Adam Lambert’s “Glam Nation Tour” might as well have been titled “Salacious Delights Tour,” because that’s what the American Idol alum treated fans to in a raucously fun sold-out show at The Pageant. With a full-entourage of dancers, a live band, great production, and a pompadour that would make Elvis jealous, Lambert was a treat to photograph.
Opening up for Lambert was fellow American Idol contestant Allison Iraheta, who came out with blasting rock vocals and her signature violet-red hair.
Photographer’s Notes:
This show was just fun. Even before entering the venue, the spectacle created by the show was spilling well out into the streets, with fans lined up for blocks outside The Pageant.
Photographing Adam Lambert reminded me immediately of the recent shoot for Lady Gaga, in that the atmosphere surrounding the show had a similar electric buzz. Maybe not as many costumed fans, but plenty of dedication and enthusiasm nonetheless. This was definitely a show were people were on their feet, waving glowsticks, and filling the house with a sea of upraised cameras pointed at the stage.
The rules for photographing this show were a front of house shooting position for three songs. I’d loved to have caught of Adam’s costume changes, but song limits these days mean press only get a slice of the show.
Cameras Used:
Lenses Used:
The shooting position for this show was “front of house,” so up-close shots from the front of the stage were out of the question. I would have loved to get some wide-angle shots of the whole stage with Adam rocking out front and center.
I used the Nikon D3 and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 combo for all but a few single wider frames with the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8. The telephoto proved to be great for this shoot. I was situated on a tier just back from the main floor, so luckily there was a little elevation. The issue of people raising there hands was an consideration, but not nearly so bad as at arena or amphitheater soundboard shoots, since I was on a level that was already a good 1-2 feet higher than the general admission floor.
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This entry was posted on Monday, August 9th, 2010 at 8:59 am and is filed under Music Photography and tagged with adam lambert, american idol, concert photography, glam nation tour, live, music photography, performance, tour. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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Amazing art work Todd — your entire portfolio!
It’s a huge talent to capture these moments – especially in just 2 or 3 songs – would have loved to see a full show’s worth of photos.
And with the passion of some of the “GlamBerts” out there you might make a fortune! – I’d post to some of the Adam Lambert fan sites and on the FB fan page as well.
It was a real treat meeting you last night – I’m going to keep an eye on YOUR career as well!
Hey Mary,
So glad you saw these photos! Thanks very much for the kind words, and moreover, thank you for letting me snag a seat with you last night. The shooting position on that tier was really the best possible spot, so all the other GlamBerts should thank you for the great spot.
It would be fantastic if you shared the link to the photos with other fans. Nice meeting you as well, will be in touch.
Ok – just got the full impact of the re-tweet – I’m sending the URL to Adam on Twitter letting him know you are available as a tour photographer.
Remember me :-)
I’d love a photo session with him by you :-)
Mary
Thanks so much!
Man, what a spectacle. I’m diggin’ his new hairstyle! Looks like a fun show to shoot. I’m glad the 200mm was long enough.
I’ve requested to shoot him here in Houston, but am not sure if the publication I shoot for is going to cover the show.
As usual, great shots. Good job!
Hey Eric, thanks! Yeah, this show felt almost like a mini-Lady Gaga show in terms of the dancers, costume changes, etc. The show seemed a lot bigger than the ~2,000 capacity venue or stage would suggest. I almost wonder why Adam Lambert didn’t play the Fox Theater here.
200mm on full-frame with a little cropping is just fine if you’re not expecting super-tight shots. For the flexibility of framing, I don’t think this is really a 300mm prime show or anything like that. 70-200mm on a 1.5x crop would have been more than enough, but it depends on the venue. I was relatively close – closer than some of the other shots I’ve seen from this tour, so it varies by venue.
Love your photos!!! What a great subject, yes? Adam is delightfully pleasing to the ears and eyes.
Thank you for posting these.
Thanks very much for the comment, glad to hear you like the photos. Yes, Adam was a great subject. I’d love to be tour photographer for a production like this.
Your photos are amazing! Will they be available for purchase? Thank you for sharing.
Hi Mary, thank you very much. Glad to hear you like these photos of Adam. Yes, the images are available for purchase here. You can either click through from the individual images or the gallery slideshow at the bottom of the post. Also, here’s a link to the full gallery:
http://toddowyoung.photoshelter.com/gallery/Adam-Lambert-Glam-Nation-Tour-2010/G0000aUJPMsFd8S4/
Click on “Licensing/Prints” for purchasing options. Thanks for the interest!
AWESOME photos – you’ve captured Adam in all his splendid glory.I hope to experience a Glam Nation show for myself one day. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it. Hope you get to see the Glam Nation Tour over in the UK soon.
Excellent photos! My favorite: http://toddowyoung.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/-/G0000aUJPMsFd8S4/I0000s4lS7P8XE7I
Thanks for the pick. Adam’s expressions were great to photograph. It was nice to get eye contact for the camera, but also great to photograph when he was just rocking out, like in that shot.
Dayum, these photos are gorgeous! I’ve was lucky enuff to be able to go to two shows, and you’ve really managed to capture a lot of the drama, lush colors and fantastic energy that I experienced. I also love that you got a shot of the extremely popular pre-concert backdrop with the Tim Burton-esque mirror image of Adam. They have yet to put it on merch, and until now we haven’t had such a HQ pic of it, so thanks!
That’s a really nice compliment, comparing the overall vibe of Adam’s show to Gaga’s epic extravaganzas. Pretty sure Adam only has a tiny fraction of her budget LOL. It kind of amazed me what he managed to do with a staircase and couple risers, a creative use of lasers, a long term relationship with clothing design house Skingraft, and an eye for choosing talented and awesome people to join his band and dance troupe. I really hope he keeps doing well, because frankly I would LOVE to see what he would get up to if given the cash to really unleash his creativity.
Hey Lissy,
Thanks for the kind words. I take it as a huge compliment that these capture Adam’s show for you. I only wish that photographers were allowed to photograph the whole show (we only get the first few songs) to give you fans a more complete set!
Lady Gaga has a huge budget for her show, but I really do think Adam did a great job at creating a atmosphere with a huge amount of energy and excitement. The Pageant where he performed was one of the smaller venues that he’s doing on the tour – I can imagine that he’s not going to be playing smaller venues like this much longer.
If Adam ever needs a tour photographer, let him know I’m available!
Thank you for the professional photos of Adam Lambert and the camera information used to capture the images. Your work is outstanding!
I have gone to many Glam Nation Tour concerts and can’t get enough of the fun the Glamberts bring to Adam’s concerts and of course Adam himself, his out of this word vocal and stage performance are magic and leave you wanting to experience more and more of his voice and personal charisma.
Hey Karen, thanks for the kind words. Seems like your comments are shared by many regarding Adam’s charisma and performance.
Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
Luv these, luv Adam! RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
@AdamLambert "Salacious Delights Tour" Love it! http://ishootshows.com/2010/08/09/photos-adam-lambert-glam-nation-tour/
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
http://ishootshows.com/2010/08/09/photos-adam-lambert-glam-nation-tour/ <- really good photos!
DROOL ALERT! @adamlambert fans, courtesy of @toddowyoung http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
Great shots! RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
Wow! Check out @toddowyoung 's photos of Adam in St. Louis August 8! http://bit.ly/aDbRJS
awesome pictures and write-up from last night's show from @toddowyoung – http://is.gd/ea9xC
RT @vote4adam: Wow! Check out @toddowyoung 's photos of Adam in St. Louis August 8! http://bit.ly/aDbRJS
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @fianlly2: awesome pictures and write-up from last night's show from @toddowyoung – http://is.gd/ea9xC
Why is Taylor's face always so comical? http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
your pictures are amazing.. you captured the feeling I had in being there. Thank you for photographing this wonderful entertainer. What a wonderful subject to work with! :)
Hey Rhonda, thank you! Very glad to hear that these images capture the experience you had at the show. Adam was a great subject – but what’s more overwhelming is his very kind fans.
Great pro photos of Adam/GNT and wonderful comments from the photographer http://bit.ly/9HRSec
RT @4evrmomof4: DROOL ALERT! @adamlambert fans, courtesy of @toddowyoung http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
@toddowyoung Amazing pictures of @adamlambert http://ishootshows.com/2010/08/09/photos-adam-lambert-glam-nation-tour/
RT @4evrmomof4: DROOL ALERT! @adamlambert fans, courtesy of @toddowyoung http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @thespindleshay: Great shots! RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
One more thing, def check out these professional @adamlambert pics! http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @panthercharm: One more thing, def check out these professional @adamlambert pics! http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @4evrmomof4: DROOL ALERT! @adamlambert fans, courtesy of @toddowyoung http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @fianlly2: awesome pictures and write-up from last night's show from @toddowyoung – http://is.gd/ea9xC
RT @fianlly2: awesome pictures and write-up from last night's show from @toddowyoung – http://is.gd/ea9xC
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @fianlly2: awesome pictures and write-up from last night's show from @toddowyoung – http://is.gd/ea9xC
Killer photos! RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
@AdamLambert great pictures from last nights show http://bit.ly/9jfY3g photographer Todd Owyoung
RT @SquirrelyPF: @AdamLambert great pictures from last nights show http://bit.ly/9jfY3g photographer Todd Owyoung
@adamlambert Amazing pix of last night's show from photographer Todd Owyoung! http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @thespindleshay: Great shots! RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @fianlly2: awesome pictures and write-up from last night's show from @toddowyoung – http://is.gd/ea9xC
Professional photos from last night's show http://ishootshows.com/2010/08/09/photos-adam-lambert-glam-nation-tour/
RT @toddowyoung Photos: @AdamLambert, Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung Photos: Adam Lambert, Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
UNF! I got some pikchas to save! St Louis: http://bit.ly/dA54de http://twitpic.com/photos/LightLoveAdam
Prof photos from St. Louis: toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @hooplamagnet: Prof photos from St. Louis: toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
?????????????????????OK?????????????????????????????http://bit.ly/cPkmUN / RT @gracefulally glam nation pro shots http://bit.ly/9OWxXK ????
RT @hooplamagnet: Prof photos from St. Louis: toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @hooplamagnet: Prof photos from St. Louis: toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @hooplamagnet: Prof photos from St. Louis: toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @J_Lambs: ?????????????????????OK?????????????????????????????http://bit.ly/cPkmUN / RT @gracefulally glam nation pro shots http://bi …
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
BEST Photos: Adam Lambert, Glam Nation Tour that I have ever seen BEAUTIFUl works of ART! – http://b2l.me/af4zfb
RT @toddowyoung Photos: Adam Lambert, Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g Beautiful Pics!!!! Sickkkkk!!!!
Love this —> http://ishootshows.com/2010/08/09/photos-adam-lambert-glam-nation-tour/
Ironically, I came across your site a month or so ago while looking for technical information for shooting concerts, specifically Adam (I do nature & travel, not people!) and was so impressed by your work that I was hoping you’d get the opportunity to shoot him, and here you are! I ultimately gave up the idea of shooting stills because fans are normally not allowed to bring SLRs into the venues and I needed the full control that I can’t get with a P&S, so I switched to shooting videos, instead.
I know P&S’s aren’t your thing (mine, either!), but any tips for those of us with no press credentials and are, therefore, stuck with ‘em??
And sorry, but if the position of tour photographer should ever arise and you get hired over me, you’re no longer my hero! (Well, unless you agree to make a coffee table book of your fantastic images, then you’re back in! >;-)
Hey LAJ,
Thanks for the kind words, from one photographer to another. I think you’re right, a P&S is going to be the best bet from the crowd unless you get a photo pass to bring in your DSLR.
My best advice, for the very best images, is to stick it out and get at the very front of the stage. This is going to ensure you have clear shots. You’d also be able to get some great wide-angle shots of the show, too, I think. I would have loved to get a little more perspective, but I understand why media were set back.
If I were shooting with a P&S, I’d use one that had full manual control (I always shoot on full manual with my DSLRs), a fast lens, and good high ISO performance.
These are my choices for stage-front concert photography with a point and shoot:
http://ishootshows.com/2010/05/17/point-shoot-cameras-for-concert-photography/
Thanks again for the note.
RT @J_Lambs: ?????????????????????OK?????????????????????????????http://bit.ly/cPkmUN / RT @gracefulally glam nation pro shots http://bit.ly/9OWxXK ????
NZ needs!! RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @hooplamagnet: Prof photos from St. Louis: toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
todd,
do you know why the press is allowed to only take pictures of the first few songs? thank you!
Hi Annie,
At many shows beyond small clubs, the venues enforce rules for photographers handed down from the tour/management. I think it was sometime in the 70s or early 80s when artists started restricting photographers to just the first three songs and no flash. The rule spread and now it’s pretty ubiquitous – most acts/tours have this rule. There are a few photographer-friendly bands who allow us to photograph for the full set, which we love – but they are a very small minority. I only photograph a few shows a year that are a like this.
The reason for limiting access, at least from one perspective, is that the talent generally still looks fresh for the first three songs.
Another reason to limit songs is that it is one way of ensuring media coverage is all fairly similar for the tour, for better or for worse. So in Adam’s case, we’re getting the same set of costumes, lighting, etc.
Also, I’m sure there are some bands who simply don’t want photographers shooting the whole show.
I’d love to have the access to photograph for whole shows, but those days are pretty much gone for larger scale tours. It’s a shame, because if the three-song rule were in place in the 60s, we likely wouldn’t have those iconic shots of Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire.
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
36 HQ Pic from The Pageant. St. Louis, MO. (Now You can Save them) http://bit.ly/9HRSec
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @ItsJoooory: 36 HQ Pic from The Pageant. St. Louis, MO. (Now You can Save them) http://bit.ly/9HRSec
RT @ItsJoooory: 36 HQ Pic from The Pageant. St. Louis, MO. (Now You can Save them) http://bit.ly/9HRSec
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
badgercentral: Professional photos from last night's show http://ishootshows.com/2010/08/09/photos-adam-lambert-glam-nation-tour/
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
Wow! :) RT @toddowyoung Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
Hi Todd — Looks like the “Glambert’s ” found the link I posted — GREAT FOR YOU — The link will be posted around the world — If it hasn’t already — and, if you wind up with the opportunity to meet him – or get tickets for his next St. Louis concert – I hope you’ll remember who gave you the “best seat in the house”!
Much success — you deserve it!
Mary
Hey Mary,
I’ll certainly remember. Thanks again for helping spread the word, the response to the images has been incredible.
Awwwww, this is awesome! http://ishootshows.com/2010/08/09/photos-adam-lambert-glam-nation-tour/
Todd, these are stunning shots. Especially like that you captured the facial expressions so well. Adam is certainly a very photogenic subject. I’m happy to have found your site. I’m always left wanting more from concerts and this is the perfect place to get it. I’ve just spent an hour browsing through your shoots and remembering some great times! Thanks for sharing your talent.
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
DROOL ALERT! @adamlambert fans, courtesy of @toddowyoung http://bit.ly/9jfY3g
RT @toddowyoung: Panache, pompadours & pelvic thrusts! Photos: Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour http://bit.ly/9jfY3g (@adamlambert)
Music photographer Todd Owyoung is one of our favorites! Check out this pics of Adam Lambert in St. Louis. http://fb.me/FAlAICDr
JH Audio Music photographer Todd Owyoung is one of our favorites! Check out his pics of Adam Lambert in St. Louis. http://fb.me/DoqSUBJQ
Music photographer Todd Owyoung is one of our favorites! Check out his pics of Adam Lambert in St. Louis. http://fb.me/FgBMs2mr
RT @JHAudio: Music photographer Todd Owyoung is one of our favorites! Check out this pics of Adam Lambert in St. Louis. http://fb.me/FAlAICDr
[...] your eyes on these photos by IShootShows.com – “Adam Lambert’s “Glam Nation Tour” might as well have been titled “Salacious [...]
Wonderful pictures! I’d love it if you got a full set to shoot, as well! Excellent job! Of course, you did have a beautiful subject ;-D Adam’s costumes, set, the band, dancers and most of Adam himself are all gorgeous and interesting. Hope you get more to shoot in the future!
Great set again Todd. I may get to shoot him at Clowe’s Hall in a couple of weeks. But my bro has set aside spots stage right and left for me to shoot from.
Nice – how are you going to swing the closer position? Does he work at the venue?
yep, he books all of the acts and I’m doing archive for the venue, not media. We’ll see how it turns out.
[...] more Idol? Check out Season 8 contestant Adam Lambert rocking the Pageant on the Glam Nation Tour earlier this month. Related [...]
@debbieeeeee freaking excited! http://bit.ly/9HRSec Glamnation photos from a concert photog I like (:
Why have I not seen these before?? Simply STUNNING!!! (to be expected with the subject matter of course!) http://tinyurl.com/34b3eg7
[...] Melanie’s benefit: link to pictures of the performance in the US. Its the same thing [...]
Check out Music Photographer, Todd OwYoung's Glam Nation pix: http://ishootshows.com/2010/08/09/photos-adam-lambert-glam-nation-tour/