First Photos of Barenaked Ladies as a Four-Piece Band
March 12, 2009 by David Bergman
When I made this photo of the Barenaked Ladies on their Ships and Dip cruise a few weeks ago, I didn’t know that it would be the last image of them as a five-piece band.
(Nikon D3, 24-70 lens, ISO 1600, 1/250 sec, f/4. Two SB-900 strobes up high in the back of the audience to light the crowd. One with a blue gel, one with red. Strobes on manual triggered with Pocket Wizards.)
Shortly after arriving back on land, by mutual agreement, Steven Page parted company with the group that he co-founded with Ed Robertson more than 20 years ago. Steven is working on solo projects while the remaining four members of BNL are planning a new studio album and tour in the fall.
This past weekend at Universal Studios in Orlando, BNL played their first gig since the change.
For their new portraits, I decided to shoot them in the “New York” area of the park. It looks like my neighborhood, although it may be a bit cleaner than the actual streets of NYC.
(Nikon D3, 70-200 lens, ISO 800, 1/250 sec, f/5.6. Profoto 7B with Octabank as the main light at camera left. SB-900 behind the band on the right for rim light. SB-800 with a red gel to light the archway and another SB-800 with a blue gel behind Jim to create the streaks in the foreground. Strobes on manual triggered with Pocket Wizards.)
A big “thank you” to my old friend Preston Mack, an excellent photographer who graciously agreed to assist me on the shoot.
(Nikon D3, 14-24 lens, ISO 400, 1/250 sec, f/5.6. Profoto 7B with Octabank as the main light at camera left. SB-900 at camera right. Two SB-800’s on the ground in the back to light the doorways – one with a red gel and the other with blue. Strobes on manual triggered with Pocket Wizards.)
The guys seemed to be enjoying themselves during the show and the fans danced and sang along as they always do. It was a Mardi Gras celebration, after all, and this was the biggest crowd Universal has had for its concerts this season.
(Nikon D3, 24-70 lens, ISO 2500, 1/500 sec, f/4.)
I’ve posted the concert photos at TourPhotographer.com and, due to popular demand, I’m making 5X7’s available for $9.99. If you’re on Facebook, you can also join my group here.
In the meantime, I’ll be cleaning up the streets here in New York City.
Great shots as usual! We were wondering if you knew that was your last shot of them as a 5-member band just simply due to the nature of the shot. Also, thanks for always posting the details of the shot – us budding photogs really learn from you.
Lastly, any chance you got some pictures of the Rock Band competition on the cruise? I was pitted against the kid in the crazy wrestling outfit.
Great technical detail, as always, Dave. Thanks. Really noteworthy shots, as well.
VERY nice pictures! One of the things I’ve missed the most in the recent BNL years is the photoshoots. Your talent has certainly filled that ‘gap’
I really like the first of the “New York” shots. Can I steal the idea for an upcoming shoot of a small club band?
Great shots! I was wondering how were you able to place the SBs at the back of your subjects. Do you use stands? Clamps? duct tape?
Craig,
Sincerest form of flattery.
Edwin,
Sometimes on the ground, but in this case it’s on a small light stand peeking out from around a corner.
David – that second image is simply brilliant. I love the long shadows – Great job.
the first of the BnL NYC shots is my fav. Though all your work with them is so far above superior it is not tough to say that. I like the bits of tech detail you include with the shots. All the best shooting the new fab four going forward.
You’re right, those streets are a lot cleaner than the actual streets of New York!
I love the way the photos allow you guess what the subjects are thinking. I think it is a gift to present that in your photos. I can only imagine the thoughts in their head:)
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