20 am. As I was shooting, I realized there was no way I was going to be able to get the entire band from my spot but I wasn't going to risk finding a place in the crowd for other shots since I was pretty content with the shots I was getting.

Thankfully, the water drums were lit from inside and on occasion I was able to shoot killer shots of Mushroomhead's guitarist "Gravy".

The venue (The Underground) was a terribly difficult place to shoot. The lighting forced me to use higher than normal ISO settings on the camera but I am still pretty happy with my results. There was no room for a photo-pit and the crowd was so large it was hard to breath at times. The place was hot! Add all this to the wild crowd and it was classic metal!! I had a blast!

A huge thanks to my friends in Cellbound for having me out to shoot this show. I was talking to a videographer working on a commercial for the Underground and he said he had never heard of Cellbound. He made a point to say how good they were...and I was like, "I know"!

There were several bands at the Underground night club performing Saturday night starting at 8 PM and rocking into the morning at 2:30 AM. I was mainly there to shoot Mushroomhead and Cellbound but I can say I really enjoyed shooting the other bands as well.

One of my favorite shots of the night...

In days to come I hope to publish a Flickr slideshow here on the blog featuring some of my favorite shots from the show. But for now, I am still a little tired and it's back to the "other" job Monday morning.

For now you can watch this video of Cellbound...

Later,

Mike

Metalheads Come out for a Worthy Cause

2010-06-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Tonight I was humbled and proud of my fellow metalheads. In support of of a family who have had some tough times lately, the local metalheads came out in full force. I will not go into details regarding the reason for the gathering but I will say this, life is precious and for the family we all rocked for tonight, we have a heavy heart for you. The metalheads of Chillicothe and Ross County keep you in our thoughts.

Local bands, Grimstone, Age of Distrust, and Samudaya all played solid sets. The crowd was cool, with the exception of one altercation I noticed (no big deal - just a few tempers flaring), was rocking and enjoying the show. The music was loud and rude...the way we like it.

I have so many pics to post but so little time. As I sit here at 4 am I am reminded that the Sandusky trip and Mushroomhead await in only a few short hours. And, yes I am dead tired! Here are just a few more of a great night downtown at the Goat!

I love this shot of Grimstone's Mike Horsley on drums - see him in the distance!

Like I said, there are so many photos from this night but I have to get to sleep. The reason we all gathered is for a fellow metalhead and his family - you are in our thoughts. Thanks to the bands and Dan down at the Swanky Goat for their performance and hospitality. This is what metal is all about....a community of like minded individuals looking out for each other.

Thank-you all for letting a geek like me be part of it all. I'm off to sleep...stop in later this week to see images from the Mushroomhead gig in Sandusky.

Mike

Suspect Earth and one of my favorite shots

2010-06-08T12:28:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the chance to shoot some bands at the Newport Music Hall. The lighting was really hit and miss because when performers get near the edge of the stage, the lighting basically goes away. When they step out of the light there is no way to get the proper exposure without flash.
This particular shot of one of the guitarists from the band Suspect Earth is one of my favorite concert pics. This is an example of the right place, right time, and pure luck.

- Mike

No Desire

2010-06-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Alright, I already made my quota for blog posting today but I had this on my mind and I really wanted to share it with you.

I have had a few folks ask questions regarding the direction I have taken with my photography. They typically ask, "why don't you shoot weddings, you can make a lot of money shooting weddings? You'll have a tough time making any real money shooting bands." Or the real good one is, "bands don't have money - you NEED to shoot this, or you NEED to shoot that instead." I love it when I hear "you need to" do this or that. With all do respect, I value what folks tell me, and I listen carefully to what they have to say even if I don't agree with their advice.

However, I have found I must follow my own vision for what I want to do in photography. Or in my fine art paintings for that matter (see my fine art here). For without vision, I found a job and I already have one of those. It really is not about the money anymore. I have absolutely no desire to chase every money making opportunity in photography; I want to shoot bands. If I am good enough, and bands need my services, then they will pay. It is really that simple.

I want to follow my vision and my passion. I hope there is a big pot of gold waiting for me at the top but it really doesn't matter - I am having a lot of fun these days! I love everything about photography but I also love music. I believe my clients need to see me produce "music related" photography and not be confused as to what kind of photographer I am. If they go to my site and see everything under the sun they may wonder where my heart is.

Does this mean I won't shoot weddings, senior picture, family portraits and such. The simple answer is "no" it does not. However, I would rather do these things as a second shooter or as an employee for another studio. I really enjoy photo editing such as color correction, exposure fixes, and manipulations but again...too much for my target market to wrap their heads around.

I guess one could say I am keeping it simple...I am focusing on one thing. I am willing to work in other areas for my craft and to improve my skills as a photographer but the "other" stuff doesn't belong in my marketing materials for Warth Photo because that business revolves around music photography.

Mike

New Gear and Keeping up With the Jones'

2010-06-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

Ever craved new stuff? I mean really craved it? Over the last few years Nikon and Canon have created some of the best camera gear ever made. The "new gear addiction" is a tough addiction for many photographers. Before we get used to our "new" equipment that we just had to have, the manufacturers make a better, faster, and "cooler" piece of gear that makes last year's gotta have it into a total piece of junk that everyone else has.

I'm here to tell you, resist the urge to buy new gear. Are your photographs just OK, could it be because you still need more practice with last year's gear? If you are not shooting in full manual then you are missing out on a lot of what your camera is made to do. Push your gear to it's limits, find out the extremes and limitations. Don't fall prey to the megapixel race. Dynamic range is far more important than megapixels.

Basically, we all need to sit back and take a breath, use the gear we got, get better using the gear we have, and essentially be better photographers. Buy gear specific to what you shoot. In my case, concert photography requires fast lenses and a camera with good dynamic range allowing me to shoot at 800 - 2400 ISO with little or no noise. Unfortunately fast glass (f/2.8 or faster) can cost a lot of money and camera bodies that meet my requirements start around $1200 used. But if you shoot a lot of stuff outside in normal light or you use a flash, or studio strobes then a slower lens would do just fine and a basic camera body that shoots good in the 200 - 400 ISO range may work just fine. And don't rule out film. There are a lot of film cameras (pro quality) that can be found dirt cheap these days. Although, expect film and processing to eat into your profits.

This post is just food for thought...save your money and get what you need, not the new gear you want. Soon, if clients are loving you, you'll have enough extra cash to go out and get what you need (notice I did not say want). Save a little more and try to buy used...after all...let the "i got to have it now" crowd buy it now so you can have it in a year and a half at a discounted price.

My plan is pretty simple, buy the best lenses I can afford (I've been working on this a while now), and when Nikon makes a replacement to the D700 I just may need to buy a used D700 if the replacement is too much money. I can live with a D300s or D300 (what I use now), because these cameras are good enough for what I do with them. I buy cheap manual flashes I can use as portable strobes, and used gear from photo studios going out of business or upgrading. Someday, I may start looking for a cheap set of portable studio strobes in the 500ws range that utilize a battery pack. Until then, my SB-800 flash units, and LP120 manual flash units work perfect! Again, I have minimal lighting needs since I shoot live concerts and do the occasional band shoot.

Oh! I almost forgot...if you are one of those photographers who needs the latest and greatest; just remember this...the Jones' are broke so stop trying to keep up with them or you will be too!

Happy shooting!

Mike

Horny Goat Weed

2010-06-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

Friday I spent the evening down at the Swanky Goat (Formally the Filling Station) in downtown Chillicothe shooting pics of the legendary Horny Goat Weed band. It was great fun; the band rocked tunes I really didn't expect to hear and there were quite a few people packed into the little bar.

There are five great musicians in the band; two guitars, a bass guitar, a drummer, and a singer. For many of the songs, one of the guitar players put his guitar down to sing. Overall, HGW is a very diverse band with a strong lead vocalist.

Many of you know I am a metalhead. HGW did a lot of top 40 style music that I would change the channel if I heard on the radio. I also never thought sitting in a bar I would be entertained by top 40 music. However, with that said, many of my fellow metalheads were there supporting HGW as it is partly made up of a few metalheads too. And, it goes without saying, HGW pulled off the songs live better than anything I have heard from the original recording artists' versions played on the radio. I was working as a photographer yes, but I also enjoyed myself a lot - thanks HGW!

I am sure over time the Swanky Goat will become a favorite of mine for local live photography. If you have time, check out the bands playing there. If you see me, be sure to say "hi" and if you're feeling generous I love Guinness.

Here are a few more shots of HGW (Notice the drummer playing bass on a song?)...

That's all for now...I'm off to find another gig.

Cheers,

Mike

Choices, Options, ugh!

2010-06-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Every image we take as photographers can beg for options. Black & white, sharpening, color edits, exposure edits, and the list goes on and on and on. So when is it enough? When are we done? Does it matter? The quick answer is yes it matters but only when we are satisfied. It is all subjective folks. Contrary to your college professor and your mom, and everyone else; YOU decide. It is all up to you. If you like it, that is all that really matters. Unless you are selling the image then the customer/client can pretty much direct you you to the "done" moment. Anyway, here is an image I wanted to play around with and share here on the blog.

The image is of my friend Kiana Prestol, an incredible singer who performs regularly with her band Curse Icon.

Option...'er choice #1 the original shot from the camera:

Option...'er choice #2 - option one with a little post processing work:

Option...'er choice #3 - Black & White:

They all have qualities I like, they all present challenges to get the right look. But one thing is common among them, they are my best guess at what I think looks good.

Keep working, keep pushing, find your vision and get out there and shoot!

I'm off to find a gig...

Mike

The Website and the Bands

2010-05-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend some of you may have noticed I updated the Warth Photo website. If you have not had a chance to check it out take a look [LINK].

Many of the images in the new portfolio were from the Ardor C/D release and national tour kick-off party at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio. Other images are from the Back Stage and the Stardust in Chillicothe, Ohio.

The bands represented in the web portfolio:

Ardor
Ripsnort
Grimstone
Sourblood
One Pretty Minute
Suspect Earth
Curse Icon
State Your Cause
Cellbound

Some of my favorite photographs in the portfolio...

Being a drummer myself, I love to see other drummers play, and let me say Brad is a real performer!

I was real happy to get this shot. The bright light in front of the kick drum is a strobe and to capture this was just plain lucky! I love the intensity and the overall look of the shot.

And finally this shot of State Your Cause...

I love to take these angled shots of the band on the front of the stage. The stage lights, energy, and interaction among band members and/or crowd is the money shot for me.

See more (24 images) in my Flickr portfolio slideshow here...

That's all for now...I need to find another gig to shoot.

Cheers,

Mike

Ardor @ the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio

2010-05-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a little teaser from the CD release/national tour kick-off party for Ardor at Columbus' Newport Music Hall. Before I get too carried away I want to thank all the bands for an awesome live concert, and more importantly my friends from Curse Icon!!

I am still uploading pics as I write this blog and hope to have slide shows for some of the bands who participated in the show up on the blog.

Mike

The big guy

2010-05-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday (May 23, 2010) I headed to the Stardust in Chillicothe to play around with the 50 mm f/1.8 lens in order to force myself to shoot at one focal length. I had fun using the 50 mm lens as I was able to get more light into the camera because of the f/1.8 versus my standard glass f-stop of f/2.8. I like that little lens - I would not leave home without it!

I like forcing the minimalist photography mentality. On this particular night I had one 8 gig card, no spare battery, the D300 camera, a 50 mm f/1.8 lens, no bag, no extra lenses, no back-ups! This was not a mission critical job, therefore pushing the limits couldn't hurt. I didn't have to get a single shot - it was all practice.

Other info:
Small club
Minimal stage lighting
No flash used
f/1.8 50 mm lens
D300 Nikon camera
ISO 800
Shutter speed 1/125

- Mike

Business Cards

2010-05-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

New business cards...

I still have a lot of ideas, and the gears are turning...I can't wait to share.

Mike

A New Blog

2010-05-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

The Warth Photo blog is the new home for my music photography. I hope to do a lot with this blog - for now I am putting together some posts and hope to have more for you this week.

Mike