Arkells @ Lee's Palace - November 27, 2009.

It’s been over a month since I’ve shot a concert at a venue without a photo pit. To top it off, the Arkells‘ two nights in Toronto were completely sold out. Shooting the opening bands is easy. Often the crowd is more relaxed and although it was packed early into the night no ones crowding the stage like they do for the headliner. By the time Sweet Thing wrapped up and the Novaks finished their set, I knew I couldn’t leave the front of the stage or else I wouldn’t get any close ups of the band.

Lee’s Palace’s stage is extremely high which makes for an awkward angle when shooting. Luckily the band and manager were kind enough to let me shoot from the stage for part of the show. Another challenging job since they had 4 camera men filming their concert from the stage that night as well. You can’t deny the energy of a sold out show in a venue like Lee’s. Making your way through the crowd with all your gear to get a variety of shots is tough but just another reason why I love what I do.

Photos: Arkells, Sweet Thing & the Novaks