Inspired by Tod Owyoung (of IShootShows.com), who wrote an entry about How to Photograph Drummers, I decided to take a look at my archive to see how successful I’ve been at capturing the elusive drummer shot. Here are some of my favorite shots that I’ve taken over the past couple of years.

Once in awhile I’m lucky, and the drummer looks right at me as I’m aiming for my shot, as was the case with Devin Townsend Project drummer Ryan Van Poederooyen:

This next one, either I was extremely tenacious, or lucky. Not sure which. But I got this shot early in my concert photography years. I look back at it now and am in awe at how cool it looks. Here’s Down drummer Jimmy Bower:

At the same show, I captured this dual drummer shot (sick!) during The Melvins set:

This Weedeater drummer was flailing around like mad, with amazing facial expressions. Once nice thing about this show was that the drumset was closer to the front of the stage, so it was easier to capture good shots. Here’s one I liked:

And one of my favorites… I got a good shot here, considering this was taken at a large stage where the drummer is set far back. Captured this with a 17-55mm. Travis Barker of Blink182:

I’m not always successful at capturing drummer shots, though it’s not from lack of trying. Sometimes the other musicians get in the way, there are large monitors, etc. but I never stop trying because sometimes those are some of the best shots!