First 3, No Flash | March 2014

Every week our photographers can be found running around the pits of Ireland’s venues. You might have seen some of the photos during the week but we thought we would take some of the best pictures we took this week and put them in a handy summary for you.

This is the quality live music you missed or caught this month.

Franz Ferdinand at The Olympia

Franz Ferdinand at The Olympia by Kieran Frost

There are a few really great things about this photo; the perfectly timed moment of Alex’s acrobatic performance; the composition and the lighting really adds vibrancy to the shot. Even though Alex is the main draw to this photo, we also have a nice in action shot of the drummer too which adds to the energy of the photo.

Birdy at Vicar Street

Birdy at Vicar Street by Mark O Connor

The lighting in this shot is just beautiful, the solemn face of Birdy complimented with the back-light adds to the poetic feel of this. Wonderful capture.

Nina Persson at The Button Factory

Nina Persson at the Button Factory by Alessio Michelini

The composition and clarity of this shot is rather refreshing, so many times mic stands ruin beautiful images, but here it actually makes the photo, as Nina so eloquently holds her weapon of choice.

The 4 of Us at Vicar Street

[BACKSTAGE] The 4 Of Us at Vicar Street, by Shaun Neary

The composition is just beautiful, all 4 members captured, yet none of which are actually engaging with each other, all busy in their pre gig mode. The black and white image gives a timeless feel to it – this has all the qualities of an iconic band photo.

Darkside at The Button Factory

DARKSIDE at THE BUTTON FACTORY by MARK EARLEY

There are so many wonderful things about this photo, firstly the symmetry of the image, the division between the band and the audience, the lighting and dry ice create a beautiful atmosphere where we can see that the crowd are really relishing this moment.

Haim at The Olympia

Haim at The Olympia by Kieran Frost

Who doesn’t love Este Haim? Here she is doing what she’s doing best, being a bad ass bass player and engaging with her adoring audience. I particularly love the composition and how the light captures Este; keeping the spotlight on the lady herself.

Stiff Little Fingers

Stiff Little Fingers at The Academy by Dave Kelly

This shot certainly captures the essence of the true musician: blood, sweat and tears. Which one it is who knows, but the split second has been encapsulated forevermore, so you can ponder on.

The Coronas at Guinness Storehouse

The Coronas at Guinness Storehouse by Andres Poveda

Fisheye lenses are always great for band photos as they give a great sense of depth. The industrious backdrop and green lighting here makes for a very strong image. The fact that the backdrop is rounded too also gives an extra spherical feel to this image. Although the band are to the forefront of the image, the inquisitive people on the left and right (more so the left) add interest to the image.

White Lies at The Ambassador

White Lies at The Ambassador on By Yan Bourke

The contrast of light and darkness in this is poetic. The image is rather dark but the beautiful rays of light seeping through the musician really make this image special.

God Is An Astronaut at Whelan’s

God Is An Astronaut at Whelan’s by Aisling Finn

Hair and smiles – always a good combination. Nice how the light has captured the musicians hair in motion.

One Republic at The Olympia

One Republic at the Olympia by Michelle Geraghty

The colours in this are really beautiful. As close as possible to being a silhouette without being one so you can still make out certain features. I love how the light falls in parts of his jacket, his leather jacket and top hat are the only things that are really highlighted.

Lee Scratch Perry at The Roisin Dubh

Lee Scratch Perry @ Roisin Dubh by Owen Humphrys

Great lighting, composition and lovely to see the crowd feature in this one too.

Rufus Wainwright at Vicar Street

Rufus Wainwright at Vicar St by Aaron Corr

Sometimes as a photographer you’re not allowed to get as up close and personal as you’d like. This image here is a perfect example of how sometimes that can actually work in your favour. Here we can see the full scale of the stage and piano with the spotlights falling beautifully on Rufus.