The “What You See is What You Get” tour
Ray Fulcher
Ashley McBryde
Luke Combs
United Center
Chicago, Illinois
November 4, 2021
On Thursday November 4th, I got an amazing opportunity to work with Luke Comb’s tour photographer, David Bergman. Before the show, David gave us a rundown on how the show was going to work, as well as giving us numerous tips and tricks on to how to shoot action and concert photography with changing lighting conditions. I have shot one concert prior to this workshop and found out firsthand how tricky concert lighting and performer action can be to photograph. I was very eager to learn from Mr. Bergman. Concert and sports photography are the two career fields I am most interested pursuing in the photography world, so it was very cool to learn from someone who has done both for most of his life. He also discussed the various camera settings, what equipment to use, and how he sets up a venue with various cameras to give him access to multiple angles remotely.
After Mr. Bergman gave us the rundown of the show and the general knowledge we would need to know, he showed us where we would be allowed to shoot, as well as where we were not allowed to go so as to not inhibit the concert stage workers from doing their job throughout the show. Luke Combs had his stage set up in the middle of the arena for this tour, so the stage is 360°. We were able to go under the stage and see how all the guitar and microphone changes were to be done, as well as photograph the guitars and soundboards. Then it was time to get our cameras ready for the show.
Being able to shoot all the opening artists at this concert was a truly amazing experience. It was a great way for me to get my bearings on locations to get unique photographs before Luke took the stage. It also allowed me to get used to my camera settings and practice on adjusting them with the consistent light changes throughout the concert. I am a huge fan of Luke Combs, so being able to be two feet away from him, taking photographs of him, was amazing. Of course, I stayed professional, but I was definitely fan-girling on the inside.
Overall, this experience was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am extremely thankful that I had the opportunity to work with David Bergman and soak up all the knowledge he so willingly shared with us. Hearing about his life experiences as well as what he has learned by trial and error over his professional career in invaluable knowledge for anyone in the profession, especially an aspiring college student. I learned so much from him and I can’t wait to participate in more workshops with him in the future. I have a deep seeded passion for photography and David fueled it further during this workshop. I was also able to meet some new friends who love photography as much as I do. Being a part of this professional community where ideas are exchanged, work sample willingly posted, critiques on work are given, or where problem solving takes place keeps everyone continuously engaged in learning. This is another invaluable benefit I received from this workshop with David Bergman. I would very much recommend this workshop to anyone interested in pursuing action photography. I can’t wait to take what I learned from David and apply it to my photographs in the future and I hope that I will be able to continue to learn from him. A huge thank you should also be extended to Luke Combs for allowing David to hold these workshops and giving this amazing opportunity so many people striving to perfect their craft.
Photographs and writing by Jaclyn Duske
For additional information, please visit:
Luke Combs – https://www.lukecombs.com/
Ashley McBryde – https://www.ashleymcbryde.com/
Jaclyn Duske studies design and photography at the University of St. Francis. Jaclyn has had a passion for country music since childhood. In addition to her studies, she regularly takes on outreach and volunteer opportunities and spends her down time with her pets!
