Dave Matthews fronting the Dave Matthews Band at Jones Beach while Performing at the Nikon Theatre

If you have followed me you know that I like to shoot a concert when I can. For the most part you'll see me avoiding stage divers in the pit at hardcore, punk, or metal shows. This week i ended up with a last minute opportunity to shoot a much bigger show from a different kind pit. Friend and mentor and amazing photographer Mike Corrado was called off to help on a commercial shoot. He asked if i'd mind filling in. I was ecstatic and a bit nervous. I wasn't sure where they would put us to shoot and even though I am blessed to work for Nikon Professional Services in my real life much of my gear is loaned out to support working pro's and those considering new purchases. I drove to Jones Beach and fought the traffic continually going over a check list in my head. I didn't want to embarrass myself or Mike as the images that I was shooting were going to be used by the venue promoter. Meeting up with a super friendly staff I waited until the intermission. I would get to shoot three songs from the pit in front of the stage after the first intermission. My heart raced a bit as the lenses I had were mostly wide. As I was led to the front I realized that I was going to be directly in front of the stage and feet away from the microphone. I had about 1 foot behind me to maneuver and to stay out of the way of the video shooter. The crowd was annoyed I was so tall. The band came out - the lights totally changed. i had my D810 and my D750 with the 20 1.8 (LOVE LOVE LOVE), 35 1.4, the 16 2.8 fisheye and the 80-400. Not what I would necessarily have picked to shoot a concert but serendipity was with me and it turned out to be a near perfect mix of glass. I would have traded out the 80-400 for the 70-200 2.8 for the extra light gathering but it wasn't an option as I loaned it out. The show turned out to be a blast and the 15 minutes or so that I had to shoot felt both like an eternity and not nearly enough time. I hope you enjoy the images....thank you Live Nation and Mike Corrado for the opportunity