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Smashing Pumpkins Concert in Chicago

On Friday, my brother and I went to a Smashing Pumpkins / Marilyn Manson concert in Chicago at the FirstMerit Bank Pavilion. I was there for the Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson was just part of the deal. Manson went on first. Actually, a guy who referred to himself as the, “go get your beer” performer went first and he was not great and had far more anger than actual talent. Manson put on a pretty good show and played all of the expected hits.

The second picture in the gallery above show a little girl at the show. She was with her parents right in front of me and this was not a show fit for a little girl to see. Nevertheless, I don’t think she was scarred for life or anything. Between the constant aroma of weed, Manson explicitly describing how he would defile an audience member, and the opening act yelling, “Cunt” over an over again, I think she had a fun and new experience. I was taken to see Pulp Fiction by my parents at the age of 10 and I really enjoyed the movie and don’t think it affected me negative at all. The parents of the girl would constantly make eye contact when something inappropriate would happen and I realized my parents used to do the same thing.

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When Billy (The Smashing Pumpkins) came out I was really excited to see a band I had been listening to for so long in my youth. The second song he played was Bullet with Butterfly wings and that really set the tone the rest of the performance. Toward the end he played an acoustic version of Disarm followed by a cover of Landslide. This was a great combo to break up a rock show and I really enjoyed that. After one of their songs, Jim Cornelison (sings at Blackhawks games) came out and did the National Anthem, then immediately after, the band came in with guitar. It was an unexpected sight to see.

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Kabobs – Photo 52 Project [Week 13]

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Lucky week 13 brought with it delicious Dirty Martini Beef Sirloin Kabobs. Mari Ann had just started her Pinterest Challenge and this was the first dish. The beef was marinated in gin, oil, lemon juice, and a bunch of other yummy things. These were really tasty, and a great start to the month of unhealthy living that April is sure to bring.

I used the 50mm Canon prime lens for this one. I believe the vice photo was the only other photo that I used the prime on during this project. Lighting is a tricky skill. I was using the built in flash as well as a remote flash off to the side. I may have to look more seriously at building a light box to get the quality of photos I would like.

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Mari Ann – Photo 52 Project [Week 9]

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At Centennial Park there is a big hill that has a nice path to walk up. Mari Ann and I went up to capture a sunset. This hill has a great vantage point for getting the setting sun as well as some nice woods and houses. As it turned out, the sun had no color and the ground below was nothing but dead and brown. The shot didn’t come out.

Instead, while we were setting up I had Mari Ann walking around while I tried to take her picture with a low shutter. I was attempting to get the background blurry while keeping her in focus. They all came out blurry but I found this shot of her waiting and liked it enough to use it for this week’s picture.