I don’t even know where to start with this one gang. Well a little history for those who are new here. I love the Dave Matthews Band, I’ve been going to shows since 1999 and look forward to seeing them multiple times in a year. If my schedule permits and its close enough I’m there. I also love photography (duh). When I used to shoot Alive at Five’s and Tulip Festival concerts for the City of Albany I always wondered what it would be like to photograph a band of this caliber. When I shot for them I always left those gigs with a smile on my face because I loved photographing bands and whatnot. There was that one time on stage when I was like “man I wish this was the Dave Matthews Band”. I mean I know the band, not personally, but I know the things they do and who to shoot when and why. It’s sort of like photographing weddings because I know what to expect and when to expect it. So many concert experiences went by and I watched many photographers capture images that probably meant nothing to them but a photo credit in a local paper or whatever. For me, getting to shoot this band was truly something I only dreamed of doing. That being said the fairy godmother and a former bride of mine Sarah made my dream come true. Sarah works for the City of Albany and made a few call’s for me. To say I was ecstatic when she called me with the good news would be a complete understatement. So I have to thank Sarah big time for making me feel “so damn lucky”. So with that, lets get into this post!
Peace,
JP
ps.. Nothing is for sale so don’t ask. I am not allowed to sell prints. This is strictly for your viewing pleasure. If you repost anywhere do not crop my logo and link back to this post. Thanks!
No I wasn’t stalking Mr Matthews. I simply parked in the right spot at the right time and captured this. When I took it I looked at my wife and said “This is my opener for the blog post.”
Some details.. This is referred by Dave as “the tiny guitar” a crazy fan like myself knows there are only a handful of songs he plays on this. Don’t you love the picks?
This band has one of the most ridiculous horn sections out there.. I just love how these epic instruments wait to be played..
A few more details.. their lighting was insane at this show.
The moment where the place erupts in cheers. I imagine this has to make you feel good when taking the stage.. I had 2 songs to shoot which was just shy of 16 minutes.. this is what I captured…
A sip of tea (or perhaps something else?) and then its time..
For the fans he opened with Squirm.. for the photographers I shot all my images ISO 3200 1D MK4 5D MK2 and wide open on whatever lens I had on..
drum beats louder…
drum beats louder.. Carter is seriously a machine up there.
I love all this crazy lighting..
The sound that comes from this mans guitar is just nutty…
One of my favorites from the whole show..
classic Dave scream!
The infamous boots…
After a surprisingly short opener song it was onto “You might die trying”.. at this point I had 9 minutes to tear it up and shoot like a maniac.
Stefan Lessard is the man and the most accessible band member. Follow his twitter if you’re a fan.
Oh you know I brought the old fish eye.. I bought this lens years back strictly for concert shooting.
Classic Dave Matthews with eyebrow thing
]
I think this is making my wall..
Another eyebrow thing…
Oh hey Dave, I see you too.
Boyd Tinsley on the violin..
Another compilation..
Another fav.. I just love the fisheye look in b&w..
Love it..
Starting to get down..
Yes, it sounded that good!
The Dave Matthews Band.. 2010 style..
One more of Stefan..
I was totally dancing a little while shooting this stuff.
and I’ll end with this.. classic Dave. What an experience!
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I love to listen to DMB and to look at pictures of Dave and the band. You have some of the best I have seen. Keep up the good work. I hope to see more in 2012!
All I have to say is WOW. you really are THE MAN!! truly an artist!
VERY nice work, JP! I’ve shot a bunch of concerts, too–it’s def fun, and especially when you totally dig the band!
have to wait another year , DMB 2012.
This album shouts one word: “Amazing”
These pictures are amazing! My husband and I are big DMB fans! My husband loves Carter’s playing especially, and even calls him a machine, as well!
I was at this show, front row on the floor, best night of my life. Dave was animated and there was good good energy. I’ve seen many DMB shows but this night has special meaning to me because I was so close. I captured some pics on my cell but obviously nothing special. Thank you for capturing some special memories for me, I’m new to your blog (and loving it) – this is the first time I saw these pics and they honestly bought tears to my eyes. Thank you for shooting some amazing pics of Dave and his special quirks that bring back memories of one of the best show of my life (thus far anyway) – thanks!
just simply – AMAZING!!! Hot damn!
These images are absolutely awsome. As usual, I was spinning a wedding reception the night of this concert. Funny, I just read Woodards comments. It reminded me that he was the one that spotted Dave when we were all working up at the Sagamore. You and I were hanging by my set-up talking about how cool it would be if Dave walked by and Al runs into the tent and says ” Dude, Dave Matthews is right outside”. Classic. Great photos, JP. You should do this for a living.
AhMazing. I’m so incredibly jealous. You rocked this shoot!
AMAZING SHOTS! Made me feel like I was there. What an opportunity that was! I am guess you are going to put one of those up in your office right?
Congrats!!
. . couple of years ago JP & Dave met at the Sagamore Hotel . . think they need to meet up again before the 2012 season .
Great job here JP .
Nice work! You know, I never heard of the Dave Matthews Band untill I saw your famous Natalie & Ryan engagement shoot video (watched it many, many times, it’s so inspiring). When I first saw that video I searched for the song on youtube by typing the lyrics. And you are right; the horn sections are crazy!
i had a feeling you had fun at dave but had no clue you had THIS much fun! as a fellow dave fanatic…all I can say is WOW! Been seeing him non-stop ever since I went to see him at a small bar in montreal around 1993. fun times!
What an awesome night that started with Happy Hour!! The show was awesome and these pics are absolutely amazing!! Well done JP, well done!!
thanks for bringing the show to us..Sorry we couldn’t hear the audio…great shots!
JPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!! I am like beaming down here in NYC looking at these pics. I seriously feel like I was there at the concert. You caught all dave’s classic looks, everything. I swear I could almost hear their music playing through the pictures. Dude, you should totally try to get in touch with whomever from their team might be interested in the photos (DMB website? Album? I’m just saying). These are 120% amazing. Can’t say enough. Congratulations on an amazing opportunity. I can picture you with a grin a mile wide on your face just loving those moments. Well done my friend, well deserved.
Must say wasn’t sure if I was gonna love these as much as I do your wedding photos, but yup, uh huh, you totally killed it ! They are really FABULOUS!
I’m not sure if I’ve ever been more envious of someone in my life! 🙂 These are fantastic shots!!! With these shots, you may have just topped yourself after my brother and Sheila’s wedding this summer….lol….jk. Seriously though, these are phenomenal.
awesome pics man!! what an opportunity!! we had a great time hanging with you at the show!
These images are amazing!!! What a great opportunity. I am so jealous that he is only touring on the east coast! Thanks for making me feel like I was there.
WOW!! AMAZING! I was at the show as well and you captured every awsome moment! Congratualtions on such an great opportunity! I am a HUGE silent blog stalker but for this post I just had to comment. I am a big fan of yours and a big fan of DMB so this was a great duo to look though! It’s so cool to see pictures of a show I was at, because I know my little digital camera barely caught any of it! Thank you! 🙂
WOW!!! JP, I have no idea how you captured some of these shots from where you were located in pit! What a way to close out your 2010 season. I was at the show and I echo your sentiments exactly – “classic Dave. What an experience!”
That is SICK, broseph! Congrats on getting such a great opportunity!
Good things happen to good people JP 🙂 Congrats on the amazing opportunity!!
Amazing! Awesome! Incredible!
They are great! So happy for you that you got to do this. Jason must be jealous!!!
As a mostly silent blog stalker, and an enormous DMB fan… i must say this is truly fantastic. Congratulations on such an amazing opportunity!!!
First off I am a huge fan of your work. I am a blog stalker to say the least. When I found out you were going to be shooting the DMB concert I could not believe it. You just jumped even higher on my list (if that was possible). As a fellow dave fan and concert goer I am so impressed with the way you captured the personality of the band. The shots you have of carter on the drums and closeups of dave are some of the best I have ever seen. The colors you captured were amazing, but the black and white shots are incredible!! You totally just pumped me up to see him tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden. Thanks for sharing these with us!! :]
YOU ROCKED IT!!!! so awesome!
you are the luckiest man on the planet… i am so jealous of how close you were to dave matthews… loved the pictures, I felt like I was at the concert seeing as I had to miss out on this one :(.. my favorite is the last one, SO classic Dave!! 🙂 Sweet job jp!
I know how excited you must have been for this! Amazing shots, but I knew it wouldn’t be anything less than stellar 🙂
Oh man…I love Dave too, these images gave me the chills, you are SO DAMN LUCKY!!! you did an incredible job!
Joe, I had goosebumps from the very first picture. This is an amazing post, you really were so damn lucky 🙂 Just absolutely amazing, seriously.
Wow ! A great photographer and a great band. VERY VERY enjoyable post!
I saw your Fb post the day you shot these guys. I’m so glad you took the opportunity to use your love of the band to photograph them. This is exactly what it feels like for me to shoot bands – that giddiness is every time. The lead up to the first three songs and all the seconds we get to be up there and a part of the music is why I love it so much. I think you get it too. Beautiful captures Joe!
incredible! i love all of them! now….how do we get dave to see them?
unreal. You will never top this post for me!
sick!
Such an awesome job and what an awesome show. Had a great time and I can’t believe we have to wait until 2012 for the next one. You killed it.
Amazing shots, JP!
LOVE IT!!! I was so happy for you that you had this opportunity…. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it opens more door for you!
Pretty amazing, Joe. You captured so many great facial expressions!!
Oh My God!!!!! I knew you would get some great stuff, but these are just ridiculous! 10 times better than any of the shots on the band’s own website. I will be looking at these over and over again all day! actually, until SPAC 2012 🙂
Wow dude…what an amazing set of photos, JP. This is my first post on any of your blogs but I look at them all the time. How can you not? Like you, I’ve been following DMB for years (’98…got ya beat a bit there;) and know what to expect and when to expect it when it comes to them…I just need the photography skills now!!! I just wanted to say great job, as always. These photos are sensational (even to the non-DMB fan)!!!
-Jason Merritt
Awesome shots. I saw you down in front of the stage. I’m so jealous that you were that close to him. I would do anything to be in front of the stage like that.