Summerfest 2009

Saliva03, originally uploaded by RJIPhotography.

I love concert photography but I don't get to do it often. Two years ago, I had a blast photographing from the pit at Summerfest, going there 8 of 10 days. This year, I again had a media pass and arranged to shoot a number of bands. I was able to shoot a number headliners, Kiss, Barenaked Ladies, Counting Crows and more. But it was this band called Saliva that was the most fun. These guys were intense, dark and gothic but the combination of the lighting, their outfits and demeanor were made for photography. While I only have one image posted here, more Saliva (and the other bands named above) can be found on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjiphotography

July 4th at Legend Lake

July 4th at Legend Lake, originally uploaded by RJIPhotography.

July 4th "up north". No big city events, no parking problems and you would think, mediocre fireworks. Well, here on Legend Lake, there are a couple of families that historically make significant investments in fireworks displays on the lake.

Someone puts out a sign for fireworks at dusk and the masses of pontoon boats and speedboats gather on the water to wait for the show. This clip is part of the finale of what I would describe as nearly as good a show as you might find anywhere. And there's something great about watching from the water. This year, the weather was perfect . . . warm weather, light winds, cloudless sky. It was a perfect way to end a perfect day.