From my days at Philadelphia University I'd take my camera to the WXPN Free at Noon shows each Friday and practice my lowlight & concert photography. In October/2016 I became an official freelance photographer with WXPN's blog The Key. Now, while I was thinking back over all that has happened the last 12 months it occurred to me that as 2017 comes to a close it also wraps up my first full year as a "concert photographer".
I've attended about 50+ shows over the year with a handful of those being gigs that I officially photographed. A few of the best shows I covered include Frank Turner at The Fillmore, Temples at Underground Arts, and Julien Baker at Union Transfer. As I went back through all the concert photos I've taken in 2017 it is tough to narrow down my favorites but I've managed to pick out my top 10 that seemed stood out to me from the rest.
The Arkells | January 20th | The Fillmore
This first one is probably my number one favorite concert photo of the year (and in my top 5 2017 photos, generally too). The first show I covered in 2017 was on inauguration day; Frank Turner was playing at The Fillmore in Fishtown. I had seen Turner a couple times before and knew it'd be awesome to photograph the show this time. Opening for him this night was British singer-songwriter Will Varley, Canadian-band The Arkells, and Murder by Death (from the US).
The photo above is of The Arkells. I hadn't ever paid attention to this band before January 20th, 2017 but as they also performed the Free at Noon set before playing the The Fillmore I managed to see them twice in one day.
The Arkells | Opening for Frank Turner | The Fillmore | January 20, 2017
Real Estate | May 19th | Union Transfer
Real Estate | Union Transfer | May 19, 2017
Real Estate. A "indie-rock" band orginally from South Jersey, and the bassist even lived in Fishtown for a bit. I saw them play at NonComm in 2017, then the very next night saw them again at Union Transfer and photographed the night for WXPN's The Key.
Real Estate | Union Transfer | May 19, 2017
Temples | May 15th | Underground Arts
The British band Temples came through Philadelphia during spring and while I didn't really know much about them at time I went to photograph the gig for The Key. I'm glad I did. It was a great show and I've even kept listening to the band since!
Temples | Underground Arts | May 15, 2017
Rusted Root | June 10th | Wayne Music Festival
After a completely full day of music in Wayne, PA Rusted Root took the stage to close out the night. The street was more than packed and people were still dancing and singing, as they were at 1 PM that afternoon.
Rusted Root | Wayne Music Festival | June 10, 2017
Low Cut Connie | September 8th | Union Transfer
The local band, Low Cut Connie came through the former Spaghetti Warehouse during their tour. The night was filled with great music and a fun stage performance!
Low Cut Connie | Union Transfer | September 8, 2017
Chill Moody | September 8th | Union Transfer
A rapper from West Philadelphia, Chill Moody opened for Low Cut Connie on Spring Garden Street. The venue was filled with local musicians and music fans looking forward to spending their Friday night jamming with the three local bands on the bill for the night!
Chill Moody | Union Transfer | September 8, 2017
BONUS:
Fireworks closing out night!
Wayne Music Festival | June 10, 2017
