Photos from the mosh pit at Decrepit Birth's performance at Gramercy Theater, NYC. November 7, 2009. (photo by Chris Owyoung)

Metal is almost a spiritual experience for a lot of fans. Nowhere else is this more evident than in the circle pit. While I don’t recommend that music photographers jump right in unless they a) have both camera insurance and b) feel pretty confident that they can stiff-arm a 175lb dude doing the windmill, I don’t think the mosh pit can be ignored when documenting the scene.

All of these images were taken during Decrepit Birth’s performance at Gramercy Theater using the 14mm end of the Nikon 14-24mm. ISO was high, shutter speed was low and a single SB-900 was used for the main light source.

Related posts:

1. Decrepit Birth
2. Warbringer
3. Vader

Decrepit Birth performs at Gramercy Theater, NYC. November 7, 2009. (photo by Chris Owyoung)

Decrepit Birth writes some of the most lyrically bleak songs I’ve ever heard. Taking into consideration that they’re a death metal metal band, this is a good thing. As depressing as their written content may be, their performances are anything but – they kick some serious metal ass.

The band’s dynamic live show owes much to the stage presence of lead vocalist Bill Robinson, who keeps a level of pace and hype that is rare well beyond the confines of the genre. Intensity, thy name is Bill.

Photographer’s Notes

Shooting metal shows is hard enough without the sickening knowledge that you’re missing a money shot every millisecond your camera isn’t pointed at Bill Robinson.

Decrepit Birth was in the middle of a lineup of six bands. As you can see from the examples, I was doing a much better job of balancing the flash with the ambient light. Check out the concert photos from Warbringer and Augury for my lens choices and camera settings.

Related posts:

1. A Few from the Circle Pit
2. Vader
3. Satyricon