Enter to win a 24”x36” Signature Series Limited Edition Print from internationally published music photographer, Christopher Durst.

Choose from any print currently featured in Christopher’s Print Store. Available images include artists such as Bob Schneider, Dixie Chicks, Eric Johnson, George Strait, Hayes Carll, Incubus, Jane’s Addiction, Joe Satriani, Lyle Lovett, Motörhead, Rocco DeLuca, Social Distortion, Willie Nelson and many more.

Other available prints include interior design pieces featuring old rustic cars, trains, tractors, trucks, barns, buildings, horses, and various antiques.

Limited Edition Print Details
Print Dimensions are 24 inches by 36 inches (24H”x36W”)
Printed on High Quality Fuji Photographic Paper
Presented in a Matte Finish
Only 100 Prints Available Worldwide
Print Displays Edition & Print Number
Print Hand Signed by Christopher Durst
Shipping Included
Print Comes As Is
Not For Commercial Use
Allow 2-3 Weeks for Delivery

Contest Submission Details
One Dollar ($1.00) Entry Fee
Multiple Entries Allowed
Must Enter by December 31st, 2011
Winner Chosen January 3rd, 2012
Must be 18 to Enter
Contest Available Worldwide
No Cancellations / No Refunds

Upon entering to win, every one dollar ($1.00) entry fee will be submitted into the contest drawing as a paper ballot. Entry ballots will be sealed until January 3rd, 2012. Winner will be notified by email. Winner will have seven (7) days upon notification to redeem the signature series limited edition print of their choice. If notified winner does not respond within seven (7) days of winning notification a new winning ballot will be drawn.

How to Enter
- Please visit the Contest Entry page.
- At the top right corner please select ‘Add to Cart’.
- Under ‘Quantity‘, please select how many ballots you would like to submit.
- One dollar per entry ($1.00).
- At the bottom right corner select ‘Add to Cart’.
- At the bottom right corner select ‘Check Out’.
- Proceed with Check Out.

Should you have any questions please contact Christopher Durst by visiting www.christopherdurst.com.

Good Luck!

Social Distortion by Christopher Durst

Trailer parks, heartaches, addiction, babies, coon dogs, rambling women and family feuds; throw all of these ingredients into a blender, hit the highest speed, and you get Pistol Annies debut Album “Hell on Heels”. This album is packed with 10 tracks of bare boned, straight from the heart, emotion and drama; it absolutely leaves you in anticipation for the next album.

The traditional country sound of Pistol Annies is music to the ears, sending you back to the days when grandma used to babysit, a time when the sounds of Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, and the show, ‘Hee Haw’, resonated through the house.

Pistol Annies

“I’ve been thinking about going off the deep end…” from “House Wife’s Prayer” and “She’s only been in the ground a day or two…” from “Family Feud” are definitely the darker or more depressing songs off of the album. However it wouldn’t be country album though if someone didn’t die, think about dying or talk about their mama.

Pistol Annies

“Taking Pills” is a lyrical story of 3 honest women’s life on-the-road run down from having an addiction, to eating at trucks stops, and trying to put gas in the van to get to the next gig to pay bills. It’s definitely a fun, upbeat track that will stick in your head for a while.

“Boys from the South” is the only track on the album to fall in the love song category. It’s written with the idea of finding a lover or at least day dreaming about one. “Maybe he’s in Georgia, starin’ at the stars, maybe Tennessee pickin’ on a guitar right now. There’s something ‘bout a boy from the south.”

With the album’s traditional country sound, both vocally and musically; Pistol Annies take us back in time to the early 1960’s and 1970’s and reminds us of the greats like Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn. One can only hope that their sophomore album produces the same results.

Album Review by Kimberly Thomas

Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll…a cliché, yes; however, fitting nonetheless. These three things are more compatible than babies and breast milk. Since before the time of Elvis, musicians have been frolicking in the sounds of music, the escape of drugs and the pants of women. It has been the overwhelmingly accepted ideology of mainstream America for decades. What is it about music that attracts hoards of swooning women and the lust of the underworld? Is it the rebellious behavior and the fast cars?

‘The Sixties‘ ushered in a revolution of illicit drug experimentation, sexual freedom and exploration, and the iconic sounds of bands like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and many more. It was during this historic period that most believe the phrase, ‘Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll’, was coined. Whenever the conception, this phrase has been a staple in entertainment for years.

There is something so seductive and sexy about this phrase. It represents a counterculture lifestyle that most of humanity has never, and will never, experience; it’s like the forbidden fruit of Biblical times. For obvious reasons, mainstream American has become increasingly fascinated with the phrase. It has become a branding of sorts for anyone living a life of debauchery, entertainment, art and music. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t exactly sound like a bad life.

Though Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll began as three separate entities occasionally representing misled youth and rebellion, it is now a widely used phrase seen on t-shirts, posters and coffee cups in ivy league dorm rooms across America.

‘Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll’, has become a trendy party phrase used by both Main Street and Wall Street America. Luckily, I became a music photographer…

Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll

I really enjoy working with country music artists due to their southern hospitality, small town charm and infectious smiles. I have always felt a sense of comfort and welcome when I’m around country artists; which certainly helps as a photographer. Having the opportunity to build respect, trust and loyalty with the artists that you photograph is an incredible experience. Spending time with an artist gives you the opportunity to study their personality traits, southern etiquette and mannerisms; which is crucial when trying to capture their true spirit on film.

Since the 1950’s, country music photography has been instrumental in publicly defining an artist. From Patsy Cline to Dolly Parton, Hank Williams to Willie Nelson, their larger than life personalities and individuality have played a huge role in the marketing of their music. Even more so today, classic images of musicians like Patsy Cline and Hank Williams are instrumental in the continued marketing and longevity of their estates.

Photographing an artist takes careful consideration and planning; it takes time and creativity to develop a campaign that is authentically unique to the artist. It is extremely imperative that country music fans identify with an artist on a personal level to ensure a successful and lengthy career. For years, country music photographers have been closely collaborating with country musicians in an effort to develop imagery that successfully represents the embodiment and history of country music.

As a country music photographer, I feel a certain sense of responsibility to protect and honor the history of country music by continuing to create classic imagery that is timeless, yet reflective of modern day music. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the history of country music and the imagery that has defined it. I truly admire the musicians and photographers that built the foundation of the career I have today.

“Country music is three chords and the truth.” – Harlan Howard

Willie Nelson by Christopher Durst

Knowing the Venue
Always research your venue prior to arrival. Knowing the venue can be instrumental in determining your overall equipment needs; it can also assist you in your efforts to move effectively and efficiently throughout a venue while seeking alternative vantage points to shoot from. Shooting from a variety of vantage points can significantly increase your earning potential.

Weather is another important factor to consider when preparing your gear. Knowing whether the venue is indoor or outdoor can save you time and money. Again, do your research; don’t get caught in the rain.

Jane's Addiction by Christopher Durst

Venue Lighting
Lighting is typically the most concerning variable for aspiring concert photographers. A small dark club or overly lit stage can pose significant challenges for some photographers. However, having professional gear and knowing your camera can assist you in overcoming these challenges.

An overly lit stage is easy to manage if you are familiar with the mechanics of your camera. Lowering your ISO and increasing your shutter speed is the easiest way to prevent blown-out, overexposed images. However, these setting are only appropriate when considering fixed lighting. When dealing with rapidly moving lights you must be able to adjust your settings quickly in an effort to maintain correct exposure.

Dark venues can be extremely difficult to shoot in, especially when you can’t use a flash. Using a professional SLR camera with high ISO functionality and a super fast lens is strongly encouraged when shooting shows low lit shows. Most industry musicians have banned photographers from using flash due to occasional disorientation, and in some cases temporary blindness.

Erratic Movement
Erratic movement in a low lit venue using no flash and a slow lens equals disaster. When shooting fast moving musicians in dark venues there are many techniques you can utilize to limit blur in your images. Here are a few…

1.) Attempt to anchor your elbows or lean against something; this will help to minimize your own personal body movement giving you a much steadier hand.

2.) Increase your ISO and shutter speed to accommodate the best possible lighting scenario and time your shots. Keep your shutter speed above 1/125 if at all possible; this well to help keep your images crisp and clean. Though you may be tempted to, try not to max out your cameras ISO capabilities; this will only create noise in your images.

3.) Be familiar with the artist’s music and study the way they move on stage. Anticipating the slowest point of movement is very important. Example: If a musician is jumping up and down, take your shot as they reach the very height or depth of their jump; this is slowest point of movement and the best possible moment to get a clean shot.

Lukas Nelson by Christopher Durst

Don’t be arrogant, boisterous or pushy; press pit security does not respond well to this. Be cordial and treat them with respect and you might even receive some additional privileges.

Press Pit Etiquette
A seasoned concert photographer can sense a rookie photog by their lack of swagger, confidence and awareness. For the most part, professional concert photographers do NOT like sharing a press pit with rookie photographer; the most common reason being they tend to always get in the way. Blowing a ‘money shot’ for a seasoned photographer is probably the last thing you want to do!

Communication is crucial when shooting with twenty or more photographers, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times. Here are some important rules you should follow when photographing a concert.

1.) Never step in front of a photographer’s lens.
2.) Always be courteous and rotate positions.
3.) Never step backwards without looking first.
4.) Point your lens up or down when repositioning.
5.) Do not run in the pit!
6.) Be aware of speaker, electrical and/or video cables
7.) Do not move if someone puts their hand on your shoulder.
8.) Do not use your flash
9.) Do not hold your camera too close to a musician.
10.) When you are asked to leave the pit, leave!

Summary
If you follow these simple rules and suggested tips, your experience as a concert photographer will be much more pleasant and rewarding. Remember to learn the mechanics of your camera and the extent of its capabilities.

‘Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens’ – Jimi Hendrix

Prior to Jim’s passing, he released a hardcover photography book entitled, ‘Proof’, featuring some of his most cherished work. The back cover reads, “Proof is a rare glimpse at the creative process of one of the world’s greatest rock-and-roll photographers, reproducing over sixty proof sheets and accompanying hero shots. Taken together they form a photography book unlike others, providing access to great unknown pictures, and insight into the legendary shots of illustrious musical artists and entertainers from the 1960s to the present day”.

If every picture tells a story, a proof sheet speaks volumes – Jim Marshall

I highly recommend Jim Marshall’s book, it is a must have for anyone who loves music or photography. You can find, ‘Proof’, on a variety of websites including, Amazon.

Jim Marshall Proof

Jim Marshal Proof

The featured video, along with her lovely photography stills, were shot by ‘Shot By Sodium‘ out of the United Kingdom. They really did a great job; the overall production is incredible.

I hope you enjoy her music…

One of the things I like most about the book, other than the photography, is that Steve creatively placed handwritten quotes from each of the artists next to their portraits; a feature that really adds warmth and feel. The most striking aspect of the book, is of course, the array of beautiful images that fill the pages. The overall quality of the book itself is excellent, it really presents well. No doubt, Steve spent an impressive amount of time on this project.

You can purchase Steve’s book on a variety of website including Amazon. I strongly recommend this book; it is the perfect gift for anyone who loves music.

Texas Troubadours, by Steve Harris

Texas Troubadours by Steve Harris

Los Angeles is also home to some of the most infamous live music venues in the world. Rock clubs and music venues like the Roxy, Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood Palladium and Greek Theater have played host to some of the world’s most elite musicians including Frank Sinatra, Rolling Stones, The Doors, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Runaways and Gun’s N’ Roses just to name a few. The music scene in L.A. is rich in history to say the least.

Over the last few decades a multitude of industry resources and professional trade schools have become readily available to amateur musicians aspiring to become professional artists. These resources have assisted in the overall development and growth of the Los Angeles music scene by creating a large community of well trained, seasoned professionals with advanced knowledge and expertise in music theory and the art of recording.

The combination of local culture, music history, infamous venues and educational resources have positioned Los Angeles as arguably the most advanced and influential music city in the world. The music scene Los Angeles created has served as a roadmap for industry professionals around the world. With the continued advancement, development and support of local musicians and industry professionals, Los Angeles is poised to remain a heavy hitter in the world of music.

Music Scene in Los Angeles

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