Scorpions

[Svensk text hittar du i kommentarsfältet]

 The art of shooting concert photos

I was 10 when I heard Scorpions for the first time. This was in 1982 and I listened to that band A LOT during the rest of the decade. They were easily one of my top five favourite bands. I never saw them live though. Living in Finland (and especially since I did not live in Helsinki) opportunities to attend rock concerts with international artists were rare back then.

Hence I was happy and surprised to learn that Scorpions would visit Jakobstad (Pietarsaari in Finnish). That's just 20 minutes away from me! I had to see them. And so I did on August 1 2015.

My best advice for any concert photo shoot is to use the maual exposure program. The stage lights pointing straight into the lens would make exposures vary too much had I used an automatic exposure program.

Intense spotlights sometimes make quite nice lens reflections.

Remember the audience is also a part of the concert. Don't concentrate exclusively on the artist.

I love the hands reaching into the photo.

The dramatic clouds made a beautiful backdrop.

Matthias Jabs is into his music. Bright stage lights make high quality photography possible. It's like half the job is done already, you just have to point and shoot.

Klaus Meine of the Scorpions.

You gotta love the amazing light show and the big screens.

Rudolf Schenker is a true showman. I got him to point straight into my lens. I'm very proud of this picture!

I can't help it. The security guys make me think of another German band. Hint: NOT a hard rock band. Wir sind die Roboter...

The crowd in focus.

The acoustic part of the set.

“… and listen to the wind of change.” The 14th best selling single of all time!

Spotlight shadow.

Drummer James Kottak is a huge showman. He would probably steal the show if he didn't have to sit behind the drums.

Album covers appearing during the drum solo.

You've got to love that guitar!

Like most concerts photographers had access to the photo pit only during the first three songs. The rest had to be shot from the crowd. That doesn't have to be a bad thing. Klaus Meine appearing between waving hands.

Although shooting from a distance of maybe 30 meters Matthias Jabs seems to look straight at me. He probably didn't.

It can't be easy to throw a pick more than a few meters but Matthias Jabs really does his best to try. Luckily I captured the pick just below the upper edge of the photo. The rain that finally came at the end of the concert looks quite cool too, I think.

Thank you and bye bye!