Bon Jovi Tour Photography
May 31, 2010 by David Bergman
There’s nothing better than having an all-access pass to photograph one of the biggest rock concert tours in the world.
Since March, I have been covering shows and selling prints for Bon Jovi through my company TourPhotographer.com.
Jon Bon Jovi has granted me unprecedented access to shoot from the stage and put remote cameras around the arena. I’ve been mounting a Nikon D3 and 24-70 lens in front of Tico Torres’ drum set and triggering it wirelessly throughout the show using Pocket Wizard transceivers.
(Nikon D3, 24-70, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 3200)
Last week the band opened the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey with three sold-out shows. After a production rehearsal, I made a quick portrait of the guys outside of the stadium.
(Nikon D3, 24-70, 1/250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 640)
Seconds before the first show, I followed Jon as he prepared to take the steps up to the stage.
(Nikon D3, 24-70, 1/100 sec, f/4, ISO 2500)
Since this would be the first show ever at the new stadium, I wanted to make an iconic, timeless photo when the pyrotechnics went off. The only way I could do it was to stand on stage in front of 50,000 people.
(Nikon D3, 14-24, 1/500 sec, f/4, ISO 2500)
It was an unbelievable experience.
I’ve also been able to use my sports shooting experience to capture Jon in flight.
(Nikon D3, 24-70, 1/500 sec, f/4, ISO 2500)
Next week, I’m covering the first five of Bon Jovi’s 12-show residency at the O2 Arena in London.
All of my images from the shows, including the frames above, can be viewed and purchased at TourPhotographer.com.
Excellent work!
Thanks for including the camera/lens/shutter speed, etc. info!
I would do anything to be in your shoes for a week or even just a weekend during the concert tour.
David,
That portrait of the guys outside of the stadium is TOP NOTCH. You worked the light PERFECTLY to create a spectacular image bro! Keep on rocking!!!
WOW!!! Nice photos!!!!
That last shot of Jon in flight is amazing!
estan muy lindas las fotos me encanta el grupo.un abrazo.chaoo
Simply stunning!
Great work as always. Truly inspirational. The shot of Jon jumping is awesome.
Have fun at the o2 in London. I live 5 mins down the road and have been as a punter a couple of times. It’s a great venue. I’d love to see some shots from that gig.
I really love the shots from behind the stage! a vantage that no one else gets so a definate attraction to the photo. my question in on your remote camera: how do you meter? Aperture (or program or shutter) would make sence because lighting will change throught the concert, but how can you get consistant results because the exposure seams complicated with large dark areas and points of bright light.
Matt, I set the exposure manually - just like I do on my handheld cameras. I’ve shot the show enough that I have a pretty good ballpark on the exposure. Sure, there are times when it’s a little under or over, but most of the show is surprisingly consistent on stage. It’s only the light on the audience that changes. Since I shoot RAW, I have some latitude there as well.
Good use of remotes.
I will make no comment about the phallic-ness of the jumping photo.
I’ve seen Bergman’s shoes after a concert. Trust me, you don’t wanna be any where near them
However, he does look cool dressed all in black and scurrying about during a concert just like a roadie.
Thanks for the answer David.
I felt silly asking but glad i did.
Must be a grand feeling to have the exposure reading memorized for a Bon Jovi Tour.
Simply… amazing. Hope London is going well.
EXCEL WORK!
Hello David,
Nice shot’s can I take the Nikon inside the O2 next week thursday ??
I have a VIP trip planned as a present from a supplier, and like to take pictures out of a skybox..
EXCEL WORK
Mission accomplished on the pyro photo.
Thanks for the very interesting article!
Dave, nice stuff man. After Snooki you’re my role model !
Love your photo’s…the greats concert shots I have ever seen!!