...from shooting Minus the Bear, Annuals, and Helms Alee at Soma. At least the sound was better than last time I saw MTB there, but I still felt like the oldest person in the crowd, and there was no alcohol to tame my nerves.

I am impatiently waiting for my photos to finish downloading right now, so I thought I'd jot down some thoughts. I think my first photo pass experience went well. I had the photo pit all to myself, which I'm guessing is a luxury that I don't yet appreciate. A few things I learned:

1. Just like any live show in a small venue, there's no point in bringing a telephoto lens. Mine is slow, and I could get plenty tight enough with my 17-55. I'll leave it at home next time. As bright as it might seem with all the spotlights, it's still plenty dark, photographically. I thought that I wouldn't have to battle for every last photon, but I still needed my fast primes.

2. Security guards are big dudes. This was the first time I had to go up to them and ask THEM to get out of MY way. It doesn't mean that I'd ever forget who's in charge though. They've got muscles, and I've basically got a $1000 leash hanging around my neck. When they tap you on the shoulder, you're done.

3. A three song photo limit per band is not enough. If anything, it should at least be the last 3 songs.

3. If you're going to balance your camera on the edge of a 6-foot subwoofer in order to do a long exposure of the crowd, keep a VERY close eye on it. Those bass frequencies have a tendency to make objects on top scoot around until they fall off. I performed the most acrobatic catch of my life tonight, right in front a few hundred teenagers.

As if that's not embarrasing enough, I'm a frickin' bass player! I've lost more than one drink as it tumbled over the side of my amp while I was playing- I should be familiar with the concept by now.