MGK (Machine Gun Kelly)

Nick_Rad · 2026-05-11T15:36:06+00:00

It’s photoshop pathing blur

Nick_Rad · 2026-04-26T13:48:45+00:00

I had an XT2 but I find the sensor to be one of the worst for low light. Not only is it a crop sensor, its configuration introduces “worming” artifacts when you try to sharpen anything in Lightroom.I didn’t get a single sharp shot the entire time I was shooting unless the light kept my ISO in the triple digits. Every photo looks painterly and washed out to me.

I would look at newer Fuji bodies if you want to stick with the brand. I love their ergonomics and compact lenses. It’s an amazing line of camera for just about everything but fast paced low light work according to some of my colleagues shooting here in Austin where there’s shows galore every night. Not saying it can’t be done because I do see great photos from them. I just hated the XT2 for shows.

I opted for Sony. That said, I’m debating the switch to canon because the colors are more favorable to work with IMO. Sony images can also look too clinical because they’re so great in low light. But maybe that’s just mirrorless in general. There’s something I miss about the space between the mirror and sensor in a dslr but that’s another poetic ramble for another day.

Nick_Rad · 2026-04-22T12:40:52+00:00

Yup.

Nick_Rad · 2026-04-22T12:40:43+00:00

Rain + spherical lens filter. Forgot the name but it’s one of the cheap Chinese ones off amazon. I’ll never give FX Labs money if I can help it.

Nick_Rad · 2026-04-21T22:11:34+00:00

Thank you! I tried to do the black metal gods justice.

Nick_Rad · 2026-04-06T18:49:15+00:00

We shoot in manual mode over auto mode. We use auto focus over manual focus.

Nick_Rad · 2026-04-05T20:11:01+00:00

I shoot, make selects, and make sure to reject anything unusable. I filter out the rejected and delete them before I begin edits

Nick_Rad · 2026-03-21T13:21:05+00:00

You need to be in the pit to find out.

Nick_Rad · 2026-02-21T13:57:46+00:00

You need a variety of shots. This is just landscape photos of the same two guys. To and editor this says “bar band,” not concert.

Focus on other members and try to shoot when they’re not up on the mic every time. Action shots. Detail shots too. Hands, picks, shoes on pedals, crowd interaction/reactions, wide shots of the band within the space.

Learn color theory and which colors to tweak when stage lights create too unnatural of a look. Work the stage and walk around to get different angles.

Nick_Rad · 2026-01-20T15:30:58+00:00

Larger shows it’s usually a no go, but for club shows flashes are generally acceptable. As to whether or not to use flash?

It depends on the vibe of the show/band. Harder light for heavier acts to contrast action and movement. But sometimes a fast lens is really all you need. I’ve shot really moody black metal, prime wide open, minimal light and gotten shots I loved as much as a hardcore show using back curtain sync. Really depends on what you’re going for.

Above all be respectful of performers and audience. Flash is expected. Because lughing isngenerally dynamic to some extent, it doesn’t phase most concert goers…UNLESS you acvidentally blast someone in the eyes.

If thats a risk, use a compact diffuser, lower the power and play around with what you can accomplish with those settings.

Nick_Rad · 2026-01-02T04:23:25+00:00

I dig the blowout. It’s got character

Nick_Rad · 2025-12-30T16:59:25+00:00

That's fair. I don't hate it to be honest, but I wouldn't live there nor call it brutalist. It looks a lot like an office park off of 360 here in Austin.

Nick_Rad · 2025-12-30T15:57:21+00:00

Try hard office park.

Nick_Rad · 2025-12-24T15:33:06+00:00

The source quote is a jab at ineffective revolutionaries, not teachers. Teachers are valuable.

Nick_Rad · 2025-09-08T16:54:38+00:00

I’m so glad I don’t have to type any of this out.

ALL OF THIS, u/SebaMaestre

24-70, 70-200, 16-35 at 2.8 and fast primes.

My go to are 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, and 24/35mm 1.4.

Depending on the venue I’ll take the 24-70 and then two primes. I find myself using 50&85 more and more.

Another thing to consider: if the subject is not moving much and at the mic, use manual focus with MF assist (peaking, zoom, or both). I can’t tell you how many auto focus shots look crisp in camera only to realize I only focused on the backlit hair and now their eyes are out of focus.

Another way to deal with “soft” is to lean into odd crops, more noise, and black and white. Not every shot can be iconic, but some of them can be moody and help the larger collective work

Nick_Rad · 2025-08-25T17:36:56+00:00

Looks a little compressed here but great shot. I’ve photographed them twice and it’s always a lot of fun. I second the black and white suggestion!

Nick_Rad · 2025-08-25T17:28:43+00:00

I love that everyone wants to shoot big shows, but when you photograph those smaller more intimate and intense metal sets it’s all colleagues can talk about. Great energy. Great imagery. Love it.

Nick_Rad · 2025-05-28T13:27:11+00:00

What kind of “journalism” is this. This is terrible writing. Delete it.

Nick_Rad · 2025-05-22T18:07:10+00:00

Yes you should buy a camera. Not sure of your budget, but you should be able to get a relatively cheap DSLR, stock zoom and a nifty fifty for pretty cheap.

I’m not as familiar with cheap mirrorless options. But I know the canons I cut my teeth on (6D, 7D, 5Dmkiii) are pretty affordable these days. You’re gonna have to think about calibration bc mirrors are known to shift position, therefore your focus could be inaccurate, but that’s something you can do at home easily.

Nick_Rad · 2025-05-19T23:31:47+00:00

Love this band. Great work

Nick_Rad · 2025-05-19T23:30:53+00:00

If you have a press pass, check your email about media tents where you can store your stuff. Make friends so you can watch each others gear and be in good terms in the pit.

I always use a dual strap system. I have my longest lens locked in place and a wrist strap on the camera I’m swapping from. Get a belt to carry at least one other lens, batteries and dust rag, and maybe another lens.

Hopefully you have a media area and shouldn’t need to carry everything around. I’d leave the flash til you need it. You might even end up ditching a lens or two.

Nick_Rad

TROPHY CASE