RIP Jimmy "The Rev" of Avenged Sevenfold

Sad news today: Jimmy "The Rev" (James Sullivan), the drummer of Avenged Sevenfold, passed away at the age of 28.

I'm taking time today to reflect on The Rev's music, and the photoshoot that we did earlier this year.

The photoblog from our shoot can be found here: Will Hawkins Photography Blog: Avenged Sevenfold's The Rev.

Rest In Peace, Jimmy.


Jimmy "The Rev" of Avenged Sevenfold


Jimmy "The Rev" of Avenged Sevenfold


Jimmy "The Rev" of Avenged Sevenfold


Jimmy "The Rev" of Avenged Sevenfold


Jimmy "The Rev" of Avenged Sevenfold

ARES 1-X Launch Photos

NASA and United Space Alliance, on October 28th, launched the ARES 1-X rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The ARES 1-X rocket is a test rocket for the new ARES & Constellation programs. These programs are the future USA & NASA's manned spaceflight program. This program will replace the Space Shuttle program, whose entire fleet retires just a handful of launches from now, in late 2010.

The ARES 1-X was the first launch of a rocket of this type. This launch was unmanned, ad served to test thousands of elements of this rocket, including boost power, flight control, navigation, avionics, sensors, etc. The next test launch is scheduled for no earlier than 2015, so this historical launch was the only opportunity to see the rocket first hand for years to come.

Originally, I had planned to shoot from a 'secret location' that one talented photographer Cliff Steenhoff had educated me on. It was through the woods, in the swamps, down a dirt road - just North of the restricted zone. Cliff, myself, and another launch fan Ted all spent hours and hours out there for the original launch attempt window on October 27th.

After the launch was scrubbed for the 27th due to triboelectrification and other rules, Ted and I visited Titusville's "Miracle Photo" in search of a screw for my Jobu gimbal head's Arca-Swiss plate.
While we were there, we bumped into a talented launch photographer named Alan Walters ( www.awaltersphoto.com ). We chatted about launch photography, exchanged info, and went our separate ways.

Several hours later, Alan called me up, requesting that I meet him at a local bar in Titusville. Alan was there with all types of folks from NASA & United Space Alliance. After a long chat about all kinds of photo geek things, Alan invited me to be a VIP at the onsite NASA Banana Creek viewing area!! The view from here is spectacular, and it is the closest that any 'exposed' human can witness a launch from!

Here are some photos from the launch, followed by some more info and links to additional photos and blogs:

ARES 1-X sitting on the launch pad, seconds before launch.


ARES 1-X 2 seconds after ignition.


ARES 1-X clearing the launch pad.


ARES 1-X launch!


ARES 1-X illuminating some clouds


ARES 1-X coming out from behind the clouds approx 1500ft in altitude


ARES 1-X breaking the sound barrier, with a visible shock wave building up.


ARES 1-X SRB First Stage & Second Stage Separation. Both the first & second stage components began spinning, which made it look like the rocket had jackknifed in this photo. This occurred just after T+2:02.


ARES 1-X: Wide view of the launch


ARES 1-X: Wide view of the launch


ARES 1-X: Wide view of the launch just before hiding behind more clouds


ARES 1-X: Wide view of the launch just before hiding behind more clouds


The ARES 1-X Launch was a success!

Congratulations to NASA, United Space Alliance, and all of the engineers, contractors, supporting folks, etc. on a successfull launch!

Big thanks to Alan Walters, George Mizell, United Space Alliance, NASA, and many other folks for the VIP treatment!


For the full set of photos from this launch, go here: http://images.willhawkinsphotography.com/ARES1X-28OCT09/
More launch & NASA related photos:
Will Hawkins Photography Blog: Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission STS-127 Launch Photos
Will Hawkins Photography Blog: Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-128 Launch Photos
Will Hawkins Photography Blog: Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-128 Landing Photos
Alan Walters Photography: ARES 1-X Launch

Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-128 Landing Photos

Space Shuttle Discovery & crew's STS-128 mission was a successful mission which involved dropping off astronaut Nicole Stott at the International Space Station, as well as 7.5 tons of supplies.

The landing at the end of the mission, just like the launch at the beginning, faced a number of delays. Ultimately, the landing occurred at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

When a shuttle lands in California, it must be ferried back to Kennedy Space Center atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) - a modified Boeing 747. NASA's mate/demate devices lift the shuttle in the air, the 747 rolls under, and the shuttle is mounted to the 747. The SCA & shuttle travel to Kennedy Space Center, making several refueling stops on the way. After the safe arrival at KSC, another mate/demate device removes the shuttle from the SCA.

Normally the arrival path of the SCA & shuttle brings the pair on a photogenic pass along Cocoa Beach. Due to weather off of the coast of Cocoa Beach, the path was modified to be much more direct, swooping just South of Titusville and then curving directly to KSC's runway 33.

Despite the modified path, I was still able to get some shots from the pier at Jetty Park, just North of Cocoa Beach.

The distance of the shuttle, the roll of the SCA, and the intense visual heatwaves were all significant challenges in getting a clear image. Although the shots are not what I was hoping for, I am still thrilled to have had the opportunity to view what could possibly be the last SCA/Shuttle paired flight.




Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128 SCA 747 Pair Approach to Kennedy Space Center shot from Jetty Park



Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128 SCA 747 Pair Approach to Kennedy Space Center shot from Jetty Park



Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128 SCA 747 Pair Approach to Kennedy Space Center shot from Jetty Park


The full set of images can be seen here: http://images.willhawkinsphotography.com/STS-128-Landing-21SEP09/

Coverage of the launch of STS-128 can be seen here: http://blog.willhawkinsphotography.com/2009/08/space-shuttle-discovery-mission-sts-128.html

Coverage of the launch of STS-127 can be seen here: http://blog.willhawkinsphotography.com/2009/07/space-shuttle-endeavour-mission-sts-127.html

Cheers!

Carter Beauford - The Beat of Dave Matthews Band

One of the highlights of the recent shooting spree that Promark set me up on was with a massively popular, Grammy winning band that I have listened to forever, but never seen live.

For about 15 years, I have known the music of Dave Matthews Band, but known little about the band themselves. The core band consists of 4 founding members - singer/guitarist Dave Matthews, bassist Stefan Lassard, violinist Boyd Tinsley, and drummer Carter Beauford.

Kristen and I arrived at the venue several hours before the performance in order to meet up with Henry Luniewski, Carter's drum tech for a number of years now. Henry set up our passes, showed us around the stage, and let us get a general idea of what our plan would be, come showtime. Henry informed us that Carter had invited us to shoot the entire show, from anywhere we wanted to, including onstage. This level of hospitality and access with such a massively successful band & crew is rare.

The show was amazing. 22,000 people at the sold-out performance. 2 hours of familiar music & spectacular jam sessions. Dozens of solos, evenly spread across the band members. DMB thoroughly impressed me! Of course they were going to be good... but I really had no clue how amazing each individual musician was, how great their onstage chemistry would be, and how well they would connect with the audience.

Shooting at the drum kit during the show gave me an opportunity to get some great shots, and also to see Carter really tearing it up! He is a monster on those drums!!

Here are some photos from the evening:


Dave Matthews


Stefan Lessard


Dave Matthews Band (Carter Beauford on screen)


Carter Beauford


Carter Beauford


Carter Beauford


Carter Beauford


Carter Beauford

For the full set of photos, visit http://images.willhawkinsphotography.com/DaveMatthewsBand_12AUG09/.

Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-128 Launch Photos

Every single shuttle launch is a incredible & unique experience worth witnessing.

STS-128 was the third launch that Kristen and I have viewed from the 'front row.' STS-126 and STS-127 are the only other ones that we've seen up close.

STS-126 was a night launch that we viewed from Titusville, about 12 miles from the launch site. With 126 being our first night launch, or launch of any type, we had no clue what to expect, as I mentioned in the previous photo blog - Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission STS-127 Launch Photos - and the poor photos demonstrate that ;)

Shooting a night launch shares no similar settings or methods with a day launch...

For STS-128, I studied & experimented until I had a solid plan. I researched the great night launch photos that are out on the web, read other photographer's blogs, and reached out to one of the greatest shuttle photogs out there - Stan Jirman. Stan has some great advice (and photos) on his site, so be sure to check it out!

Stan is on vacation in Europe, but still took the time to share some tips which lead to a very successful time lapse photo. I could've done a bit better on the close shots, and I am certain that I will next time :)


To my amazement, the SRB separation, which takes place about 2 1/2 min after launch, 220,000 ft in altitude, and 35 miles downrange, is visible both day and night.

Here is the time lapse, a few launch photos, and some grainy SRB separation shots!

As always, usage of these registered, copyright protected images is prohibited unless licensed directly from Will Hawkins.



STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Time Lapse



STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Just before liftoff, the smoke blocked view of the shuttle!


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Liftoff!


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: 90 degree roll complete!


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Discovery in a small patch of clouds


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Exiting clouds


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Discovery entering clouds again


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Through the clouds


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: The reflection off of the clouds is helping illuminate more of the shuttle, tank, and SRBs


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Close-up. Shockwaves from entering Max-Q visible at top of SRBs


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Must of this white smoke is from the explosion that separates the SRBs - Altitude: 220,000ft.


STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery Night Launch: Closeup of separation. Fire from SRBs is illuminating the orange fuel tank between the two rockets.


To view the full set of photos, go here:
http://images.willhawkinsphotography.com/STS-128-28AUG09/


Feel free to share your comments and questions by clicking 'comment' below!

Enjoy!

Slayer's Dave Lombardo - Shooting Spree

Promark Drumsticks has had me on a shooting spree this month. Shoots with Dave Matthews Band's Carter Beauford, Incubus' Jose Pasillas, Killswitch Engage's Justin Foley, Marilyn Manson's Ginger Fish, and Slayer's Dave Lombardo have all been on the other side of my lens in the past two weeks. Several more shoots are in the works right now...!


Slayer had a formidable presence at Mayhem Fest here in Tampa. Thousands of fans chanting, dozens of Marshall amp stacks whose tops spew fire, a huge metal Slayer eagle that becomes engulfed in flames, and a ferocious rhythm driving the fans into madness!

The man driving that rhythm is Dave Lombardo. Dave is the original drummer, who spent a handful of years away from the band in the 90's, then returned again in 2002.

Dave has performed with Mike Patton's Fanômas, Testament, and even a couple songs with Metallica. Countless well-known drummers list Dave Lombardo as an influence, and some credit him for being the reason they began playing drums.



This was my second time working with Dave. We did a shoot back in 2004 that was far reaching, hitting 3 magazine covers, about 5 magazine articles, a series of ads, and numerous websites.


Here are some photos from our shoot (I'll throw a couple of wider shots in so you can see the pyro!):


Dave Lombardo


Dave Lombardo


Slayer's Pyro


Dave Lombardo


Dave Lombardo


Dave Lombardo


Dave Lombardo


Jeff Hanneman


Tom Araya


Kerry King


For the full set of photos, go here: http://images.willhawkinsphotography.com/Slayer_11AUG09/

Working with Dave was great fun! Dave, his tech Norm Costa, and the entire Slayer band & crew were great hosts for my fiance Kristen and I. The show was insane, the crowd was wild, and we all had a great time.

Yamaha All Access 360: Chick Corea - featuring yours truly!

A few months ago, I received a call from Tiffany Napper of Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs asking if I was available to shoot an artist on a hybrid photo/video shoot, which is part interview, part commercial - to be featured online and in print. Schedules matched, and the shoot was scheduled!

The shoot was for Yamaha All Access, with the legendary 15 time Grammy winning jazz pianist Chick Corea.

I took on the wonderfully talented photographer Zekeshem Parsons of Blue Lane Photography/Room 3307 as an assistant for the shoot, which was to take place in and around Chick Corea's home in Clearwater, FL.

The shoot went well! Chick and his management were great to work with, the Yamaha crew was great to work with, and Zekeshem is always great to work with! We did have a couple of challenges, but nothing we haven't faced before - shoot time was cut in half, we ended up having to work with just one location, lighting was difficult (reflective surfaces, dark wooden ceilings, etc.).

Chick had a collection of amazing instruments, including the Yamaha Avant Grand, a Yamaha Concert Grand Piano, a Bosendorfer Grand w/extra notes, and various other keyboards, etc. Dave Weckl's drumkit and sticks were also at his place!

The Yamaha All Access magazine and Yamaha All Access 360 behind-the-scenes video of the shoot both came out great! The Yamaha All Access 360 site is a gorgeous interactive flash website featuring videos, photos, magazine links, product information, etc. Be sure to check it out!

Below is the Yamaha All Access 360 video, followed by links to the 360 & magazine sites, then some photos from the shoot.

Big thanks to Yamaha, Chick, and Zekeshem!



"Chick Corea is a current featured artist on Yamaha All Access 360! Check out and share the behind-the-scenes video, and visit www.yamahaallaccess360.com to see never-before-seen photos, his spread in All Access magazine, and enter to win a Yamaha keyboard!"

Yamaha All Access Magazine - The Backstage Guide to the World of Yamaha



Chick Corea


Chick Corea


Chick Corea


Chick Corea


Chick Corea


Chick Corea

For more photos from the shoot with Chick, check out this link: http://willhawkinsphotography.com/Chick_Corea/

Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission STS-127 Launch Photos

Like many folks, I've always been fascinated by space travel, the missions NASA undergoes, the space shuttles, and everything else surrounding them!

For years, I've wanted to view a launch in person. Last November, Kristen and I got to watch the night launch of Endeavour's STS-126 mission from about 12 miles away in Titusville. It was amazing! Unfortunately, we didn't quite plan for light metering brighter than the sun... so the photos weren't so great. We had no clue what to expect!


This past week, we headed over to Kennedy Space Center to view Endeavour's STS-127 mission daytime launch. We were onsite and ready for attempt #5, which was scrubbed ... and onsite for attempt #6 - which was a success!

Thanks for Denny & Maureen, we had access to the onsite VIP launch viewing area, approx. 3 miles away from the launchpad - the closest possible viewing point.

I was running 2 Canon 5D Mark II's and a JVC HD video camera. Kristen had a Canon 5D going as well. One 5DmkII started on a tripod with the 70-200mm f2.8 L IS and a 2x converter on it, though I tore it off of the tripod moments after launch. The other 5DmkII was outfitted with a 24-70mm f2.8 L for wider shots.

The experience was amazing! The huge crowd, hundreds of cameras, the countdown.... then the smoke, fire, and roar!


I'll only be posting a fraction of the shots here. See below for a link to the full set!




Above: STS-127 Launch Vehicle Access Placard





Above: Will and Kristen onsite at the VIP viewing area





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: The countdown clock with launch platform in the background





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: The calm before the storm





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Mote smoke, but the shuttle has not yet lifted up at all





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Rocket fire visible and the shuttle has lifted a couple feet





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Liftoff!





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Liftoff!





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Liftoff!





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: A crop in of the last liftoff photo





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: A wider liftoff shot, pre-rotation





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Post-liftoff rotation has begun





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Vertical liftoff shot of the space shuttle





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Exactly 1 minute after liftoff - a bit further away!





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Crop in of 1 minute after liftoff shot





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Tall shot of smoke trail, still connected to Endeavour 90 seconds after liftoff





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Beginning of SRB separation burn a little more than 2 minutes after liftoff





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Close-up of beginning of SRB separation burn a little more than 2 minutes after liftoff





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Approx 4 seconds after SRB separation





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Approx 6 seconds after SRB separation





Above: Endeavor STS-127 Launch: Endeavour's smoke trail




We were amazing at how clear the launch was, even through SRB separation +2 minutes after launch!

If you ever have a chance to watch a launch from up close... Go for it! With a only a handful of shuttle launches left, the opportunity to watch this spectacular event will soon be gone.

For the full set of photos, click me!

Cheers,
Will