Willie Nelson & Family: New Years Eve

December 31^st, 2011 will always be a special memory for me. There’s nothing like celebrating New Years Eve with family and friends at the Moody Theater while watching Willie Nelson & Family bring in the New Year. That night was very magical; you could feel the energy in the air. I was also lucky enough to have one of my closest friends in attendance, Sir Kiko.

I remember repeatedly checking my gear over and over again in a seemingly paranoid fashion; must have been something in the air that night! I often tell people that when I photograph, Willie Nelson, it feels like the first time, every time. I mean let’s be honest here, the man is a legend.

Once of the main reasons I like photographing Willie is his charisma; the way he works a crowd is incredibly inspiring; every song is like a story time adventure; he just has so much character. I’ve always felt confident that I could capture Willie in an iconic and flattering way. I feel comforted when his long time fans compliment my work and ask me to sign their prints.

After a superb set from, Jamey Johnson, the drifter took the stage and electrified the crowd. I remember the fans moving forward towards the stage in an effort to get a closer look at him. Stage front and ready to take photos, I was suddenly surrounded by screaming fans reaching out to him. Hands down, Willie has the best fans in the world!  I wasn’t able to take a photo until the second song.

Watching Willie on stage playing music with his family & friends is very endearing; having the opportunity to experience it and document it is very humbling. Everything about Willie is fascinating from his storied past to his red bandana & braided hair; the Red Headed Stranger is without a doubt my favorite artist to photograph.

Click Here to see more photos of Willie Nelson by Christopher Durst.

If you haven’t seen Willie in concert you should definitely make it a priority; he’s still on the road playing music with his friends all over the county. The entire cast of characters including his family, band, crew and fans are like one big family; they’re approachable, friendly, and gracious. Go online right now and buy tickets to the next show in your town.

Christopher Durst is currently filming a feature length documentary about the meaning and relative importance of art in today’s technologically advanced society where everyone has the access and ability to create. To learn more about his documentary Click Here.

This inspirational documentary reveals intimate details of Christopher’s personal life and career including the development of his first biographical book, behind-the-scene moments from his network television show, and the increasingly strained relationship with his family due to his unwavering desire to broaden his artistic body of work. The film also features commentary and in-depth interviews with some of the most influential figures in film, music and photography regarding the advancements in creative technology and its artistic impact on their respective industries.

Artists Wanted

The advancements in creative technology have spawned a younger, savvier generation of digitally driven filmmakers, musicians and photographers eager to create. So, what does this mean for art? The access and ability to create art has never been easier; it’s no longer reserved for the professionally trained; it’s readily available to anyone who feels inspired to do so.

International rock photographer, Christopher Durst, is currently filming a feature length documentary that examines the meaning and relative importance of art in today’s technologically advanced society where everyone has the access and ability to create. The film explores the depths of these concepts while actually chronicling the spiritual and artistic journey of, Christopher Durst.

This inspirational documentary reveals intimate details of Christopher’s personal life and career including the development of his first biographical book, behind-the-scene moments from his network television show, and the increasingly strained relationship with his family due to his unwavering desire to broaden his artistic body of work.

The film also features commentary and in-depth interviews with some of the most influential figures in film, music and photography regarding the advancements in creative technology and its overall artistic impact on their respective industries.

Christopher Durst

Movie Premier & After Party Passes
The creators of the film are currently offering a variety of fan packages and promotional items including after party passes, movie posters, t-shirts, photography books, prints, movie tickets, the film’s soundtrack and more. They have also set up private dinners and movie screenings with cast & crew.

To learn more about the documentary and how you can receive all access movie premier passes and after party passes, please visit ‘Into the Light‘.

Who is Christopher Durst?
Christopher is an internationally published rock n’ roll photographer that specializes in live performance photography, tour & set documentary, event coverage and high-impact media imagery for musicians and entertainers. His unique and distinctive style has afforded him the opportunity to photograph some of the industry’s most recognized names.

Aside from his professional life, Christopher is a devoted husband and father of two little girls. His career is guided by his love for film, music and photography yet driven by the overwhelming desire to provide security and stability for his family. He is widely known for his humility, integrity and charismatic personality.

To learn more about Christopher Durst please visit www.christopherdurst.com.

The Viability of this Project
There are so many reasons why this project is viable. For starters, Christopher Durst is one of the most respected and uniquely talented photographers in his field. If that isn’t enough, consider the fact that he’s currently in pre-production for a major network television show produced by two of the biggest EP’s in Hollywood.

Furthermore, Christopher is also in the process of writing his first biographical book which currently has multiple publishing offers. But most importantly, Christopher has strong professional ties to a variety of creative outlets including major film studios, television networks, and online distribution. If this isn’t viable, we don’t know what is!

Support this Project
The creators of the film have created a variety of incentive packages for those interested in supporting the project. The best way to support this project is by choosing the pledge package that most appeals to you. You’ll feel great about your generous contribution and the incentives you receive in return!

Follow the Development of this Project
You can actually follow the entire experience and overall development of this project. The film’s website will feature a password secured area that provides supporters with an exclusive insiders peek of the current progress and the exciting things that are happening. Supporters will have access to behind-the-scenes video diaries of cast & crew, still photography of the overall experiences and travels, and a newsletter subscription for even more detailed updates.

Film Locations
Some of the cities chosen for production by the film’s creators are Austin, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and London. One of the most interesting aspects of this film is the opportunity for supporters to join cast & crew on set during the actual making of the movie; This has been coined, ‘The Ultimate Film Experience’.

Celebrity Music Photographer Featured in New Documentary

Celebrity music photographer, Christopher Durst, is currently filming a feature length documentary that examines the meaning and relative importance of art in today’s technologically advanced society where everyone has the access and ability to create. The film explores the depths of these concepts while actually chronicling the spiritual and artistic journey of, Christopher Durst.

This inspirational documentary reveals intimate details of Christopher’s personal life and career including the development of his first biographical book, behind-the-scene moments from his network television show, and the increasingly strained relationship with his family due to his unwavering desire to broaden his artistic body of work.

The film also features commentary and in-depth interviews with some of the most influential figures in film, music and photography regarding the advancements in creative technology and its overall artistic impact on their respective industries.

Christopher Durst

Movie Premier & After Party Passes
The creators of the film are currently offering a variety of fan packages and promotional items including after party passes, movie posters, t-shirts, photography books, prints, movie tickets, the film’s soundtrack and more. They have also set up private dinners and movie screenings with cast & crew.

To learn more about the documentary and how you can receive all access movie premier passes and after party passes, please visit ‘Into the Light‘.

Who is Christopher Durst?
Christopher is an internationally published rock n’ roll photographer that specializes in live performance photography, tour & set documentary, event coverage and high-impact media imagery for musicians and entertainers. His unique and distinctive style has afforded him the opportunity to photograph some of the industry’s most recognized names.

Aside from his professional life, Christopher is a devoted husband and father of two little girls. His career is guided by his love for film, music and photography yet driven by the overwhelming desire to provide security and stability for his family. He is widely known for his humility, integrity and charismatic personality.

To learn more about Christopher Durst please visit www.christopherdurst.com.

The Viability of this Project
There are so many reasons why this project is viable. For starters, Christopher Durst is one of the most respected and uniquely talented photographers in his field. If that isn’t enough, consider the fact that he’s currently in pre-production for a major network television show produced by two of the biggest EP’s in Hollywood.

Furthermore, Christopher is also in the process of writing his first biographical book which currently has multiple publishing offers. But most importantly, Christopher has strong professional ties to a variety of creative outlets including major film studios, television networks, and online distribution. If this isn’t viable, we don’t know what is!

Support this Project
The creators of the film have created a variety of incentive packages for those interested in supporting the project. The best way to support this project is by choosing the pledge package that most appeals to you. You’ll feel great about your generous contribution and the incentives you receive in return!

Follow the Development of this Project
You can actually follow the entire experience and overall development of this project. The film’s website will feature a password secured area that provides supporters with an exclusive insiders peek of the current progress and the exciting things that are happening. Supporters will have access to behind-the-scenes video diaries of cast & crew, still photography of the overall experiences and travels, and a newsletter subscription for even more detailed updates.

Film Locations
Some of the cities chosen for production by the film’s creators are Austin, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and London. One of the most interesting aspects of this film is the opportunity for supporters to join cast & crew on set during the actual making of the movie; This has been coined, ‘The Ultimate Film Experience’.

Rock N’ Roll Photographer Featured in New Documentary

Rock N’ Roll photographer, Christopher Durst, is currently filming a feature length documentary that examines the meaning and relative importance of art in today’s technologically advanced society where everyone has the access and ability to create. The film explores the depths of these concepts while chronicling his spiritual and artistic journey.

This inspirational documentary reveals intimate details of Christopher’s personal life and career including the development of his first biographical book, behind-the-scenes moments from his network television show, and the increasingly strained relationship with his family due to his unwavering desire to broaden his artistic body of work.

The film also features commentary and in-depth interviews with some of the most influential figures in film, music and photography regarding the advancements in creative technology and its overall artistic impact on their respective industries.

Christopher Durst

Movie Premier & After Party Passes
The creators of the film are currently offering a variety of fan packages and promotional items including after party passes, movie posters, t-shirts, photography books, prints, movie tickets, the film’s soundtrack and more. They have also set up private dinners and movie screenings with cast & crew.

To learn more about the documentary and how you can receive all access movie premier passes and after party passes, please visit ‘Into the Light‘.

Who is Christopher Durst?
Christopher is an internationally published rock n’ roll photographer that specializes in live performance photography, tour & set documentary, event coverage and high-impact media imagery for musicians and entertainers. His unique and distinctive style has afforded him the opportunity to photograph some of the industry’s most recognized names.

Aside from his professional life, Christopher is a devoted husband and father of two little girls. His career is guided by his love for film, music and photography yet driven by the overwhelming desire to provide security and stability for his family. He is widely known for his humility, integrity and charismatic personality.

To learn more about Christopher Durst please visit www.christopherdurst.com.

The Viability of this Project
There are so many reasons why this project is viable. For starters, Christopher Durst is one of the most respected and uniquely talented photographers in his field. If that isn’t enough, consider the fact that he’s currently in pre-production for a major network television show produced by two of the biggest EP’s in Hollywood.

Furthermore, Christopher is also in the process of writing his first biographical book which currently has multiple publishing offers. But most importantly, Christopher has strong professional ties to a variety of creative outlets including major film studios, television networks, and online distribution. If this isn’t viable, we don’t know what is!

Support this Project
The creators of the film have created a variety of incentive packages for those interested in supporting the project. The best way to support this project is by choosing the pledge package that most appeals to you. You’ll feel great about your generous contribution and the incentives you receive in return!

Follow the Development of this Project
You can actually follow the entire experience and overall development of this project. The film’s website will feature a password secured area that provides supporters with an exclusive insiders peek of the current progress and the exciting things that are happening. Supporters will have access to behind-the-scenes video diaries of cast & crew, still photography of the overall experiences and travels, and a newsletter subscription for even more detailed updates.

Film Locations
Some of the cities chosen for production by the film’s creators are Austin, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and London. One of the most interesting aspects of this film is the opportunity for supporters to join cast & crew on set during the actual making of the movie; This has been coined, ‘The Ultimate Film Experience’.

Austin Music Scene

There is a reason why Austin, TX is referred to as ‘The Live Music Capitol of the World’; it is by far one of the most nurturing and supportive music cities in the U.S. and abroad. From Stevie Ray Vaughan to Eric Johnson, Ray Benson to Willie Nelson, the Austin music scene has been producing chart topping musicians for years.

Over the last 15 years, the Austin music scene has grown exponentially due to its wildly successful industry events and music festivals such as South by Southwest, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Austin’s growth can also be contributed to the array of new, state-of-the-art music facilities like the ACL Live Moody Theatre, Austin Music Hall, the Backyard and the Long Center just to name a few. These incredible industry events, festivals and music venues continue to attract visitors from around the world.

As the infrastructure of the industry grows, the music scene Austin has encouraged and supported will continue to see more and more industry businesses flock to Austin including record labels, management companies, marketing and PR companies, recording studios and rehearsal spaces; all of which play extremely important and key roles in the further growth and advancement of the music scene in Austin.

Music Scene in Austin

Fire Relief Concert Photos

The Fire Relief Concert was absolutely incredible with an all-star lineup consisting of Christopher Cross, Terri Hendrix, Avett Brothers, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Randy Rogers Band, Asleep at the Wheel, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, the Texas Tornados, Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, George Strait and other special guests. The concert helped to raise over $500,000 for the victims of the Central Texas wildfires.

To see more images of the concert please visit Christopher Durst.

Fire Relief Concert by Christopher Durst

Fire Relief Concert – Austin, TX

I will be documenting the Fire Relief Concert tonight in Austin, TX. This is a great cause that will benefit so many people affected in the recent fires. The all-star line-up includes Willie Nelson, George Strait, the Dixie Chicks, Lyle Lovett, and Asleep at the Wheel. Other special guests include Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Christopher Cross, the Texas Tornados, Randy Rogers and Terri Hendrix. Emcees for the evening will include Kyle Chandler and Turk Pipkin.

The University of Texas, Frank Erwin Center, The Messina Group, Austin Community Foundation and the all-star lineup of Texas musicians organized the concert to help raise money for victims of the late-summer central Texas wildfires.

Produced by The Messina Group/AEG Live. All net proceeds will go to Central Texas community organizations and charities via the Central Texas Wildfire Fund at the Austin Community Foundation.

Fire Relief Concert - Austin, TX

Daniel Lanois at ACL Music Festival – Austin, TX

I had the pleasure of spending some time with musician/producer Daniel Lanois at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Daniel was at the festival to perform with his band, Black Dub, an incredible band with an all-star lineup consisting of Trixie Whitley, Brian Blade, and Daryl Johnson.

Daniel has produced a number of albums over the years for artists like U2, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, and so many more. Definitely take the time to research his career; you’ll be happy that you did.

While conversing in the artist village we decided to do a quick little mini shoot, something random and last minute. As you can see, we basically used members of the other bands and industry people that were backstage at the time as our backdrop. The photo turned out great, it absolutely captured the moment. I’m definitely happy that I shot it in black & white, it makes the image so much more classic and timeless.

Anyway, Daniel is truly a great musicians and an even better guy; I’m happy we had the opportunity to chat. I definitely look forward to working with him in the near future.

Band Portraiture, Band Portraits – Austin, Nashville, Los Angeles & New York

Daniel Lanois by Christopher Durst

Live Incubus Concert Photos by Christopher Durst

Photos from the ‘If Not Now, When?’ Incubus Tour

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Incubus while on their ‘If Not Now, When?’ tour. It has been years since I last attended an Incubus concert. True to form, the guys put on an amazing show. Their concerts are always incredibly electric and memorable. The band continues to have a strong and visible connection with their fans.

Currently touring with Incubus as their supporting act is another great band named, Young the Giant. These guys are full of energy and have a great sound to back up their rock star moves. That being said, this is definitely a tour you should check out.

I have already posted a few live Incubus concert photos on my facebook profile but will be posting more on my concert photography website in the next few days.

Live Concert Photos by Christopher Durst

Austin Music Photography, Photographer and Photos

Austin, TX – Music Photographer, Photography and Photos

PRESS RELEASE:
Christopher Durst is finalizing plans for his U.S. photography tour scheduled to launch November 2011 with dates extending through February 2012. Austin, Texas has now been confirmed as a destination on the tour. Please read below for additional information…

Christopher is an internationally published music photographer that specializes in live performance photography, tour & set documentary, event coverage and high-impact media imagery. His unique and distinctive style has afforded him the opportunity to photograph some of the industry’s most recognized names including Willie Nelson, Jason Aldean, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Jane’s Addiction and Social Distortion.

Session Details:
9am-1pm / 2pm-6pm
4 Hours Total
Up to 2 Site Locations
Up to 6 Looks
Imagery Type (color / b&w)
Optional Licensing (6, 12, 18 & 24)
Package Costing ($1500, $2500, $3500 & $5500)
Multiple Session Incentives
8 Total Sessions Per City

Available Services:
Hair & Make up
Wardrobe Stylist
Location Management
Production Management
Video Documentation

Scheduling:
For additional information or to schedule a shoot, please contact Christopher Durst directly at 512-626-3549 or via his website at www.christopherdurst.com.

Austin, TX – Music Photography, Photographer and Photos

Brandon Boyd by Christopher Durst