|
Interview with a concert photographer: Leslie Plesser
10.14.09
|
|
Name:
Leslie Plesser
Website:
shuttersmack.com
Occupation:
Art Director / Photographer
Location:
Minneapolis, MN
Top 5 most played artists on your ipod:
Bright Eyes, Lucero, Arcade Fire, P.O.S., Metric
Besides concert photography, most favorite thing to shoot:
dogs
When I grow up I want to be:
a paid photographer (or RICH! hahaha ;)
First concert you ever went to?
Huey Lewis and the News. I was 9.
First band you ever met:
I was 11. I snuck back stage and met Men Without Hats. Remember The Safety Dance? Damn, I loved that song. They signed my sneakers.
How many shows do you go to a week?
It varies. Last week I went to five. This week I only have one in the book... but I'm thinking about a second and maybe a third... We'll see how much energy I have.
How do you get in to shoot a show, does it take the hand of God?
Sometimes it does. Sometimes not. For small clubs (Turf/Kitty Cat/331) I just show up and shoot. No one really ever says anything. For First Ave/Varsity/Fine Line I usually have my name on the list as a shooter.
Where do you stand to get such great shots?
Never in front of the singer. That mic screws everything up. Stand to the side.
What's the craziest thing you've done to get a shot?
Hmmm... I laid down on the ground between the stage and the crowd to shoot up at Gogol Bordello as the singer stood spread eagle over me with one leg on the stage and one on the barricade greeting fans. I was a little nervous there. But that's not too crazy. I hope for much better stories to come.
I know you've shot the likes of Metallica and Motorhead and Lucero. Any fear of the hardcore fans busting your shit up with all their enthusiasm & spikes & hair?
Sometimes. I was lucky enough to have a press pass for Metallica and Motorhead, so I could shoot between the barricade and the stage. I would not want my gear in middle of those crowds (at least in the front). But at other shows, the fans can be really cool. I've found that if I squat below in front of them and ask if I can do that for just one song, they are tolerant. Cuz they know you're gonna be out of their hair soon. I've also learned to cradle my camera in a very unconventional manner that makes me feel like it's a little safer.
The gearwonks out there want to hear all about your camera + lenses. What's in your bag, baby?
When shooting a show, I bring 3 lenses. I usually only use one or two during the show, but I like to bring options. I have a 50 mm 1.4 that is great for super dark shows, but you gotta be in the front row for that lens. I have my kit lens which works great for well lit stages, and then my big zoom for seated shows (like theaters). I also always have extra batteries/memory cards on me. Oh, and I shoot with a Nikon D80. Which I would kill to upgrade.
Any pro-photog secrets?
Ha. I wish. Do you have any? I will say this. Be nice to the fans around you. A) They have to put up with your gear B) They might want to look up your shots and gush the next day, but not if you're rude C) Try not to shoot much after the first three songs. The clicking etc. is distracting to the fans. I try to just keep it to the first 3, but if someone goes crowd surfing or other craziness, I do keep the camera ready.
What's your favorite concert photo?
I can't pick one :) But I do have great shows in my head. My favorite memory was shooting my first show. It was Conor Oberst and Jenny Lewis in Omaha. I'm a huge fan of both of them, and I had never shot a show before. I was so happy with the outcome, and I had a blast doing it. But I've learned a lot since then.
# of pix you take in a typical evening:
400-700 (depends on how many bands are playing. And I edit as I shoot)
Ok. I'm granting you the wish of being able to photograph any band, anywhere. Who and where, and can I be your assistant?
Wow. So many answers. I would love to shoot Prince playing First Ave again :) Or Jack White. He always blows me away. Or Emily Haines of Metric. She is total eye candy.
Who are your rock concert photog crushes?
There are so many good ones, but locally I love the work of Dan Corrigan and Jon Behm. Corrigan gets amazing shots at First Ave, and Jon really knows how to play with light. I try to keep tabs on their work :)
What's next for Concertsmack? ;)
Show wise? Nothing on the immediate horizon. I'm heading out on vacation for a bit, so not a lot of shows on the books. I do hope to shoot that Lucero show in a few weeks though. We'll see...
Leave a comment