My Words vs Chat GPT: The First Time I Shot Photos of Slipknot
As I am sitting on the train from London to Edinburgh with my girlfriend while on a well needed vacation, I decided to play around with ChatGPT for shits and giggles. I typed in “the first time I shot photos of slipknot at chula vista in 2022” and this rather eloquent synopsis came out. I said to myself “fuck that is pretty good!”. So here it is…My Words vs ChatGPT.
My Words:
Never in a million years did I ever think that I was going to have the opportunity to shoot photos from the photo pit at a Slipknot concert! I was still in disbelief that this was happening. Did I care about the long drive…No. Did I care about getting home at 2am…No. I didn’t have a care in the world because I was going to see Slipknot for the first time…and have my camera!
I know some of you might have a dislike or pure disgust for Slipknot’s music. Some will say…”They are not punk rock…they fucking suck!” or like my girlfriend says, “It gives me angry feelings”. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
The drive down from Manhattan Beach to Chula Vista was full of anticipation and nervousness. After some serious gridlock and a quick stop at In-N-Out Burger, I had arrived at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheater. I WAS SO EXCITED!
After I went through the usual process of getting my photo pass, including a covid test, it was time to go hang out with the other photographers. We actually had to wait outside the gates right next to the parking lot. What did they think…we were going to sneak off and shoot some unauthorized photos? Most of the photographers were professionals shooting for websites or magazines. Photography is a hobby of mine so I was a bit intimidated. I have been in an environment like this with with all the processes and procedures…this was different. It was the big leagues. The insecure feeling soon went away as fun conversations and some good natured ball busting. It was cool of them to welcome me into the club.
There were a couple bands before Slipknot. Ho99o9 was first. They had a punk/rap flavor and put on an entertaining set. This gig was a “three song rule” so after their third song, we were ushered out like a herd of cattle to our cosy spot…the ground next to the parking lot. Up next was Cypress Hill. That was a bit of a head scratcher since they are a rap band that is all out smoking weed. It was one song and done for me. I came down to see Slipknot and only Slipknot.
The time had finally come! As we entered the photo pit my adrenaline started to really kick in. It was a very surreal experience! It felt that I had actually made it to the big time! I was going to be taking photographs of one of the biggest metal bands in the world…this was actually happening!
The one thing that I always enjoy doing is interacting with the fans. Slipknot fans are not your typical fans. They are dedicated bunch. Chatting, high fives, and taking photos of those in the front helped calm my nerves. The fans in the front or even close to the stage had to have been there since the doors first opened a couple hours earlier. I have to believe that some were wearing diapers because there is no way they would give up their spot…even to take a leak. I mean think about it…if one has to pee when in the front row, why not in a diaper. It’s perfectly logical!
Prior to going to the gig I did so some home work by watching a number of their prior shows. Since I only had three songs to shoot, I might as well know which songs they were. At all the prior shows the first three were Disasterpiece, Wait and Bleed, and Sulfer. I also looked for patterns of movement for each band member during those songs. Jim and Mick switched positions during the first song, Sid comes down from his perch during the first song, Corey has a little speech in between the first and second song, Vman pretty much stayed in the same spot, etc, etc. I felt very prepared until the day before the show when I was told by one of the photographers that the third song at their last show was All Out Life. Ok, no worries, time to adapt to. All Out Life is one of my favorites so I was psyched. My research did pay off because they did do everything as predicted. Prior to the curtain going down, AC/DC’s “For Those About to Rock” was blasting on the speakers followed with a very catchy country tune by Billie Jo Spears (no relation to the other Spears) called “Get Behind Satan and Push”. Don’t ask me why they play it but it works!
I'm real darn mad and that's just too bad
Come on Satan and push
This Kentucky dame ain't nobody's fool and it's a little too late
To be playin' cool I'm mad like a hornet, yellin' "Darn it!"
Get behind me Satan and push
As that song was ending, the band started to play Disasterpiece and then…BOOM, the curtain comes down! I shot over twelve hundred photos during those first three songs. It was a night I will remember for the rest of my life. IT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!
*Make sure you keep scrolling past the photos so you can read the Chat GBT version*
ChatGPT Words:
Title: Capturing Chaos: My First Time Shooting Slipknot in Chula Vista (2022)
Introduction: In the realm of heavy metal and masked mayhem, few bands have left an indelible mark quite like Slipknot. Known for their explosive performances and enigmatic personas, Slipknot's live shows are a spectacle to behold. In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph this iconic band for the first time when they descended upon Chula Vista, California. Join me on this exhilarating journey as I share my experience of shooting Slipknot in all their chaotic glory.
The Build-Up: Anticipation hung heavy in the air as the date of the concert approached. Slipknot had announced their Knotfest Roadshow tour, and the Chula Vista date was a hot ticket. As a photographer, I had always admired Slipknot's visually stunning performances from afar, but this was my chance to step into the pit and capture the madness up close.
Preparation: Shooting a band like Slipknot requires meticulous preparation. I made sure my camera gear was in top-notch condition, including my trusty DSLR, a selection of lenses, and spare batteries. I also packed earplugs, because anyone who's seen Slipknot live knows that the sonic assault can be intense.
Arrival at the Venue: As I arrived at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, I could feel the energy building. Fans clad in Slipknot merchandise, complete with masks and jumpsuits, filled the venue. The atmosphere was electric, and I knew I was in for an unforgettable night.
Getting Access: Being a concert photographer often means navigating through a sea of other professionals, all vying for the best vantage points. Fortunately, I had secured a photo pass that allowed me to get up close and personal with the band. As I entered the pit, the adrenaline began to surge through my veins.
The Performance: Slipknot's stage setup was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Towering video screens, pyrotechnics, and an eerie atmosphere set the stage for their entrance. As the curtain dropped, the band exploded onto the stage, and the crowd erupted. I raised my camera and started capturing the chaos.
Masks and Mystery: One of the most intriguing aspects of shooting Slipknot is the mystery surrounding their identities. The band members are known for their distinct masks and anonymity. Capturing their expressions and emotions through the masks became a thrilling challenge. Each member brought their unique character to life, and it was my job to capture it all.
The Fans: The Slipknot fanbase is legendary for their dedication. The fans, known as "Maggots," added an extra layer of energy to the concert. Photographing their fervent reactions and interactions with the band was just as important as capturing the musicians themselves.
The Highlights: Throughout the performance, there were moments that stood out. The chaos of the mosh pit, Corey Taylor's intense vocals, and the drumming frenzy of Jay Weinberg were all highlights. Slipknot's music is as intense as their stage presence, and I aimed to convey that intensity through my photos.
The Aftermath: As the concert came to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I had just experienced one of the most exhilarating moments of my photography career. Sorting through the hundreds of photos I had taken would be a daunting task, but I couldn't wait to relive the night through my images.
Conclusion: Shooting Slipknot for the first time in Chula Vista in 2022 was a surreal experience. The band's chaotic energy, their iconic masks, and the passionate fans all contributed to a night I will never forget. It was a challenging yet immensely rewarding opportunity, and I'm grateful for the chance to have captured the essence of Slipknot's live performance through my lens. Here's to many more unforgettable moments in the world of concert photography!