Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage

[CherylL1]

I really like it! The one I used belongs to a friend who assisted me for the shoot and came to the show with me (he's also a big fan). I have been eyeing the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II for a while, but this Sigma version is great and if I can find one in great condition priced lower than the Canon version, I might get that instead. I like it the same as my 85mm f/1.2. I don't think I could really compare the two though - it's not better or worse, just different. It is MUCH better than my Canon EF 35mm f/2 though.

Thanks! I have the Canon 28mm that I don't use. I went from the Canon 50mm f1.4 to the f1.2 and noticed a big difference in quality.

 

[zombiesniper129 28]

Being in the photographer pit at this show was a cool experience, but it was also very stressful and a bit over stimulating for me.

I can see this. The festival and bands I shoot, I am often the only photographer and I'm always wondering "did I get every member of the band? Did I make them look cool? etc." It can be stressful but I try and just enjoy the moments that they're having with the crowd and do my best.

 

[DanOstergren36 2]

Thanks! I have the Canon 28mm that I don't use. I went from the Canon 50mm f1.4 to the f1.2 and noticed a big difference in quality.

I've thought about getting the 50 f/1.2. It's quite the investment though, like any Canon L series lens. Another L series lens I have been considering is the 24mm f/1.4L. I love the 35mm perspective, but often find myself wishing that it was just a little bit wider.

 

[DanOstergren36 2]

I can see this. The festival and bands I shoot, I am often the only photographer and I'm always wondering "did I get every member of the band? Did I make them look cool? etc." It can be stressful but I try and just enjoy the moments that they're having with the crowd and do my best.

For me it was the sheer amount of people and the energy, and having my back to a crowd like that, many of whom were crowd surfing so I had to always be braced to have someone potentially falling into me. A few did, but thankfully I was ready for it and there was so much security positioned to catch crowd surfers behind me that it wasn't a huge issue. Also working in front of such a large crowd was stressful in general. All in all a recipe for a lot of anxiety, but kinda fun too. I'd be open to doing it again.

 

[terri49]

Thank you! He shared the 7th photo in his instagram story, so I think that might be his favorite so far. And this is what he had to say after the photo shoot:
View attachment 301624

Honestly I'm still on a total high from this experience. I was nice at the show. I wish I could have gone into the mosh pit a couple of times, but I had my camera bag on my back so decided to just enjoy the show without moshing after I finished taking photos. The venue only allows photographers in the pit for the first three songs of a band's set, so I was able to put my camera away, grab a drink and enjoy the show without "working". All in all, this was truly one of the best days of my life.

That's just wonderful. See? All this happened because you took a chance and reached out when you knew the band was coming. Yay!

 

[Tinstafl131 127]

Great set
Of shots

 

[DanOstergren36 2]

That's just wonderful. See? All this happened because you took a chance and reached out when you knew the band was coming. Yay!

It was definitely an eye-opener in terms of what I learned I can make happen just by reaching out and asking. I think I can make it happen again with a few other bands on my list. I also know for a fact that I'll get to work with Jesse and KSE in the future because he really enjoyed the experience and loves the photos, and he mentioned wanting to get the entire band in-studio next time, though honestly I much prefer outdoor locations with natural light. It would be awesome to get them into that abandoned midwest church for a shoot.

 

[DanOstergren36 2]

Great set
Of shots

Thank you!

 

[terri49]

It was definitely an eye-openiner in terms of what I learned I can make happen just by reaching out and asking. I think I can make it happen again with a few other bands on my list. I also know for a fact that I'll get to work with Jesse and KSE in the future because he really enjoyed the experience and loves the photos, and he mentioned wanting to get the entire band in-studio next time, though honestly I much prefer outdoor locations with natural light. It would be awesome to get them into that abandoned midwest church for a shoot.

That's just wonderful! Maybe you can tease them into that abandoned church - just saying those words might be intriguing enough.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[DanOstergren36 2]

That's just wonderful! Maybe you can tease them into that abandoned church - just saying those words might be intriguing enough.

Good luck and have fun!

That's the plan! I haven't made plans for my next trip to Chicago yet, but I think I'll see if I can make it happen around the time KSE is also in the area.