My friend Shawn and his soon-to-be bride Jane hired me to shoot their wedding on Sept. 20.  But Shawn also offered me the chance to bring my camera along for his bachelor party, doing my best to document the night.  Well, maybe not the entire night, but you get the point.  The main focus of the party was the first stop: seeing The Raconteurs play The Roseland Theater in Portland.  He hooked me up with a ticket, and my plan was to shoot the party and the show!

Now I’ve been to The Roseland many times to see music, but this was my first time there as a photographer.  I knew that there would be no way they would let me in with my camera slung around my neck, let alone my entire bag of gear.  Luckily, I was able to work out a photo pass for the show even though I wasn’t shooting for a publication.  The staff at The Roseland really pulled through for me on this one!  I owe them a huge thank you!

Our group sat up in the balcony for most of the show, but I made sure I took advantage of my photo pass during The Raconteurs set.  I was a bit star-struck while I ran up and down the barricade, between the front rail and the stage itself.  These guys were throwing down some of the best, tightest rock and roll I have heard in a long while.  It was tough to work when all I wanted to do was dance!  But I knew I only had the first three songs to get my close shots, so I got as many snaps of my shutter as I could compose.  Though I felt like the rock star, being so close to such incredible performers and musicians.

It was the lighting that got me!  I’ve gotten so used to shooting at such small clubs and venues for my friends’ performances, that I forgot that bigger budget shows means a properly lit show!  I had so much fun incorporating the colors and patterns of the stage lighting in my shots.  I couldn’t get enough!

Definitely get out to see The Raconteurs if you get a chance!  Absolutely 100% rock.  Click the link at the bottom for the full gallery!