notmyvirginears

Dear Fans: Please, Put Down Your Cell Phones

Dear Concert-Goers,

Please, put down your cell phones and stop shooting blurry photos and awful video at concerts. Wait – how rude of me. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Todd Owyoung. I’m a professional music photographer.

I’ve photographed everyone from Aerosmith to ZZ Top. I’ve been published in Rolling Stone, SPIN, the New  York Times, Billboard, and a bunch of other totally impressive-sounding publications.

This is just a friendly reminder to say: Don’t worry about photographing the show with your phone. In fact, I’ve got it covered for you. This is my job and I swear, I’m awesome at it. So are my friends.

Let’s be honest – your phone takes mediocre snap on a good day. I’m not blaming you (I, too, have an iPhone) – but your phone’s camera sucks. Besides, no one behind you wants to stare at your upheld arm unless you’re throwing up metal horns. And maybe not even then.

Listen. I’ve got the telephoto, the wide angle, and yes, even the ultra-wide angle. I’ve got the big ass cameras. But more to the point, I’m going to make your favorite bands look awesome.

I’m going to nail the jump shot, the stage-dive and the part where the singer is screaming and you can see spit flying out of his mouth. Even if some gets on my gear or flies into my own mouth – promise.

Go ahead, post my images to your Facebook page. Link to them on Tumbr. In fact, make them your desktop background. I’m psyched already.

After all, I do it for you, the fans. My job is to make the images you love of the bands you love, even if it means you steal them. But whatever you do, just please, put down your cell phone. You might just enjoy the rock show a little more.

Sincerely,

Todd Owyoung
Professional Music Photographer