This past weekend I went to shoot the Delfest in Cumberland, Maryland. Thanks to my editor Martin over at The Waster, I got an “Arts” pass which gave me unrestricted access to move around backstage and onstage without any interruption. This wasn’t my first time backstage at a festival, but it was the most access I’ve ever had. Other than myself, there was only one other photographer backstage most of the time.

There are three keys to shooting backstage and onstage: 1. Act like you’re supposed to be there, 2. Don’t get in the way, 3. Blend in.

Del McCoury and his band allowed me to mingle around with them for about 30 minutes before they took the stage. I did a few portraits, like this:

and did a bunch of wide angle shots while they were waiting in the wings:

One of my favorite shots from the weekend came from just lurking around backstage. I caught these banjo players jamming outside their dressing rooms, got the sunlight in just the right place and caught this amazing lighting. This is straight out of the camera.

And finally: Content Aware. This new function on Photoshop CS5 is not as great as I originally thought it might be, it definitely has restrictions, but it is GREAT for removing annoying microphones from photos. Check out the before and after:

Tags: banjo, bluegrass, bluegrass festival, Del McCoury, guitar, live music photography, Music, West Virginia