This summer has been a weird one as far as concert shooting is concerned for me. I was scheduled to shoot Melissa Etheridge, but the good folks at Ottawa Bluesfest only wanted to issue one media pass to the publication I shoot with and it was non-transferable so I wasn't allowed to shoot. As it turned out, I wouldn't have been shooting anyway as her management put strict restrictions in place and it would have squeezed my out anyway. Next, I was booked to shoot Rascal Flatts, but the venue made the decision that they didn't want any media at the event. There was, however a story with pictures in the local newspaper......hm. I love shooting concerts and Melissa was one of my bucket list people, but oh well, life goes on, right?

On a brighter note, I had the opportunity this past weekend to travel up to Kemptville Live 2017 festival to shoot for two nights. Festivals are great because you are often not limited to a certain number of songs. The atmosphere is great, and we were treated wonderful by the organizers and artists alike. Friday night the headliner wouldn't allow any photographers, can't remember his name. Anyway, Saturday night was a different story as Burton Cummings couldn't have been more hospitable to the photographers present. We had only a couple of minor restrictions and were allowed to shoot the whole show if we wanted. He recognizes the value of media, good on ya Burton. Just before the show, I was walking around the end of the stage where Burton was waiting to go on. I ended up having a conversation with him right there and he was very nice and totally down to earth, that leaves a lasting impression on people. As I was driving home last night, it hit me, I had had a chance to chat with one of the icons of the music business!