Photos: Butthole Surfers @ Knitting Factory Concert House

Butthole Surfers @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011-08-31 — Gibby Haynes rendered in an almost 3D pose on-stage at The Knit...

While most of Reno was en route to the playa for a sold-out Burning Man this August, I had the distinct pleasure of staying in town and catching a performance by one of my childhood heroes. Yes, Butthole Surfers were prevalently featured listening in my household while growing up in the mid-late 80’s. My father’s vinyl collection was ripe with alternative surf punk psychedelia in the vein of Ye Ole Buttholes while spanning many other ‘questionable’ micro-genres as well, but one thing listening to records as a babe in arms couldn’t prepare me for was the no-holds-barred vividness of this band’s live performance.

As per some recent recommendations on Reddit, I decided to boost my Nikon D7000‘s ISO to a constant rate of 3200 and throw the aperture wide open on my 50mm f/1.8D lens to f/1.8, enabling maximum depth of field and a substantial ‘natural’ lighting effect. I did keep the shutter speed within my usual comfort zone, holding steady at 1/250th of a second. With these elements combined, and a headbanging opening set from Los Angeles’ heavy metal / hardcore band, 400 Blows, the magic was flowing in time with psychedelic, albeit horrifying at times, imagery as the ever-evolving backdrop to Butthole Surfers’ unique brand of psychedesert-alternia.

VIEW THE FULL BUTTHOLE SURFERS GALLERY HERE

Camera(s) Used:

Nikon D7000

Lens(es) Used:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D

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Super-Happy Fun Bonus Pic!!!

Photos: Neko Case @ Knitting Factory Concert House

Neko Case @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011-07-05 — Neko Case showing off her acclaimed singer-songwriter prowess...

After managing to NOT blow myself up with fireworks over the 4th of July, there was a very special reward waiting for me at Knitting Factory Concert House in the form of a headlining set by none other than the fiery-haired, Americana popularizing ex-New Pornographer, Neko Case. She came out promptly after an invigorating opening set by Y La Bamaba, and put on a show that I will truly remember for a long time to come.

The pit was shared with another photographer shooting for Examiner.com and during the 2nd song another showed up for Reno Metromix. I’m guessing that the later didn’t get the memo from Neko’s tour manager that pit access for photographers was limited to the 1st (2) songs only. Well, I played by the rules at least … can’t fault me for that, right?

Enough about photo-drama though, let’s feel free to talk in our native geek tongue. Aperture? Can’t shoot without it. Due to the bright lights, I felt comfortable enough closing it up just a bit to a setting of 2.0. Shutter speed? That too, can’t shoot without it folks. Settings? My trusty 1/250th of a second dear Watson. Finally, ISO. Let me note that this 50mm f/1.8D lens attached to my Nikon D7000 has been performing stupendously at 1600 (and higher). So, I left it there and am thoroughly impressed with what I was able to walk away with from the evening and hope that you, my readers, are as well! Check out the full gallery and make sure to click the ‘Like’ and ‘Tweet’ buttons at the bottom of the post/page to share with your peeps!

VIEW THE FULL NEKO CASE GALLERY HERE