Photo Shoot with The Memorials

I got a call a month or two ago from Thomas Pridgen (world-renowned drummer and formerly of the Mars Volta) that started off with him saying “I need you.” Not a bad gesture. His current band,The Memorials, needed some promo photos done for their new record Delirium (June 5th on iTunes).

After discussing some crazy ideas, we settled on a nighttime shoot in Berkeley, CA where we actually set up his drum kit outside on a dock in the marina. I brought my fellow photog Jen Cash with me to assist with lighting, and it was surely an interesting experience for us: setting up photo equipment in the cold, in the dark, on a dock, while the drummer of Mars Volta wails away on his kit for an audience of 6 or 7 onlookers who happened to be passing by.

Was a ton of fun, regardless. Thanks to everyone involved for putting up with the complications and making it happen!

Viveca Hawkins, Clay Lancaster, and Thomas Pridgen

The Memorials 2012. Photo by Clay Lancaster

A Perfect Circle - The Greek Theater. Berkeley, CA.

If Maynard James Keenan ever spends time on the internet, I hope he finds this blog and reads through it as I laugh in his face.

Why?

Because A Perfect Circle likes to make it almost impossibly difficult to take decent photos of them.

I'm serious. It was ridiculous. The stage was taller than I am, so I brought a stool. We only got 2 songs to shoot (instead of 3), one of which was like a two-minute intro. The lighting was all dim blue and purple. And last, but certainly most complaint-worthy: Maynard (the singer) is still in his phase of sticking to the back of the stage on a platform... with NO DIRECT LIGHTS hitting him.

So... Maynard James Keenan, Billy Howerdel, James Iha, Matt McJunkins, and Josh Freese... if you're reading this, I got some pretty decent shots despite your best efforts. You rocked for sure, but I was more impressed with myself tonight.

A Perfect Circle at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. Photo by Clay Lancaster.

A Perfect Circle at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. Photo by Clay Lancaster.

A Perfect Circle at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. Photo by Clay Lancaster.

A Perfect Circle at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. Photo by Clay Lancaster.

A Perfect Circle at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. Photo by Clay Lancaster.

A Perfect Circle at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. Photo by Clay Lancaster.

A Perfect Circle at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. Photo by Clay Lancaster.

Peter Gabriel - The Greek Theater - Berkeley, CA

Tonight was an experience. I have been a big Peter Gabriel fan for quite a while, but had never seen him perform live before. He doesn't tour much, and doesn't do long stints in the US.

So when I heard he was coming to the Greek Theater in Berkeley, I immediately looked up tickets.

$100 minimum, for the lawn... and up from there.

I couldn't afford that right now, so I had the idea to try to get a photo pass instead. Watching Gabriel perform 3 songs would be better than none, right? Three different sources (four, if you count myself) all pulling their contacts like crazy, just to get four "no"'s earlier this week.

I made my peace with it, and just as my disappointment level dropped back down to normal, I get an email from JC (of theFIVE10 Radio) confirming a photo pass and a ticket for the duration of the show!

Needless to say, I freaked out a bit.

The show was incredible, and I'm sorry but I nailed those photos. Here are a few of my favorites from tonight:

Peter Gabriel performs at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, CA

Peter Gabriel performs at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, CA

Melanie Gabriel performs at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, CA

Peter Gabriel performs at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, CA

Peter Gabriel performs at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, CA

Mandy & Alan - The Brazilian Room & Claremont Hotel

Last Sunday I ventured back up to the Berkeley Hills to shoot for Mandy & Alan as they got married at the Brazilian Room. This wedding featured my buddy George (lovingly nicknamed "The Lion" by the wedding party) as my assistant. You'll see why if you scroll down...

Sooo much fun! The couple is lovely, their families were warm and inviting, and everyone (including us) just danced and laughed all night.

In case you were wondering, my style of shooting weddings involves suits & ties, some wine, and a lot of dancing and making people laugh. I am not the type of photographer to wear all black and stay creepily in the background... and my couples prefer the way I do things. I sometimes wonder if it's not terribly "professional", but I honestly believe it adds a level of comfort and fun for the couples' special day.

Not to mention I've had wedding guests seek me out to tell me how comfortable they were in front of the lens. I've also had guests take pictures of me for their own entertainment, and I often stay friends with the couples I shoot.

Anyway! Enjoy a few samples!

Bride & Groom at the Brazilian Room

Bride & Groom at the Brazilian Room

Bride & Groom at the Brazilian Room

("The Lion")