This isn’t the blog I had intended for a Monday morning following a Carrie Underwood concert.
And I’ve gotta say, I am royally pissed.
I’m not going to rant and rave, suffice to say this, no where in any literature does it say “large, professional cameras not allowed at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.”
And since when am I a “professional” photographer??
I arrived at the door with my Canon Rebel in hand, and was told I could not bring it in. But, this is Bozeman, and a college campus, so the door attendant walks me over the the second door attendant, where I can “check-in my camera.”
Now, this second door attendant guy was very kind, and I’m guessing retired and just working this gig as a volunteer.
Initially he takes my camera. I say, “Aren’t you going to ask my name? Where am I going to pick this up? Are you taking it to the check-in room?”
Turns out, he can’t leave his station, and I am not feeling comfortable leaving my camera in the hands of some random door attendant, nice or not, that has no way of identifying me or the Rebel.
He gives me directions where to take the camera - room 101 - down the stairs, to the left.
Here’s the deal. I could have totally walked into the main arena with my camera. Once I was past the second door guard, no one would know the difference.
Except me.
And this damn blog entitled, “Authentic Life” holds me to a higher standard, so I begrudgingly did the right thing.
I went to room 101, and turned in my camera, then walked to my row 7 seats and was in a total and complete funk.
Sons of Sylvia came out first. They were a good rock -n- roll band, which was a funny lead-in for two country artists, but whatever, we went with it.
Then Billy Currington took the stage. He was cute, and had a darling little twangy voice.
Must have been somewhere after Billy and prior to Carrie while we were waiting for the stage hands to turn the stage “Carrie-like” that I noticed.
And when I noticed I was uber-pissed.
Turns out, two rows behind me was a gal with a camera JUST LIKE THE ONE I turned into room 101. And the guy right next to us had one too – and he was being very sneaky.
I was fuming.
Flat out pissed.
Why didn’t I keep my camera?
Why didn’t I sneak my camera in like these other yay-hoos?
Then I could show you the 15 costume and set changes, and the blue truck that circled the stage IN THE AIR, and how darling Carrie was.
I didn’t sneak in my camera because the name of this stupid blog. And being held to a higher moral-standard.
I did the “right” thing.
And this is what I have to show for it….
A whole lot of nothing.
…
…
…
Carrie was spectacular, as always, and beautiful as always.
But I’m going to sit and stew over the fact I have no photos…
Maybe tomorrow I will be back to my happy and authentic self…
Maybe not.
Photo courtesy of my friend, Tessa, she was allowed to bring her camera!
I know what you mean about how not getting to use your camera feels like it ruins an event. Although my reason is usually because I just forgot it, or forgot to charge the battery. But sometimes I get so obsessed with trying to get the perfect shots to capture the event, that I end up feeling like I wasn’t really “there, in the moment”, but more of a guest photographer. Being behind the lens really removes you. When I have a camera snaffoo like yours I try to force myself to really just enjoy being there completely and use my old fashioned mental camera to make memories. But I know what you mean, it’s hard to let it go! And I don’t have a blog that’s waiting for photos to go along with it……….and my mental camera doesn’t remember things like it used to!
It really was a great concert, albeit a bit over the top.
Last time Carrie was in Bozeman, she wasn’t as “awarded” and had a cat-walk down the center of the seats. You got the feeling she was “part” of the crowd. She was lovely and low-key. This time, there was more security and she was more removed, plus all the digital this and that, and the flying truck.
What ever happened to singing with a guitar?
Can you tell I’m just pissy today?
And Mootsie, you should know, without photos, my memory ain’t worth crap!
KT
Katie, you may not feel it right now but good for you. I am proud of you. Doing the right thing is never easy nor is it always pleasant, but as I told my darling daughters often enough. Life isn’t fair then you die. I’m glad you know me well enough, because that statement sounded just a bit cynical. You get the point though. Love you and I hope you had a good time. Usually it’s the drunk girls that piss me off. Who pays that much for a ticket then gets too drunk to remember it???
proud schmoud…leaves a bitter taste in my mouth!!
(still love you Di!!)
It’s been a long standing rule that you don’t bring cameras to concerts. I personally would never bring my DSLR to a concert, I’m glad you got it back intact. Now that being said, I realize that just about everyone brings a camera to a concert since most have cell phones with cameras on them. I’m all for the occasional concert photograph, but things are getting out of control. It’s becoming less about having a camera at a concert and more about how you handle a camera once there. At a concert this summer I had one guy taking video from his iPhone. I finally got tired of watching the concert through his phone, asked him nicely to put his arm down, and he did until about fifteen minutes had passed and it was back up again. I’m now spending more money to see that concert again. Another concert actually sold live footage, you could buy the flash drive on your way out. The flash in your eye, the photographer trying to get the right show, big screens that light up are all a distraction. I spent good money (usually $50-$100) to see the concert. Sometimes you have to put down your camera and just enjoy the event.
I never go anywhere without my camera, and up until 2 months ago only had a pocket-sized one that didn’t seem to draw attention.
You make very valid points, I am still fired up over it. It put a huge damper on the evening for me.
But, I have learned a valuable lesson and will not bring it again.
Thanks Jen!
KT
Kt get over it maybe the promoter was told them not to allow professional cameras like yours in because most like yours can take videos of the concert and that isn’t allowed. And for you to let this totally ruin your night is stupid. I’m proud of you to go turn it in and being honest and maybe those others weren’t as honest as you. Just be happy we. Have concerts like this here. So quite your whining and be happy.