Step into the light

Wow!
Tri-X at 3200 laser-grain show from Jupiter!
In-f**king-credible!!!

Sam Beam of Iron and Wine shot during Calexico and Iron and Wine's soundcheck for their London Forum gig in April 2006. Shot on a Voigtlander Bessaflex TM, with Kodak Tri-X film rated at 3200. Lens used was a Soviet-era Jupiter-9 85/2.

Sam walked in front of the projection coming from the sound-desk during soundcheck. I was taking photos near the drum kit. I saw his outline picked out in this unearthly light and had enough time to shoot three or four pics before he moved.

This worked even better than I hoped. Interested to hear other people's views.

This print is available to buy as a limited edition handprint, printed at one of London's best labs. Please mail me via Flickr or at stephendowling@yahoo.com for details.

This photo has notes. Move your mouse over the photo to see them.

To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and
install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.

Comments

← prev 1 2 next →

(138 comments)

Devesh Uba says:

This is a great picture . you are so good at it Stephen .
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

annabelletexter says:

love the surrounding light! very cool!
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

KF 红相机  says:

!!! Crickey that's good!
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

KiwiBirch says:

fantastic!, looks like a still from a tour doco
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

Seqqat says:

Wow, very cool. By the way, Calexico really is a terrific band !
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

stoneth says:

very cool
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

clarky clark says:

Never really got into Calexico but this shot is fantastic.
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

thisisbrian says:

Freakin awesome man!
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

steena says:

Amazing shot. Good eye and great timing.
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

RBWright says:

Yup, there ya go. Terrific effect. The rays of the projection source make this particuarly interesting. Never get it with stage lighting.
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

mickeydonoghue says:

Very impressive and the fact you have 20 cameras. Have fun
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

Andrew McKenna says:

Beautiful photo.. I've always wanted to try a shot like this and you've got this one absolutely spot on.
Posted 44 months ago. ( permalink )

eddie-g says:

Great shot of an awesome musician...just right.
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

brianwallace has moved (see profile) [deleted] says:

simply amazing shot
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

Turket [deleted] says:

so Pro!
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

Beautiful Heartache says:

I just came across your work through a search for Cuba tags, and am simply stunned by your work--the Cuba shots are breathless, but this....wow.
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

mfshadow says:

This is amazing. I am inspired to improve my own band gig shots!
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

Mardellina says:

wonderful picture and light effects!
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

damonhendrix says:

This is an absolutely beautiful moment.
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

bjosefowicz says:

I love when the lights work out just right during concerts or sound checks!
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

Pat Rioux says:

Iron & Wine & Calexico are 2 of my favorite bands...I've been in China for the last 6 months, and missed any opportunity of seeing the concerts they made together...China was not on the tour either :)
Amazing shot of Sam Beam...it's from the back, but totally spot him with his beard! Really Nice!
Posted 42 months ago. ( permalink )

Damon Green says:

That is incredible. Love it. Love it. Love it.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

AttilaNagy says:

nice mood
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

My Dragonfly says:

What a great shot of Sam!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

PhilWestcott says:

i love this image, way to go!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

gtmcknight says:

Great photo! We featured it at
blog.podbop.org/archives/2006/10/23/visual_st imulation/
linking back to here and giving proper credit. Hope you don't mind.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Rebecca Key says:

omg that is sooooo cool

--
Seen in your Calexico & Iron and Wine set. (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

treyguinn says:

Love the shot and love the band. Well done!
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

dr.snitch says:

Congrats on this capture. Truly amazing!
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

dr.snitch says:

A Big Fave
You are invited to add this image to www.flickr.com/groups/bigfave
Please tag this photo with ABigFave when you add it to the pool.
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

Buck Lewis says:

This is an incredible photograph!
Very dificult capture with a film camera.
Plus a very talented musician to top it off!
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

CrispyMo says:

Beautiful picture! Great band too!
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

Flying Fin says:

great perspective! fabulous bandw! instant fave ...
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

Daniel (d'Soleil) says:

Outstanding shot. A Fav.
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

JurjenL says:

this is so cool. nice capture of mr. beam's beard.
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

midnite owl says:

this is really really nice, and i love iron&wine
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

Damiao Santana says:

Mooonster!!! Wow!
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

popinac says:

great work
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

beaire says:

lovely.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

rockphotog says:

Just lovely!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

August G says:

damn, that's some fine light, it's picked out all the essential elements, mic, guitar, and beard.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

mark benney says:

This is a beautiful shot - and it wouldn't be as good if you'd tried to art direct it, because it is clearly spontaneous and not staged.
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

*mort [deleted] says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Light Club, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

0zzie says:

This image seen in the
Decisive Moments... Classics in B&W
Pool
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

singlecoated says:

No wonder it's in favorites, it's a striking shot, from top to bottom and left to right. Great to find more people devoted to film.
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

Samuli Ikäheimo says:

this is just.. amazing.
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

squarerootofnine says:

unreal. very, very impressive image.

--
Seen in a dicussion of Light Club. (?)
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

Christopher An says:

amazing light and silhouette
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

eric.dufresne says:

Best live photo ever!!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Anthony !!! says:

amazing position of light
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

Catch the dream says:

Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

MamaLola* says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called ╠ 1 year ago- 1 an déjà- Hace 1 año (invited pix only)╣, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

--
Seen on the explore page. (?)
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

Rod Monkey says:

Absolutely superb!
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

Juan-Shot!!! says:

es increible como alguien puede crear algo tan hermoso con algo tan insignificante como una camara! Gracias y felicidades
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

MamaLola* says:

We're honored and we thank you for adding this wonderful image to "One Year".
--
Seen in ╠ 1 year ago- 1 an déjà- Hace 1 año (invited pix only)╣ (?)
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

digital kid2007 says:

Exceptional
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

tientsin973 says:

breath taking! We need you at out new group 'We love edited photos!'
Please come join! at www.flickr.com/groups/editedphotos/
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

drummerjorge says:

thats awsome man
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

olirza says:

avec ces rayons dlumiére ca rend vraiment bien !:
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

tommartin28 says:

very good
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Sveinung SS says:

Love it.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

whickus says:

damn, this is awesome! nothing else to say.
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

Courtney Dressler says:

Sam beam is a god. this is so so so so so amazing!
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

Seila says:

Great title! Amazing image!
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

oomingmak22 says:

a Texas legend in the making. great shot.....
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

Gurugo says:

Great, I even like the grain...

Your fantastic black and white picture is my winner!
Please add this photo to
flickr.com/groups/bwphotoaward/
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

finofilka says:

(gallery & instructions)[?]
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

rfduck says:

Awesome! The light seems to come right from him.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Randombassist says:

Great shot, the light is fantastic.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Benjamin C says:

Wow!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Mediterraneo says:

Excellent photo!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

with regards says:

Bravo, that's lovely!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

@LO says:

WOW!
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

MOVING to flickr.com/people/photographybypaulsutcl [deleted] says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called We love taking photographs, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

brandondean says:

This pic is purely amazing.
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

Jen Chieh Yao says:

very good
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

danahh says:

Amazing one!!!
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

Samantha Lamb says:

how i love sam beam:) great guy:)
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

mr.analog says:

sweet !!
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

foshydog says:

Great shot. Isn't that an Archers of Loaf song?
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

ice_cali says:

wonderful work!
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

Kent Mercurio says:

fantastic capture... love their music as well

--
Found in a search. (?)
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

elvis fg says:

hi
very beautiful shot!
intense
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

Jim Blob Blann says:

I'm glad you snapped a few, almost the shot that never was :) Very good
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

lars the girl says:

this is awesome. I love the rays of light. I'm very glad you got this.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

mb.hwee says:

wow excellent capture, love the lighting!
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

ljesmith says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Black & White Excellence, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

gotoandplay says:

This is amazing!
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

Brian O'Mahony says:

Very cool shot!

Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

Mathieu Farcy says:

Awesome shot !
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

mmkager says:

Great music, great shot!!
He's devine?!
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

gl0ri says:

So great!
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

Alejandro S. says:

Really amazing!!
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

letsmakeart says:

gotta love some good back lighting (well after you get the shots you need!) I missed out on shooting them this time round sadly!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Carsten Windhorst | FRPAP.COM says:

Really stunning!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

MARTYr Photo says:

What can I say that hasn't already been said? Perhaps, "This image sucks!" But that would be a lie.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

eljustinoid says:

Fabulous photo. Loved it already from the thumbnail!
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

Mark Waldron says:

This is great, the Jupiter 9 did a great job once you put it in that situation.
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

marco annunziata says:

great!
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

erdener says:

i thought I would add my compliments to the growing list.
This is really an incredible shot! I'm really impressed with the light flare.
iron & wine is incredible
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

← prev 1 2 next →

(138 comments)

Would you like to comment?

[?]

	Stephen Dowling's photostream
		1,921 uploads

This photo also belongs to:

	Exhibition, Copenhagen, Denmark, September 2009 (Set)
		33 items

	Music Pics Portfolio (Set)
		77 items

	My favourites (Set)
		119 items

	Flickr favourites (Set)
		200 items

	Black & White (Set)
		1,359 items

	Voigtlander Bessaflex TM (Set)
		660 items
	Part of: Pics by camera...

	Calexico & Iron and Wine (Set)
		12 items
	Part of: The Soundcheck Sessions, Music Photography and 2006

	Decisive Moment (Pool)
		0

	Black and White (Pool)
		0

	FlickrCentral (Pool)
		0

	Live Music (Pool)
		0

	I Shoot Film (Pool)
		0

	Concerts (Pool)
		0

	Concert Photography (Pool)
		0

	35mm blackandwhite (Pool)
		0

	FILM CAMERAS ONLY! (Pool)
		0

	Band Photography (Pool)
		0

	Music Photography (Pool)
		0

	Tri-X/5063 (Pool)
		0

	m42 (Pool)
		0

	Black and White Film (Pool)
		0

	B&W High ISO (Pool)
		0

	B+W (Pool)
		0

	I Love Film (Pool)
		0

	Jupiters rule! (Pool)
		0

	Bessaflex (Pool)
		0

	Decisive Moments... Classics in B&W (Pool)
		0

	Black & White Excellence (Pool)
		0

	Jupiter 9 85mm lens (Pool)
		0

	Concert Photography on Film (Pool)
		0

3 galleries contain this photo

575 people call this photo a favorite

Additional Information

Taken in April 2006
Viewed 14,370 times

Add to your map

Yay location removed

...

(Some formats are OK.)

Or, remove it from the map.

Go to the map

You	Sign in \| Create Your Free Account
Explore	Places \| Last 7 Days \| This Month \| Popular Tags \| The Commons \| Creative Commons \| Search
Help	Community Guidelines \| The Help Forum \| FAQ \| Sitemap \| Get Help

Step into the light

Comments

Devesh Uba says:

annabelletexter says:

KF 红相机 says:

KiwiBirch says:

Seqqat says:

stoneth says:

clarky clark says:

thisisbrian says:

steena says:

RBWright says:

mickeydonoghue says:

Andrew McKenna says:

eddie-g says:

brianwallace has moved (see profile) [deleted] says:

Turket [deleted] says:

Beautiful Heartache says:

mfshadow says:

Mardellina says:

damonhendrix says:

bjosefowicz says:

Pat Rioux says:

Damon Green says:

AttilaNagy says:

My Dragonfly says:

PhilWestcott says:

gtmcknight says:

Rebecca Key says:

treyguinn says:

dr.snitch says:

dr.snitch says:

Buck Lewis says:

CrispyMo says:

Flying Fin says:

Daniel (d'Soleil) says:

JurjenL says:

midnite owl says:

Damiao Santana says:

popinac says:

beaire says:

rockphotog says:

August G says:

mark benney says:

*mort [deleted] says:

0zzie says:

singlecoated says:

Samuli Ikäheimo says:

squarerootofnine says:

Christopher An says:

eric.dufresne says:

Anthony !!! says:

Catch the dream says:

*Mama*Lola* says:

Rod Monkey says:

Juan-Shot!!! says:

*Mama*Lola* says:

digital kid2007 says:

tientsin973 says:

drummerjorge says:

olirza says:

tommartin28 says:

Sveinung SS says:

whickus says:

Courtney Dressler says:

*Seila* says:

oomingmak22 says:

Gurugo says:

finofilka says:

rfduck says:

Randombassist says:

Benjamin C says:

Mediterraneo says:

with regards says:

@LO says:

MOVING to flickr.com/people/photographybypaulsutcl [deleted] says:

brandondean says:

Jen Chieh Yao says:

danahh says:

Samantha Lamb says:

MamaLola* says:

MamaLola* says:

Seila says: