#dciphotographer

This post is part of a Q&A series where I get to ask other drum corps photographers some fun questions about their work. Be sure to check out Chris Maher’s photographs on Facebook, Tumblr, and his historical archive website.

1. What is your go-to camera gear (smartphone, point-and-shoot, DSLR, other)?

I use Nikon DSLRs and typically shoot drum corps with two bodies. My current cameras are the D750 which is a full frame body and a D500 which is a crop (DX) body. I also use a D810, but at the moment I am not using that for drum corps. Last season I used the D810 prior to getting the D500.  In addition, I had my D7100 converted to infrared. Recently I got a Sony a6300 and a couple of lenses to have something lighter for more casual shooting.

I have a wide range of Nikon lenses and vary what combinations I use depending on the circumstances and to keep it interesting. Some of my favorite combinations are:

D750 with 70-200 f/2.8 and D500 with 300mm f/4

D500 with 70-200 f/2.8 and D750 with 50mm f/1.4

D500 with 70-200 f/2.8 and D750 with 24-120mm f/4

Sometimes I’ll use a 1.4 teleconverter on the 70-200.

2. Do you prefer to photograph in the stands, on the sideline, or in rehearsals/warmups?

Performances and sidelines only, except DCI Finals night where I shoot from my seat in the 500 level. I did a lot of rehearsals when my son was marching.

3. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, or some other app to enhance your photos?

Lightroom for drum corps, but I do use Photoshop, NIK Collection and Topaz filters for other photography. While I do some basic edits in Lightroom, primarily I use it for organization. Every photo gets a keyword set for the name of the corps. I use collections and color labels to track where I have posted photos (blue went to DCI, purple went to DCW, green went to Corpsreps Facebook, etc.) I keep a separate Lightroom catalog for each season/year (drum corps, indoor, marching band).

4. Which social media networks do you post to regularly?

Facebook both personal and for Corpsreps.com. Corpsreps has a Tumblr account and my daughter recently agreed to help me with posting there.

5. What was your first live drum corps show (when and where)?

September 1972 somewhere in West Chester County, NY. I joined a corps (Horizons) right after that and marched two seasons with them until they folded.

6. When did you start photographing drum corps shows?

From the stands in 1998, from the sidelines in 2005 when I got my first DSLR.

7. Which drum corps is your favorite to photograph?

Whatever drum corps is performing at the time. I’m happy to shoot any corps – Alumni, Open Class, World Class, Top 12.

8. Which shows will you see live this summer?

I’ll be at some 30-35 DCI and DCA shows all over the country. I also have plans to photograph the Drum Corps Europe championships in The Netherlands in September.

9. If you could bring back one inactive corps, who would it be?

Hawthorne Muchachos – they were my favorite and I was devastated when they were disqualified in 1975.

10. If you could go back in time to photograph any single performance, which one would it be (who and when)?

2009 Blue Devils, Finals night, from the field. That was my son’s age out performance and I was watching from the 200 level.

11. Do you have any helpful advice for rookie drum corps photographers?

Learn how to use back button focus and don’t be afraid to crank up the ISO so you can keep your shutter speeds 1/500 or so.

12. What is your favorite road trip snack?

Twizzlers

Encore Question: Do you shoot videos (GoPro, drone, 360, other)?

This post is part of a Q&A series where I get to ask other drum corps photographers some fun questions about their work. Be sure to check out Gareth Skipp’s photographs on Facebook, Twitter, and his portfolio website.

1. What is your go-to camera gear (smartphone, point-and-shoot, DSLR, other)?

I rarely use my cell phone (iPhone 5S) for photography unless I come upon something unexpected that I want to capture.  But for drum corps photography I use a Nikon D750.  For 90% of the show and rehearsal photos I take, I use my Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR lens.  It has great resolution and gets me in close.

Sometimes for rehearsals with Bluecoats I might use my Nikon 17-35mm f2.8 for some wide or dramatic captures.

2. Do you prefer to photograph in the stands, on the sideline, or in rehearsals/warmups?

For shows, I shoot from the front sideline. During Bluecoats rehearsals I get right out on the field and shoot. They are pretty used to me being around and, since I am a drill instructor and visual judge, I’m quite aware of watching where I am moving on the field relative to the performers. I’m looking for action, energy and emotion – all the time.

3. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, or some other app to enhance your photos?

I always shoot RAW so most of the retouching and adjustments are done in Lightroom although I do some tweaking in Photoshop if I think the image needs it.

4. Which social media networks do you post to regularly?

I regularly post to Facebook and Twitter. Lately people are encouraging me to use Instagram to get better exposure. Originally it seemed to be a gimmicky app with bad photos that had cheesy effects on them. Other photographers have told me it has improved dramatically. I find keeping a profile on social media time-consuming but I’m going to give Instagram a try.

5. What was your first live drum corps show (when and where)?

I have been in drum corps since 1973 (uh oh – age reveal?) first as a baritone player in Canada. I honestly cannot remember my first live show but I think I actually marched in it, LOL! Doug Thrower (Bluecoats music arranger) and I marched in a drum corps called Krescendos. Later we both went on to design and teach for the Canadian Knights out of Peterborough, Ontario.

6. When did you start photographing drum corps shows?

I really started photographing drum corps in earnest starting the 2008 season. If I happen to be on the front sideline at any show, I’ll try to photograph any corps that’s performing. A couple of years ago, I got a media pass to photograph on the front sideline at Drum Corps Europe championships in Kerkrade, The Netherlands which was really cool.  I have been the long time drill writer for Germany’s drum corps champion The Starriders but they have an excellent photographer of their own so I can just do the visual design stuff with them.

7. Which drum corps is your favorite to photograph?

As an instructor and designer in the activity, there is very little time to take photographs while working with a drum corps. Most recently, I was on the visual staff of the Bluecoats. David Glasgow asked me to be the photographer when the corps was to switch to the black helmets and the unique police uniform for the Criminal show in 2007. It was quite a uniform departure for the corps at the time. We issued teaser images on social media and provided photographs of a trumpet player in the new outfit to Stanbury, Bluecoats’ uniform supplier. When I retired from touring after that season, I decided to showcase the Bluecoats in photographs whenever I could. There can be no doubt the Bluecoats are my favourite to photograph – and this season’s show and outfit are sensational to shoot!

8. Which shows will you see live this summer?

I have already been to the Massillon, OH show.  The only others I plan to attend are Buffalo, NY and Finals in Indianapolis. I wish I could do more.

9. If you could bring back one inactive corps, who would it be?

Rochester Patriots. They were a great group to work with – both staff and kids.

10. If you could go back in time to photograph any single performance, which one would it be (who and when)?

Blue Devils Club Blue: A Gangster Chronicle. I recall it had great visuals and costumes.

11. Do you have any helpful advice for rookie drum corps photographers?

Look for the human element. Try to capture the faces and the emotions of the young performers.  Try to capture the action – it’s a visual activity! Find a focus for every image, not just a cluster of people, drums, horns and flags.

Don’t shotgun! Otherwise you’ll have a ton of images to process – half of which won’t be useful. Pick your moments and be ready to fire.

Guard are the hardest to photograph – and they won’t like any image where all the flag angles or rifles aren’t the same – so best to grab them at the end of a musical number or if they pause in a pose.

12. What is your favorite road trip snack?

Gummy bears!

Encore Question: Do you shoot videos (GoPro, drone, 360, other)?

This post is part of a Q&A series where I get to ask other drum corps photographers some fun questions about their work. Be sure to check out Momma DCI’s photographs on Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram.

1. What is your go-to camera gear (smartphone, point-and-shoot, DSLR, other)?

Just a point-and-shoot – a Sony Cyber-shot with 20x optical zoom, to be exact. I’m very much an amateur photographer and wanted something small/compact that wouldn’t be intrusive to other fans in the stands. As a longtime fan, one of my top priorities is not to annoy other fans. So that also means I shoot with my camera close to my face/body, and with no shutter sounds, etc.

I like to say that many of my photos are best viewed on mobile. :) In other words, the quality doesn’t always hold up in a larger format. And I’m OK with that.

2. Do you prefer to photograph in the stands, on the sideline, or in rehearsals/warmups?

The stands, because that’s usually where I am. :) I’ve only shot some rehearsal stuff from the sidelines, and get occasional warmup photos.

3. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, or some other app to enhance your photos?

I don’t have a lot of time to spend on enhancing/editing photos (with a full-time non-photo job and a busy drum corps fangirling schedule) and I’m usually on-the-go, so I just use the tools on my iPhone to crop and adjust lighting, etc.

4. Which social media networks do you post to regularly?

All the photos I decide to share go on my “Momma DCI” (@drumcorpsfan) Twitter account and my Tumblr (@thedrumcorpsfan). Twitter was kind of where this DCI photo thing took off for me, and I feel like I owe it to my followers to still post them all there. I usually post about one from each corps I’ve shot to my Instagram (@drumcorpsfan); then I also add some to an album on my personal Facebook page.

5. What was your first live drum corps show (when and where)?

1994 in Port Clinton, Ohio (it was a partial rain-out). My now-husband, Dave, was a big drum corps fan, and I wanted to know what the heck he was talking about all the time. So he took me to a show … that was 172 miles away! :) And 14 short years later, Dave and I got married (it took us a while …)

6. When did you start photographing drum corps shows?

Wow … I’ve gotten more serious about it in the past four years, I guess. I mean, to the point where I specifically thought about it when shopping for a camera.

7. Which drum corps is your favorite to photograph?

This is tough because it really depends on the season, and how often I get to see them. But right now it’s probably Crown, because I’m seeing them a lot and know their show well. Genesis, too – those white guard uniforms are gorgeous. Because we go to so many shows, I am able to learn where the “moments” are in some of the shows, and those become “easier” to photograph. It’s always tough shooting a show for the first time – especially as a fan, when I’m also excitedly watching.

8. Which shows will you see live this summer?

A lot! The DCI premiere, Whitewater, Michigan City, Muncie, Lisle, Cedarburg, Rockford, Madison, Dubuque, DeKalb, Allentown (both nights) and DCI finals (all three nights). We are fortunate to live in an area where many of these shows are within easy driving distance. And we have a free place to stay (my in-laws’) in Indy.

9. If you could bring back one inactive corps, who would it be?

Glassmen, without a doubt. 

10. If you could go back in time to photograph any single performance, which one would it be (who and when)?

Probably “Spartacus.” I wasn’t shooting many performance photos at that point, and that’s my second-fave all-time show.

11. Do you have any helpful advice for rookie drum corps photographers?

If you’re in the stands, try not to be one of those obnoxious photographers. Turn off all sounds on your camera – no one wants to hear your shutter sounds during “Elsa’s.” Think about those around you and be mindful of their sightlines – they are there to see the corps’ performance live, not through your viewfinder. Shoot a lot – out of many duds, you will get some gems. And go to as many shows as you can. Knowing the show and learning when the big “hits” and “moments” are is a real advantage. And look at a lot of other photos (drum corps and otherwise) to learn how you might compose your photos better.

12. What is your favorite road trip snack?

Steak ‘n Shake’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry milkshake! We don’t have SNS in Wisconsin anymore, so that’s my Indiana/Illinois treat. In the stands, I like peanut M&Ms.

Encore Question: Do you shoot videos (GoPro, drone, 360, other)?

This post is part of a Q&A series where I get to ask other drum corps photographers some fun questions about their work. Be sure to check out Russell Tanakaya’s photographs on Facebook.

1. What is your go-to camera gear (smartphone, point-and-shoot, DSLR, other)?

I carry two cameras when I photograph Drum Corps…

A Canon 6D with a Sigma 2.8 70-200mm zoom

A Canon 70D with a Tamron 2.8 24-mm zoom

…and of course, an iPhone 6!!!

2. Do you prefer to photograph in the stands, on the sideline, or in rehearsals/warmups?

I think most photographers love to be on the sideline.  Right in the thick of the action.  We get so close we see the expressions on the performers’ faces… they’re intense people!

3. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, or some other app to enhance your photos?

Yes, I use Photoshop when the light is not perfect, and to crop for better composition.

4. Which social media networks do you post to regularly?

Facebook is the only place I post.

5. What was your first live drum corps show (when and where)?

I’m really old… so I can’t remember which was my first live show.

6. When did you start photographing drum corps shows?

About 4 years ago. My son starting playing DCI for The Academy… and Drum Corps World is always looking for volunteers to write and shoot shows.

7. Which drum corps is your favorite to photograph?

My first choice is Phantom.  I love the color and movement in the guard.  Any Corps with a fabulous guard… Vanguard, Blue Devils, Pacific Crest, Blue Knights, Carolina Crown, Bluecoats… all of DCI!!

8. Which shows will you see live this summer?

My travel is much less this year… I will see live: Fresno, Stanford, Oceanside, Rose Bowl, Riverside, Minneapolis, the I and E performances during Championship week, the Quarterfinals, Semi Finals, Drumline Battle, and Finals in Indianapolis.

9. If you could bring back one inactive corps, who would it be?

The Arizona Wranglers… it’s where I played the lead soprano… back in the two valve days!!!

10. If you could go back in time to photograph any single performance, which one would it be (who and when)?

If I could photograph one show, I would love to be at the DCI finals in 1989. Santa Clara Vanguard won playing “The Phantom of the Opera” and I think that was an incredible performance!!

11. Do you have any helpful advice for rookie drum corps photographers?

Get a camera… any camera… you’ll figure out what you will need when you get serious.  Attend a practice, engage in any Drum Corps activity… the energy from these performers will push you to get good shots…. passion breeds passion… when the performances are this good… it’s easy to get good shots!!!! Have fun… post your work so the performers and their friends see what they’re up to… they live to perform for other people… just watch them bring the show to life on a competition day!!!

12. What is your favorite road trip snack?

Gotta have my trail mix and Gatorade in my kit.  Not many breaks during a show.

Encore Question: Do you shoot videos (GoPro, drone, 360, other)?

This post is part of a Q&A series where I get to ask other drum corps photographers some fun questions about their work. Be sure to check out Bill Grossman’s photographs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and his portfolio website.

1. What is your go-to camera gear (smartphone, point-and-shoot, DSLR, other)?

I shoot with a Nikon 7100 with a sigma 70-200mm 2.8f lens almost all the time.  If I get really close to the action I will switch up to a Nikon 50mm lens.

2. Do you prefer to photograph in the stands, on the sideline, or in rehearsals/warmups?

Yes, all of the above.  Rehearsals allow you to get to know the performers as well as understanding when the best shots are going to present themselves and where you need to be to catch those big moments.  The sidelines are incredible for the electricity of the performance.  I love photos where you can see the performers eyes and have that window into their world as they perform.  Shooting from the stands allows you to shoot unobstructed, some corps have such large front ensembles, it can reduce your vantage points.

3. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, or some other app to enhance your photos?

Photoshop is my go to editor, but mostly because I have automated the little editing processes for exposure and sharpening to save time, and I am used to it as opposed to Lightroom.

4. Which social media networks do you post to regularly?

I post my galleries to Facebook.  I use Twitter and Instagram for teasers and announcing that galleries have been posted.

5. What was your first live drum corps show (when and where)?

I first saw a drum corps show when I was 10, in 1980 – Spirit of Atlanta and Suncoast Sound were the highlights.

6. When did you start photographing drum corps shows?

In 2014 when my daughter joined Interplay Winterguard and I suddenly knew a bunch of wonderful kids that were marching Drum Corps, I had a reason to capture those moments for someone I knew.  And they are great kids.

7. Which drum corps is your favorite to photograph?

Currently, I would have to say it’s the Colts since my daughter is on the field with them.  They have also been great to give me access to do what I love and the kids and parents really appreciate the photos when they can’t be there.

8. Which shows will you see live this summer?

I have already been to The Premiere, Michigan City IN, Hamilton OH, Evansville IN, Muncie IN and will be at the World Championships in August. Any others I might get to would be a bonus.

9. If you could bring back one inactive corps, who would it be?

Unequivocally STAR OF INDIANA Period, exclamation point!

10. If you could go back in time to photograph any single performance, which one would it be (who and when)?

Spartacus, Phantom Regiment 2008

11. Do you have any helpful advice for rookie drum corps photographers?

Really understand your equipment and how to adjust for lighting and colors as the evening goes on.  Most shows start in bright sunlight and end under stadium lights that might not be all that great.  You can adjust some things in post, but getting the best possible captures during a show really helps.  Once in a while, put the camera down and just marvel at the artistry and performance on the field.  Drum Corps is really an amazing activity.

12. What is your favorite road trip snack?

I don’t think I have a favorite snack, but Mt. Dew served up on a tap from my backpack sounds like a great invention.

Encore Question: Do you shoot videos (GoPro, drone, 360, other)?

I have started using my DJI Phantom III Pro drone for some interesting rehearsal footage.  It is too loud to use during any type of show and even during rehearsals I am careful to keep it in areas where it will not detract from the music on the field.

This post is part of a Q&A series where I get to ask other drum corps photographers some fun questions about their work. Be sure to check out Pedro Rodriguez’s photographs on Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, and his portfolio website.

1. What is your go-to camera gear (smartphone, point-and-shoot, DSLR, other)?

I am currently using a Canon 6D as my primary. Usually I just carry one camera but I do have a Canon T3i that I sometimes might use if I need 2 cameras. My go to lens is my 50mm for more of a lifestyle approach. It is my cheapest lens but I love the raw look. My go to lens for the field is usually my Canon 70-200 2.8 which separates the background and the subject very well. On top of that the 70-200 is crystal sharp and worth the investment.  

2. Do you prefer to photograph in the stands, on the sideline, or in rehearsals/warmups?

I love the lot. The lifestyle is what I love to capture. You also get to be close to the performers and enjoy them for their very essence. If I could I would stay in the lot the whole day. But the majority do love getting their action shots on the field.  

3. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, or some other app to enhance your photos?

I usually use Bridge and Adobe RAW which is similar to Lightroom. I organize all my photos and use a star system to organize the ones I like to the ones I love to the ones I really want to post. I usually end up with 500 photos per group so that usually ends up to be a high number of photos in the end.

4. Which social media networks do you post to regularly?

I first post on Facebook and see what kind of reaction it gets. Once I see how people react I post it on Instagram later down the road. I feel Instagram is my favorite platform because the photos do get lots of love. I sometimes post on Tumblr but I usually don’t have much time. Courtney Brandt who blogs on Marching Arts Photography on Tumblr will sometimes post my photos as well as other well known DCI and Marching Arts Photographers. Seriously her page is amazing if you haven’t seen it yet.

5. What was your first live drum corps show (when and where)?

It was 2007 at the Rose Bowl. I was just shocked on how cool drum corps was. My favorites were seriously Madison Scouts and Bluecoats which took my breath away.

6. When did you start photographing drum corps shows?

3 years ago when I had to do this photo class project. I turned in my prints to the director of Gold Drum and Bugle Corps and they took me on tour.

7. Which drum corps is your favorite to photograph?

Damn that’s tough. My favorites are Phantom, Blue Knights and The Academy but my top will always be the Blue Devils.

8. Which shows will you see live this summer?

DCI West, the SoCal Shows and maybe the Texas regional. There might be plans of people trying to fly me out to Finals.

9. If you could bring back one inactive corps, who would it be?

The Bridgemen 100%. I love the screaming trumpets. :)

10. If you could go back in time to photograph any single performance, which one would it be (who and when)?

Hmmmmm Bluecoats 2007

11. Do you have any helpful advice for rookie drum corps photographers?

I would say is to photograph the moments that makes the community strong. Like the performance aspect, the family and friends. Drummers cleaning up their drum or tuning their drums. Color guard holding hands or sharing tears or doing awesome flag work. Brass players zipping up their jackets and putting on their shakos. Just try to remember what meant to you the most when you marched and that will be the key to awesome photography. It’s all about the moments.

12. What is your favorite road trip snack?

M&Ms just because photographers do get hungry and thirsty while we are down there taking photos.

Encore Question: Do you shoot videos (GoPro, drone, 360, other)?

I usually try to stay away from video haha. Just because it is a lot more work. But I do love GoPro just because there is so many ways you can use it. Drones are cool too for certain shots. 360 looks cool too and I can’t wait for the community to use it more.

This post is part of a Q&A series where I get to ask other drum corps photographers some fun questions about their work. Be sure to check out Natalie Wiesnet’s photographs on Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, and her portfolio website.

1. What is your go-to camera gear?

I currently shoot on a Canon T3i and switch off between 3 different lenses: a 50mm prime lens, an 18mm-55mm zoom lens, and a Sigma 25mm-105mm zoom lens. When I’m shooting video, I use a Røde mic in that mix as well.

2. Do you prefer to photograph in the stands, on the sideline, or in rehearsals/warmups?

I LOVE shooting on the sidelines during competitions. During rehearsals, I try to move around inside forms or right on the outside of forms to find new ways to capture the same movements of the corps.

3. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, or some other app to enhance your photos?

I will use Lightroom when I have my computer available to touch up exposure, contrast, and colors of my photos. If I’m adding them to an album on Facebook, they’ll go straight into to album after those little touch-ups. If I’m using a photo for Instagram or Twitter, I’ll run the photo through vscocam to add a filter and then post that to the app. 

4. Which social media networks do you post to regularly?

Instagram and Twitter are the ones I go to most regularly.

5. What was your first live drum corps show (when and where)?

The first show I saw in person as a fan was in 2010 when Carolina Crown came to a leadership camp at Western Carolina University that I was attending. The show that year was “A Sec2nd Chance,” and I was completely blown away by the performance. My first show as a photographer was in 2015 photographing Phantom Regiment’s 2015 show “City of Light” in Fresno, California.

6. When did you start photographing drum corps shows?

I was hired in November of 2014 by Phantom Regiment to take photos, videos, and do social media for the corps. I started out by taking photos and videos and November camp, and then started full-time in May of 2015 when spring training started.

7. Which drum corps is your favorite to photograph?

I’ve worked with both Phantom Regiment (2015) and Crossmen (2016), but I’ll always love photographing Phantom Regiment just a little bit more. You gotta stay true to the first corps you work with! That, and the way the members emote, move, and play is just captivating to me. They’re truly a special corps to be around. The passion of everyone there is just overflowing. 

8. Which shows will you be seeing live this summer?

I’m hoping to make it out to a few of the Texas shows as well as prelims, semis, and finals in Indy!

9. If you could bring back one inactive corps, who would it be?

Glassmen, probably! A lot of my friends marched Glassmen, so I think it would be cool to see the corps revived and a bunch of my friends from across so many corps back in one place together.

10. If you could go back in time to photograph any single performance, which one would it be (who and when)?

Phantom Regiment 2011 - Juliet. That show is by far my favorite of all time out of any corps, and it would be so magical to capture some of those moments they put on the field. Or I’d die if I got to photograph SCV 2013 - Les Misérables. That show makes me cry every single time I watch it. It’s so incredibly powerful and beautiful and the drill is brilliant. 

11. Do you have any helpful advice for rookie drum corps photographers?

KEEP TAKING PICTURES. Seriously. Take hundreds of them a day if you need to. The only way you’re going to get better is to put in the hours and learn from your mistakes. Study your photos and see what you can do better - whether it’s framing or switching to a different mode on your camera. I’d also look at the work of photographers that you look up to, and see what kind of interesting things they’re doing with their photos. Then try to think of ways to be innovative like them! Switch up your angles. Play with exposure. Save up and get a new lens so you can get different kind of photos that you couldn’t capture before. The worst thing you can do is take the same photo the same way every single day of the summer. 

12. What is your favorite road trip snack?

My bus box was not complete without Chex Mix or fruit snacks.

Encore question: Do you shoot videos?