When I first started doing concert photos, I had no idea what I was doing. Show up, click a button, and hope for the best. I wish I could say that things have changed but that’d be a lie. I just know when to click the button better. But I reached out to everyone I could to try and pick their brain and learn as much as I could. I took 2 classes with the great Lisa Johnson at Warped Tour and the experience and portfolio I obtained those 2 days were incredible. But in my search for knowledge, oh boy there were a lot of dead-ends, messages left on Read, and Vague answers. I get that no one owes me anything. I’m not owed a conversation, I’m not owed their knowledge that they have worked years to hone their own craft. and That’s also not to say there wasn’t anyone willing to help. I’ve met a few other concert photographers who have been absolutely amazing. I can hit them up any time and pick their brains about how to make this pic better or what should I have done about this angle. But in being jilted by some people, some who I looked up to, Part of Shots from the Show’s mission to help other photographers when we can. I will never take these opportunities for Granted. I’m more than happy to disperse any knowledge I can to other photographers.

I spent the better part of 30 years on the other side of the barricade and so far, that little bit of space between the stage and the guardrail is a completely different universe. Metro Times opened up a whole new world for me. Them taking a chance on me to cover the final Warped Tour for them, then say “Hey, here’s a calendar of events, pick some other stuff you’d like to cover.” From that, Headrush TV basically trusted me to do what I wanted. I set up my press passes, my interviews, and worked my way to help share this experience with Andre. And if you scroll back on these posts and look at Andre’s shows. Holy Cow. Dude is an amazing photographer. I had no hand in that part. But I was stoked to be able to share this with him and we shot New Years Day and Sublime together.

Shots from the Show has been that next step from where I left off with Headrush TV. Andre and I were the start. Neil, Mikel, and Kevin have been great additions. Each one of them brings something awesome to the table. I love when they send their pics to be posted. I’m honored to be able to put the SFTS watermark on their photos. And now, Shots from the Show welcomes Lauren Jewell. I’ve known Lauren for a few years now. She has an amazing podcast, “CAmp Creep,” and for her first show, she did an absolutely amazing job. I can’t wait to see what else she captures.

As for an actual review of the show. Lacuna Coil is an incredible band. Both Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro bring such energy to the vocals. With Marco Coti Zelati on Bass, Diego Cavalotti on guitar, and Richard Meiz on drums, there is no doubt why Lacuna Coil won the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards for “Best Live Act.” running down a setlist from the last 20+ years, including “Reckless,” “Layers of Time,” “Save me,” and “Our Truth,” the Italian metal veterans captivated the Detroit Crowd

I’ve known of Apocalyptica for awhile now and enjoyed their collaborations with Slipknot’s Corey Taylor for “I’m Not Jesus,” and Former Three Day’s Grace frontman adam gontier’s “I Don’t Care.” But admittedly I didn’t know much past that. And thought how entertaining can three guys playing the cello be for an hour? And I’ll tell you it was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. The passion that Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso, and Mikko Sirén (on drums) brought was Immeasurable. adding in Franky Perez on vocals to fill in for the Aforementioned collaborations and then some, Apocalyptica put on a show that made me kick myself for not having seen them any other time they’ve come to the states.

Lauren’s Lacuna Coil Pics