There was a time, long ago that I use to tour a lot with bands or at least shoot them when then came to Los Angeles. I use to love running around in the pit and all over the stage to get my shots. Sometimes I had too much fun and got a little beat up. One of my tricks I use to do when shooting a band multiple times was to write their set list on the back of my backstage laminate. After the first show I would write notes on the pass so I would know where the be for a certain song to get the best photo. I felt planning ahead, knowing the best moment for the artist and the lighting got me the best live photos!
I really took this idea to the next level when I shot Jane’s Addiction through out 1991. I think I shot over 20 shows in 1991. They were fucking amazing! I covered the beginning of the Ritual tour, Lollapalooza and the “Last Show” in Hawaii. I knew their show backwards and forward. I was lucky because they let me shoot the whole show. I knew where to be for the best moments and got them ALL. I’ve always prided myself in planning ahead, even when shooting live shows!
I kept all my notes & laminates for some reason. Now when I look at them I smile and thank God that I have the photos to remember these amazing moments! I also laugh at the good times and the crazy times. One of my best laminates is my 1991 Lollapalooza one. WHY? Because the back of it has a photo of me. Why is this special? Well… I was up for like 48 hours straight, flew to Phoenix, took a cab to the venue, they took my photo for security reasons and made my laminate. I look at the photo and all I see is one tired Chris. Holy fuck! I forgot to mention it was 114 degrees at the show and the stress of the first show made everyone nuts! NIN played one song and walked off. Dave & Perry got into a fight on stage before and during the encore. By the time I got to my hotel I looked and felt like a zombie. Seriously, great times!
