A Night At Doug Fir

March 15, 2012

Live Music from some of Portland’s Best

Normally I don’t fancy myself a live music photographer, but I couldn’t resist scurrying around last night with my camera slung across my chest. The show I mentioned in my last post ended up being more amazing than anticipated and I knew we’d all want photos to remember it by.

I showed up with only an 85mm lens — bad planning, I know. But as it turns out, making bokeh panoramas from live music isn’t nearly as hard as you’d imagine. Unless you’re going to see Madonna, most musicians stay in one relative spot while they’re performing, moving only to strum ‘n’ drum.

After the show I got invited backstage to hang out with the bands and friends. Even though I knew half the people back there, I have to say… It made me feel pretty darn cool. :)

It was also a great pleasure to discover the music of Barna Howard, who just released his debut album last month. I bought it on vinyl at the show, and if you love the stylings of John Prine you’ll feel right at home with Barna.

Barna Howard - Bokeh Panorama - Doug Fir Lounge
8 Photo Stitch // Nikon D700 // Nikkor 85mm f/1.8

Barna Howard - Doug Fir Lounge

Harlowe and the Great North Woods - Doug Fir Lounge - Bokeh Panorama
6 Photo Stitch // Nikon D700 // Nikkor 85mm f/1.8

Harlowe and the Great North Woods - Doug Fir Lounge

Mark Robertson and Andrew Campbell - Doug Fir Lounge
3 Photo Stitch // Nikon D700 // Nikkor 85mm f/1.8

Bob Reynolds - Drummer - Doug Fir Lounge

Chris Miller - Green Hills Alone - Doug Fir Lounge - Rhodes Piano

Andrew Campbell on Violin - Doug Fir Lounge

Harlowe and the Great North Woods - Doug Fir Lounge

Doug Fir Lounge - Girl with iPhone

Great Wilderness - Doug Fir Lounge

Great Wilderness - Doug Fir - Portland Live Music

Great Wilderness - Doug Fir - Portland Live Music

Great Wilderness - Doug Fir - Portland Live Music
2 Photo Stitch // Nikon D700 // Nikkor 85mm f/1.8

A huge thanks to Great Wilderness, Harlowe and the Great North Woods and Barna Howard — and all the music lovers who came out last night for a combination of great music and great energy.

Let’s do this again soon.

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COMMENTS

Good lord woman, that first B&W portrait needs to be in Rolling Stone or something. Seriously awesome, it just strikes a chord with me (sorry for the pun, it’s genetic). And going backstage is always the coolest, even if “backstage” is behind the bar. :)

Mega impressed with the bokeh panos at live events! WHAT!

So glad you guys had such an amazing night. I know the event was really exciting. (Tell Chris I’m doing a ra-ra dance over here!)

Ok, you’re doing bokeh panos of live events now? You pretty much rock

Holy molly! That fifth photo is extraordinary! The focus and grain are just perfect! You should have it printed and framed.

SOOOOOOOO cool! I really wish Cory and I could have been there! Tell Chris congratulations!

Dude they were so great! Even if I didn’t know you and Chris, Harlowe would still have ended up as one of my new favorite bands. I’m so glad I went. Great photos!!

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