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A little bonus from that Jamiroquai night in Luxembourg: backstage portraits.
I had this thought earlier in the day — "just in case" — and packed a small inflatable light (Chillbeam) with me, figuring if I got a quiet moment and felt comfortable, I`d ask if anyone wanted quick portraits before they went on. Once things settled, I threw it out there casually, and they were immediately in.
The backstage area itself wasn`t exactly photogenic, so I found a black wall and another spot, put everyone in those two spots, and kept things simple — a little studio look in the middle of a green room. About 60 seconds per person, just playing around with poses. They were so easy and gracious about the whole thing.
I didn`t get everyone in the group, and that`s my one regret from the night. But I always say "next time" — and saying it usually means there will be one. I`m very grateful I even had this opportunity!
Shot on the Nikon Z6III with the 24-70 f/2.8. @jamiroquaihq @jamiroquaifans @jamiroquai.live @chillbeamofficial #jamiroquai #jaykay #backstageportrait #musicphotography #portraits
A trip that didn’t go how I planned it — in the best way.
When I booked Luxembourg, it was solely to see Jamiroquai in concert. Then a mutual friend connected me with the band, and it turned into a chance not just to meet them, but to photograph for them.
They couldn’t have been nicer — I felt welcomed in a way that usually takes a while to earn. Within a few minutes it felt like I’d known them forever. What meant the most was that it wasn’t just a quick hello and a photo — we actually sat and talked. I got to tell them about some of the shows I’d seen back in the US over the years, including one in NYC the night before 9/11, and just have a real conversation instead of the fast handshake moment you’d expect from something like this.
I’ve photographed a lot of well-known artists over the last 25 years, but this one hit differently because of what this band means to me personally. Being given the room to shoot from the stage — sides, back, wherever I needed — is something I’m still processing. It felt surreal hearing them while taking photos.
I was traveling for vacation, so I had maybe half the gear I’d normally bring. One body, two or three lenses, nothing longer than my 85mm 1.8. I just made it work. I used my Wimbledon tote as a lens pouch!
I’m 50 now, and if there’s one thing I keep relearning, it’s that the good stuff shows up unscripted, when you least expect it. Put in the work, be decent to people, and sometimes this is what comes back. This is one I’ll remember for a very long time. I hope some of that feeling made it into the photos.
#Jamiroquai #JayKay #ConcertPhotography #AcidJazz #OnStagePhotography @jamiroquaihq @jamiroquaifans @denatelier @jamiroquai.live
Spent a night at Dolby Live at Park MGM a few months back photographing New Kids on the Block’s “The Right Stuff” residency — and this one was for PRG (Production Resource Group), the team behind all the lighting, video, and production design you see here.
That subway car turned time machine, the Rat Pack-style Vegas sign, the wall of mirror balls, the light rig framing the whole stage — all PRG’s work. Incredible to watch it come together live, and even better to shoot.
Huge thanks to the PRG crew for having me out for this one — read more about how they built it out here: https://www.prg.com/en/news/lighting-new-kids-on-the-blocks-las-vegas-residency 📸
© Brian Friedman / B-Freed Photography for PRG.
Please do not use, copy, or repost without permission.
#NewKidsOnTheBlock #NKOTB #LasVegas #DolbyLive #concertphotography @prg.north.america @nkotb @nkotbnews
I had a great time capturing the @amas for the second time here in Vegas! Beautiful energy and extremely talented artists! The fans at the top of the carpet made the vibe a lot of fun for all the guests arriving and I loved spending time on that. Grateful as always for this incredible opportunity. Brian Friedman/Dick Clark Productions @dcp #redcarpet #fashionphotography #redcarpetphotography #americanmusicawards #popculture
Had a great time last night on the carpet and backstage at the #acmawards! Here are some vertical highlights! #penskemedia #redcarpet #awardsshow #backstage
