All Narfed Up photography and words by Bryan Villarin
Finch concert at the UC Forum
On Thursday afternoon, I drove all the way to the UC Forum at the University of San Diego to see Finch and Saosin. However, this time was different. At will-call, there was an all-access VIP pass with my name on it.1
I got there late, but was fortunate because there was another band2 before Finch and Saosin.
I walked to the front, showed security my pass and got in front of the barricade. There was a ledge there so we could sit and stay out of view from the crowd. I could also go along the sides of the stage, but I couldn’t get clear photos from those angles — they were cluttered with stuff for the next band (Saosin) or the mixer board.
This is what I learned from this experience:
- Wear earplugs or ear filters. I use the Hearos High Fidelity Ear Filters. At times, I was taking photos in front of the speakers. Without them, my hearing would be toast.
- Wear dark clothes so you don’t stand out.
- Keep moving around. If there are other photographers there, it’ll help all of you vary your angles.
- Watch out for crowd surfers. When you see the security staff moving towards your position, that means a crowd surfer is about to fly on top of you. Retreat with caution.
- Favor a waist pack over a backpack. My backpack added used up more space, making it harder to stay clear from the security staff helping crowd surfers.
- Take a lot of photos. You can always delete a lot later when you process them.
- Boast. Did you take good photo? I wouldn’t think it’s rude to share them with others. If I hadn’t posted on Finch’s Myspace, Daniel wouldn’t have got in touch with me.
- Ask. If I didn’t simply ask Daniel for a photo pass, I wouldn’t have gotten one.
Photography notes — Arnold3 was nice enough to let me borrow his Canon EOS 40D and Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 lens, so I had that in addition to my Canon EOS Digital Rebel 6.3MP and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens.
Post-processing consisted of various Lightroom presets, which were downloaded for free from Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Killer Tips.
Click here to view all the photos from the Finch concert at the UC Forum (University of San Diego)
- Why? Daniel Wonacott (bassist from Finch) liked my photos of their show at The Roxy Theatre last Monday. So, I asked for a photo pass and he said it wouldn’t be a problem. ↩
- I forgot who they were ↩
- Instead of going to the concert, he took the hit of the ticket price and saw Jane Goodall speak. He met up with me to see the end of Saosin’s set. ↩
Guitar Hero god of rock
Bryan Villarin | April 5, 2008 | Arcadia, CA
50mm * f/1.8 * 1/15 sec * ISO 800
Getting long
Bryan Villarin | April 14, 2008 | Temple City, CA
50mm * f/1.8 * 1/200 sec * ISO 400
I took this a few days ago because my hair was getting long. I’ll be getting a haircut soon, but this seems like it’ll be a good Flickr buddy icon for awhile.
Korean Bell of Friendship
Bryan Villarin | April 5, 2008 | San Pedro, CA
18mm * f/8 * 1/200 sec * ISO 100
Armer and Tracy’s first date…
Photographing Finch and Saosin tonight
I’m driving down to San Diego and back tonight — for a concert.
Why so far?
Daniel Wonacott (bassist from Finch) liked my photos of their show at The Roxy Theatre last Monday. 1 So, I asked for a photo pass and he said it wouldn’t be a problem. Wicked!
By the way, Saosin will be playing, too. How sick is that?
I hope I don’t act like a spaz. Wish me luck!
Update 4/19/08: I’m uploading the photos to the “Finch at the UC Forum (4/17/08)” photoset. It’s up to 33 photos right now. Expect a recap post tomorrow. Enjoy!
- He said he wanted to use it on their Myspace. Don’t look there yet - they haven’t added them. But, they’re on my Flickr, though. ↩
Digging a hole
Bryan Villarin | April 12, 2008 | Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
18mm * f/8 * 1/60 sec * ISO 100
Bill started to dig and cover his feet with the cooler rocks below the hot surface. Then, he looked up.
I love how this captures the awkward essence of Bill. Scruffy, fearless, and highly opinionated.
Center of attention
Bryan Villarin | March 30, 2008 | Laguna Beach, CA
18mm * f/8 * 1/250 sec * ISO 200
Whenever other photographers are around, this is inevitable.
Makeout
Bryan Villarin | April 5, 2008 | Temple City, CA
50mm * f/1.8 * 1/13 sec * ISO 800
Rawr
Bryan Villarin | March 30, 2008 | Laguna Beach, CA
46mm * f/7.1 * 1/640 sec * ISO 200
Someone has to show how wacky Tobias could be! 
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