Pink!

Pink
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So I got to shoot another person on my list of "people I have to shoot." And let me just say 2 songs was not enough! I mean I got great shots in those two songs, but the show is so colorful and active I wish I could have shot way more. Kudos to Pink for wanting to still put on a full on pop show, with dancing, and costume changes and an elaborate stage, oh.. and then having the vocal chops and to back it all up. Not to mention she was performing with a strained shoulder. They should give her some kind of entertainer of the year award.

So in short the show was incredible. A must see for everyone, hopefully she will do another round in the U.S. for the folks that missed it. For the shooters lighting was quite good, lots of spots. You're restricted to a limited area up front, which means you cant run around, oh and you have to watch out for her video guys. They move swiftly and for the most part aren't in your way but there are the few instances where they needed to get in for a shot.

Here are some of the shots


Also to come soon is Metallica! Oh and Miranda Lambert is playing the State Fair this Saturday, who else is excited about that? Heck yeah, should be a good one after the Red River Rivalry. Go UT by the way.

Later Yall

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

OK I know what you're thinking.. another Kelly Clarkson show? But she's my favorite. We had a blast at this one last month, and tonight is opening night for her "fall" tour. If she's coming to a town near you, I suggest going, you'll have a great time and be nothing less than impressed with her vocal skills.




Anyway here are a few shots I took, please don't steal them.



I have some shots from Pink to come soon. I shot Metallica this week as well. One Republic will be in studio at Kidd Kraddick on Monday, be sure to tune in.

Later
Rachel

Glee!!

Glee
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So the Gleek Tour stopped by the Galleria Mall earlier this month. And if you haven't seen the show Glee what on earth are you waiting for?! It's absolutely hilarious. Sure there is the occasional musical number that seems a bit off, but most of the musical numbers are great. Dont believe me, just google "Glee Push It." That one deserves an emmy.

Anyway I had the pleasure of getting to shoot the kids at the Galleria that afternoon and a few of them at Kidd Kraddick earlier that morning. All of them very nice, not to mention Cory and Mark both were very easy on the eyes.

Anyway that's enough of my babbling about this. Here are a few shots from through out the day. Check out more on my Flickr!




Ok that's all for now. There's a handful more on my Flickr if yall want to check that out!

Later
Rachel

Twilight.. twicon.. twi stuff

Twicon
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

OK I know it's been like a month. So firstly I apologize for the neglect. Things have been a little hectic.

At the end of July beginning of August Twicon was held in Dallas. While there were good aspects of this event, most press was treated rather poorly unless you were MTV or Reelz channel. Nothing against those awesome networks they're great. But the event organizers could have been way more accommodating to actual local media. I watched them tell a major news network they couldn't get a video shot of the actors signing autographs. News networks syndicate to their affiliates around the US all the time, so that's a big no no. You just said no to lots of free press. It all seemed a bit unorganized. However I think the biggest thing saving the conference was a group called The Hillywood Show. They have some pretty amusing parody videos on their website, and not just of twilight. So check them out.

Anyway here are some shots of the actors doing their Q&A, the only thing we were allowed to shoot the actors doing.....



Ok so that's all for now. I have the cast of Glee soon, and there's a possibility of some Kelly Clarkson photos. Not many.. but a few. :) I just shot Drew Barrymore, there's lots of folks in at Kidd Kraddick next week. I am hoping to shoot Pink next week, but I'll settle for Blink 182. ;-)


Later yall
Rachel Parker

Aerosmith & ZZ Top

Aerosmith
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Ok first of all, sorry it's been so long. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, what better to follow the last post than Aerosmith & ZZ Top. This show was great to shoot. I enjoy that they mix the set list up every night, and that way the photographers don't all have the same shots. The band was great to shoot with Joe Perry shredding away on guitar and Steven Tyler's hair blowing around thanks to the gigantic fans next to the catwalk. My only complaint is that all the photographers have to cram into one side of the barricade. I got in first so I found a sweet spot though, no room to move around at all however. Major kudos to the girl who was handling the press, I'm not sure what her title was, she may have actually been the tour manager even.

Here are some shots from the great show. It's a shame that Steven fell off the stage at another show shortly after. I hope he is feeling better.

Aerosmith


ZZ Top were the openers and a blast to shoot as well. Here are some shots of them.


Ok that's all the rock I have for you now. I have some Twicon Actor Q&A pictures coming very soon. I just shot the cast of Glee this week, and I'm lined up to shoot one of my favorites next week. But I'm not going to talk about it ;-)

Rachel

David Cook & Vans Warped Tour

David Cook
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

4th of July was absolutely insane. I don't think I slept more than 3 hours the whole weekend. Kicking it off was David Cook out at Winstar Casino up in Thackerville on the 3rd. I just took my point and shoot with me because I didn't bother to try and get a photo pass. I wish I had taken the pro cam with me though cause quite a few folks in the audience were shooting away on their rebels. Oh well though. David put on a great show and was chatty with the audience talking about winning at blackjack. I wish he'd come to Dallas sometime soon. It's not like the drive out there was that far though. The cool thing about this venue was they had a spotter. The other stops on davids tour were at clubs mostly with really not so great lighting.

Here's a couple shots from it!


On the 4th I shot some fireworks out in Dallas. Which was pretty much your typical 4th of July ordeal. And on the 5th Vans Warped Tour rolled in. Which was interesting. Quite a few lesser known bands this year. The threat of rain loomed over keeping it a few degrees cooler, but it was still like 98 degrees in the shade. Here are some shots of the bands I shot. I enjoyed Sing It Loud's set the most I think.

3OH!3


Anti-Flag


Chiodos


Sing It Loud



Alrighty! So I have some Aerosmith to come. Obviously Pre Steven falling off the stage. Poor guy. And then I have some of the actors from Twilight at the Twicon that was here in Dallas last weekend.

Later yall!

Heroes Baseball, Boyz II Men, and The Veronicas Oh my..

Heroes Baseball
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So the heroes baseball game was at the end of June, and twinkle toes here is Joey Fatone. Who some may know from Dancing with the Stars, but more commonly known from the Boy Band Nsync. Now I may lose every bit of musical credibility right now, but I loved Nsync back in the day. Heck I'd love a reunion tour, and would probably give an arm to photograph it because of all the dancing they did and I'm sure are still capable of doing. Makes for good looking photos. They always had great lighting too. Anyway so I was a little excited about this shoot for that reason alone. I kept my excitement inside though, because hi professional.. its what I do.

The heroes game is something I've attended in years past and it's always a good time. I don't really shoot a lot of sports, but when it's something laid back like this it's really enjoyable. Hopefully I'll get to shoot it again next year. Other celebs/sports stars in attendance were Warren Sapp, Martellus Bennett, Jason Witten, Brady James, Marty Turco, Brendan Morrow, Mike Modano, Daryl Johnston, Michael Irvin, Mark Cuban and some other I cant remember. For more information on the Heroes Baseball game you can visit www.heroesbaseball.org

Here are some shots from it


There's a couple more at my flickr!

Ok so on to the Veronicas who I always enjoy shooting. Let me just say though I was scared during the first song where the lighting was horrendous! However by the 2nd song it was looking up and the 3rd song had amazing lighting. These girls are always great about playing it up for the audience and the cameras. And they put on an energetic set.




And lastly Boyz II Men, a band I grew up listening to. Like literally, I was like 10 and singing I'll make love to you. There's something just not right about that.. Motownphilly is one thing, but songs about baby making being sung by a 5th grader.. not ok. None the less I still enjoy these guys and they were full of energy blowing the roof off of Bass Hall with their flawless vocals, which is not an easy feat.



Ok so I have some Warped Tour stuff for yall very very very soon, some David Cook, some Aerosmith, some Twi-Con.. not the lame stuff just the good stuff like Peter Faccinelli and Kellan Lutz.

Later guys!

Jordin Sparks at Kidd Kraddick & Jonas Brothers Opening Night

Jordin Sparks
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Mid June we had Jordin Sparks and Jessie James in studio again at kidd kraddick. Both girls were performing with the Jonas Brothers at Texas Stadium that weekend. Jordin was there to promote her cd that just came out yesterday and Jessie will have her debut cd out later this year. However since the last time she was in studio her single Wanted has definitely picked up in rotation. Here's a couple shots from that week!

Jordin


Jessie


I even shot the Jonas Brother show, but I'm not sure that I'm able to post the photos here. Sorry to the Jonas fans. HOWEVER you can go here to see them www.dfw.com/124/gallery/143864.html
Once again sorry the quality is a bit distorted compared to what I usually post, I dont know why they end up like that when they put them in the slideshow. Oh and some of the shots in the slideshow were shot by the reviewer after the first 3 we photographers were allowed. Just a heads up.

For any fellow photographers shooting the Jonas Brothers show for a daily or what not, lighting is good. First song we shot from the sound board. However because there was a crane blocking some of our shots we were taken to the front of the stage to shoot the 2nd and 3rd songs. HOWEVER the first song is the only song you will be able to get a shot of all three brothers together and its not an easy feat to get them all facing you, but its your best chance. I shot the first song with a 300 and then you'll need a 24-70 and a 70-200 for the 2nd and 3rd songs. It's in the round and the middle of the stage spins in a circle. The show I shot was the first night of the tour. I'm not sure if its still the same set up for shooters or not. But there's really no great advice to give other than good luck.

Sorry I haven't posted an entry in a bit. I've been tied up editing some shots from Warped Tour, and I shot Aerosmith Sunday. I do have photos coming soon from the Reebok Heroes Celebrity Baseball game. Lots of good stuff Warren Sapp + Joey Fatone = Gold.

And lastly I'm always looking for shoots if anyone in the Dallas area needs photos or if bands need promotional images. Rates are generally negotiable. Just letting yall know.

Later yall!
Rachel

No Doubt! w/Paramore & The Sounds

No Doubt
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So at the end of May.. like literally the second to last day of the month, I was fortunate enough to get to shoot No Doubt. The last time I saw this band was way back in 2002. Let me just say 7 years without them was far too long. I have always and will always prefer Gwen with the band. There's just so much chemistry and the music is so fun.

Ok so needless to say I was stoked to shoot this one. Lighting on the tour is great, they have a pretty simple stage set up with lots of room for the band to run around and a big screen in the background, which I always like because it adds some color to the photos. If youre attending this show it's a good one. I don't often stay to watch shows after I'm done shooting, but I was glad this was one I did get to stay and watch.

Here are some pics



Paramore


The Sounds


Ok thats all for now. There's some more over at the flickr page.

Later Yall!
Rachel

Demi Lovato & Mandy Moore at Kidd Kraddick

Demi Lovato
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

In May we had Dallasite Demi Lovato in studio at Kidd Kraddick. She sounded great and during sound check I even got to hear her sing a little bit of Kelly Clarksons "My Life Would Suck Without You," which was playing on the radio during the break. That was pretty cool.

There's lots more photos over on www.kiddlive.com

We also had Mandy Moore stop by to chat about her cd that just came out. She was ridiculously nice and took time to meet everyone that came to see her.

Once again there's lots more at www.kiddlive.com

I should have a post about the No Doubt show very very soon! Oh and then the Heroes Baseball Game.

Rachel

James Morrison

James Morrison
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Ok so just as promised James Morrison photos. He put on one heck of a show. I wish I could have shot more than just the first 3 songs because he got into it more and more as the night progressed. He did come out with a bang though. The show was at the Granada, so lighting wasn't all that great, which is funny because they could have an awesome set up if they would be willing to shell out a few bucks and add few more lights and smoke... oh and learn how to use the lights they already have. That place has so much potential and books some great gigs, so it's a shame its such a cave to shoot in at times.

If James comes to your town you should definitely go see him! He doesn't come to the states too often, so its a rare treat!

Here's a few shots from the show


And coming up I have some Kidd Kraddick stuff like Demi Lovato, plus I shot No Doubt and Paramore at the end of May which was awesome! This weekend is going to be insane. Warped Tour rolls through Dallas on sunday.

Rachel

Believers Never Die Tour w/Fall Out Boy, 50 cent, and More

Fall Out Boy
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So back to mid April when this tour rolled through town. I always always enjoy shooting Fall Out Boy. These guys put on a great show, it was my first time shooting 50 cent and I know it sounds crazy that he was opening for Fall Out Boy but he did a great job and it worked out well. Lighting for those two was great. Lots of colorful back lights and spotlights for consistent lighting.

For the other 3 acts however lighting was mostly that back lighting which is way tough to work with. When the fronts cant compete with the back light you end up with a lot of blown out photos. Oh well though!

Here are some shots!

Fall Out Boy


50 Cent


Cobra Starship


All Time Low


Hey Monday



Ok James Morrison shots coming very soon since theyre all edited and just need to be uploaded. Then No Doubt and Paramore plus some Kidd Kraddick stuff!


Later guys!
Rachel

Fall Out Boy/Cobra Starship

Fall Out Boy
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So Mid April Fall Out Boy's Pete and Patrick stopped by Kidd Kraddick. Still as nice as the time they came in before. Pete was quite chatty as well, which was cool. He showed me his new tattoo of Texas and I believe a yellow rose. Cobra Starships Gabe and Ryland made a surprise appearance. Kellie is in love with, and if you listen to the show you probably know that. So that was very cool.

Here's a couple shots, there's a couple more on my flickr, but a TON MORE on Kiddlive.com


Ok some shots from the show that night to come very very soon. Then I have some shots from James Morrison!

Later guys!
Rachel

Forever the Sickest

Forever the Sickest Kids
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Back in April I was fortunate enough to shoot the Forever the Sickest Kids show. This band hails from Dallas so I guess I should have shot them more than I have. But I haven't. This was however one of the first time's they've had pretty good lighting though. And with the way this band moves all over the place it's necessary. In the first song Jonathan had already broken his microphone stand and it was tangled in his microphone cord, nearly decapitating myself and the other 2 photographers in the pit as he just dragged it along on stage with him.

This band was way fun to shoot though. The kind of band you could shoot multiple times and not get bored at all. So major kudos and thank you Forever the Sickest Kids for making fun and a challenge. Those are always the best shoots.

Ok here are a few pics, and there's a few more at my flickr!


I'm hoping to get Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship, and Hey Monday up soon. Oh and Fall Out Boy at Kidd Kraddick.

Later Yall
Rachel

Gavin Degraw.. Yes Again

Gavin Degraw
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So in April I went to see/shoot Gavin Degraw again, this tour titled "Where It Began" was full of new material off his latest album "Free." It wasn't your traditional Gavin show, it was a more mellow stripped down show, and back to his old ways of having a different set list every night, which is awesome. There was no barricade it was up close and personal. Oh and also! He didn't wear his hat at first.. proving to the world he has hair! Sure I knew that already, but a lot of people didn't. Even Perez Hilton was amazed.

The show picked up energy at the end though. Gavin rocking out on the piano as usual. So all in all a great show yet again. Sure this is a biased opinion because he's one of my favorites, but the guy's got soul. I'm crossing my fingers for the day he'll cover "Let's Get It On" again and get up and do the splits then sing you give me good feelings without a microphone like he did the first time I saw him.

Here's a few shots. Lots more on my flickr! Go check them out. :)


I've got some Forever the Sickest Kids on the way! I'm hoping to shoot No Doubt on Saturday! Crossing my fingers for that one! So excited they're back.

Rachel

Nascar Spring 09

Jeff Gordon
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Nascar was last month, and that's always fun to shoot, my ears got burnt pretty good though. It's definitely grueling, but I feel like I learn something each time I go out there. As you all well know I don't shoot a whole bunch of sports. And ok I'll admit it, I like every other girl my age have a crush on Kasey Kahne. However when I'm down there shooting I can't play favorites and professionalism is the name of the game. So that's a major upside to being out there shooting. On another note traffic wasn't too bad on Race day either, I took a differn't route home this time, it seems as though 121 I think it was.. is far less congested than 35 south. But that's only helpful to East Arlington and Dallas residents, if you live in Fort Worth it would take you way out of the way. The Texas Motor Speedway folks are always hospitable so I'm giving a shout out to them. Tickets for the Fall Race are on sale now. So Dallas folks you should check it out, but bring the sunscreen!

Here are some shots from the Spring Race

Samsung 500


Samsung 500 Qualifying


O'reilly 300


O'reilly 300 Qualifying




Ok well that's it for right now. I have some Gavin Degraw to come! I just need to write the blog on that! And then some Forever the Sickest Kids, Fall Out Boy, 50 Cent, Cobra Starship, James Morrison, Demi Lovato, and Mandy Moore. So just a few things.

Yall have a good friday! TGIF!
Rachel

Britney Spears & Adele

Britney Spears
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Well at the end of March I got to shoot Britney's Circus tour stop here. There were about a billion dancers and stuff on stage with her. They had us up on the side because honestly when you've only got 3 songs to shoot and a stage that big in the round. It's about the only thing that makes sense. I mean I imagine one could keep up on the floor but it would be like running a marathon back and forth and difficult to focus on shooting.

Spotlights were good for most of it. The second song was a little tough cause Britney was in a cage thing of sorts. But I think I got some ok shots, no cool lights or anything because of where we shot from. Here are some shots.



Also in March I got to shoot Adele who was great. I got to actually stay and watch the show which is rare so I was happy about that. She seems so giddy sometimes when she performs, as if she can't believe folks are there cheering for her. I think the modesty is a great. Here are a few from that!



Ok that's it for now. Lots of stuff from April to come including Nascar, Gavin Degraw, Fall Out Boy, 50 Cent, and James Morrison. So definitely stay tuned!

This weekend Robin Thicke and Jennifer Hudson are here, hopefully I'll get to shoot that one! Also here on Wednesday, Mandy Moore will be at Kidd Kraddick. Should be a good one!

Kidd Kraddick!

Paul Rudd
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Ok lots and lots and lots of stuff from Kidd Kraddick over the past month and a half. We had the most awesome Paul Rudd in studio, and I have to admit I was really excited about it. I don't think there was a female that works up there that wasn't excited, and I'm happy to say he was extremely nice. He was there promoting "I Love You, Man" which is hilarious if you haven't seen it.


Also in studio we had Matt Nathanson. He's always hilarious, especially on the fly. They showed him the new performance hall which also includes the new green room, or as I call it my room of narcassism.. there are a bunch of photos I've taken in the room. It's like they are my children, he totally pointed that out too when he was in there.


Nextly we had the one and only Miley Cyrus in studio. She was doing a bit of a promotional tour for the new single from the new Hannah Montana movie. She was very nice and chatty, actually asking about my camera, I thought it was very cool she's interested in photography. I have to say she carries herself very well its hard to remember sometimes that she's only 16.


Ok last up for this batch oh blog goodness is the up and comer Jessie James. She's managed by Johnny Wright and has some pipes on her like Christina Aguilera. I'd keep my eyes peeled for her to blow up if I were you.


They've booked a big guest for in studio tomorrow. I dont know if its on the DL or not. Also! just a reminder that there are a ton more photos at www.kiddlive.com

Later everyone!
Rachel

Awesome Aussie and Freezing Jonas

Missy Higgins
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So the end of February brought Missy Higgins and the Jonas Brothers. Missy was awesome, a bit more mellow set than I was expecting and short due to there being a show booked an hour after hers was set to end. The Aussie accent made up for the shortness of set though. It however did not make up for the lack of the song Scar! Whats up with that Missy!? Lighting for Higgins was rather dim as well. I guess trying to match the mellow. Hilarious moment when I was shooting, some girl in the crowd yelled "I'll be the Right Girl!" when Missy was singing "Wrong Girl" On another Missy note they've been playing "Steer" a ton at my other job on the satellite radio. I get kind of excited when it comes on. It played today matter of fact! If you dont know Missy Higgins.. get with it!





Ok now on to the Jonas.. that's like completely opposite of Missy Higgins. This however was a red carpet event. It was outside and like 38 degrees and that doesn't include the wind chill. I have to hand it to the fans that stood out there and waited for hours on end. We eventually got to go stand in the lobby of Main Event. Jonas were supposed to arrive at around 11:00 pm but were running late with all the promotion they were doing across the U.S. (It happens) But they didn't walk the Red Carpet till 1:30 A.M. Demi Lovato also walked the carpet, but she got there at 10:30 when it first started. She recently twittered that she gets nervous on red carpets. I think she handled this one marvelously, especially since it was freezing and she was in a knee length skirt of sorts (the wind tried to blow that thing up too, that would have sucked!)



Hope you enjoyed the shots from both events. I'm going to try and get a slew of Kidd Kraddick stuff blogged. Speaking of which.. Ashley Tisdale will be in studio tomorrow morning, and friday we have Fall Out Boy! Dallasites should come down! Should be good!

How was everyone's easter? I'm reading New Moon now.. I know lame.. I've fallen Victim to reading these books.

Ok back to work now!

Rachel

Bahamas pt 3: The final installment!

Kelly Clarkson
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Alright so this is it. The last and final entry about the Bahamas trip last month. Man why on earth are yall reading my blog I'm so behind. But thank you!

It was definitely a music filled weekend. And no doubt I was exhausted by the end of it all. Late nights, Early Mornings, Afternoon Naps, and still way too much stuff to do, it was impossible to cram it all into 4 days! There were concerts Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.. I mean really.. who needs sleep?

Ok no doubt I'm going to start with the main feature of the weekend and my personal fav, Kelly Clarkson.



Unfortunately the crowd was pretty lame for most of the night, up until security let the younger fans move right up against the stage for the end of the set. You just have to feel empathetic for an artist who's trying to work a crowd that wants to sit down the whole time because they all won the trip for free and dont really care. With the exception of a few people. None the less the girl sang her butt of and tried her hardest to get folks to interact.

The Host for the weekend was Nick Lachey. I dont know why he didn't perform? I guess he doesn't have a band put together at the moment. He does have a new album coming out though? One song acapella wouldn't have hurt?


Friday Night they had Lily Allen who is hilarious. I think I stressed this previously, but her songs just prove it. Opening for Lily was Secondhand Serenade. This was prior to the awkward hugging experience. I never saw it coming..



Lastly Kevin Rudolph sang a few songs in the Dragon Club Thursday night. It's odd that my entry is going backwards but whatever. We all went to dinner and then went to the performance. One of the girls I met from from Baton Rouge was rocking out with Kevin during Let It Rock. Shout out Baton Rouge girls!



Ok so that concludes the photo fun from the Bahamas. I do suggest going! It's lots of fun and the weather is fantastic. I'd love to go back and leave the camera at home. Who would have though I'd ever say that! There are more photos at www.kiddlive.com if you want to check them out.

I've got tons more stuff to edit. I'm shooting Britney tomorrow night. Nascar this weekend. I'll do my best to try and catch up. I've been doing a lot of reading lately as well. I've fallen victim to the Twilight book.. it all started as curiosity.. and now.. well you know. Hopefully everyone had a great spring break!

Until Later!
Rachel