I don't normally go out on Monday nights, but Anti-Monday League at the Casbah had something familiar and something new for me, and I had slept most of the day away on Sunday, so I very rested and restless.

I got there a bit late, and only saw the last song of The Old In Out's set. They have a dirty garage rock sound and I would have liked to snap some photos, but the stage lights were turned way down so I decided to just enjoy the one song.

I've seen Marasol a few times now, and they've got a great energy on stage.



I made an animated GIF that I posted to their myspace page that illustrates Lain's quirky moves.


He has so much fun on stage, it's easy to like them. They have a heavy sound, but even on the CD, you can hear them smiling.



I don't think of what I do as classical portraiture, which would require a subject isn't otherwise engaged in something like being a rock star, but I really like that shot of Sarah. They bring really bright lights for their shows which helps make photography easier, but it's not of a very flattering quality. By keeping the main light as a sidelight, I could let her right arm go overexposed and expose for the light coming from the opposite side of the stage. Being further away (behind Lain), it has a more diffuse look, which is more appealing for a "beauty" shot. Of course, it does help to start with a subject like Sarah, who normally has a warm smile on her face. I wanted to capture a look that was a bit more serious for her, as well as showing that it's ok for a girl to be sweaty and still look good. She and Lain have been together since they were 12. Aww.....

She locks in really well with her drummer, Jim.



Were you mugging for me, Jim?

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Having just come off a tour of Japan, Japanese Sunday looked a bit road weary, but happy to be playing in front of friends.


This was their first time playing to a light show, so I'm really glad I had a chance to shoot this show. I saw them once a couple years ago at the Ken Club, but that was back before I was taking as active an interest in local bands as I do now. From what I heard talking to people during their set, they are doing less vocals. I didn't miss the singing, they have a contemplative sound which doesn't need words, reminding me of a more brash Tristeza.


If the drummer looks familiar, that's because he also plays with Hialeah, who I've shot several times. Justin Jay is a character with a sly sense of humor, but when it comes to drumming, he's all business. Mostly. It's interesting to hear him in a different setting that isn't as reliant on verse/chorus/verse.


The light show can either work as a background, lending interest to the main subject....


or...


...or be the subject itself.


With no light shining on this guitarist, I had to use the main stage lights as an important part of shooting him. At least they weren't the heavy red glow that they usually are. I like shooting bands that bring lights!