Al Drago

2010 National Scout Jamboree

Al Drago — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:30:07 +0000

Full post coming soon.

All-American Cross Country Camp

Al Drago — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:19:05 +0000

I just got back today from the All-American Cross Country Camp in Asheville, NC. It was an intense six day running camp that covered many aspects of running.

My whole team was intent on yelling aldrago.com whenever they could so I figured I’d update the site for all the new visitors.

Group 6. Whatup.

Graduation!

Al Drago — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:39:57 +0000

This is just a quick post to direct everyone to the photos from graduation. It was a wonderful ceremony and I will do a full write up of the event later.

Photos from the 2010 CGHS 2010 Gradation cane be found here.

This that and everything else

Al Drago — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:09:09 +0000

Ha, as you may be able to tell from the title, I have a lot going on right now. I should be able to relax this weekend and do a quality post, but until then…

I took this photo last week at the opening night at the Durham Bulls when they played Norfolk. You can see all the photos here.

A bunch of my friends work at the Bulls and it’s cool to seem them hard at wokr while also enjoying what they do.

N.E.R.D. & Kid Cudi

Al Drago — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:25:56 +0000

Last week I had a press pass to Duke’s Cameron Rocks! concert, a revived DUU Major Attractions event at Cameron Indoor Stadium. After three years in remission following rapper T.I. and indie-rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah in 2007, the concert came back in full swing with an impressive lineup. Headlining the concert was the hip-hop group N.E.R.D.—consisting of Grammy-winning producer Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and vocalist Shay Haley. Also on the bill was Grammy-nominated hip hop artist Kid Cudi.

Pre-concert

Around 6:15 I swung by Duke to pick up my press pass from the Press Liaison. All the parking was free so I was able to park at the lot right there. Even an hour and 45 minutes before there was already a significant line coming from Cameron. Even though the doors opened at 6:30, I did not think that many people would get there right away because everyone had a seat, even in the G.A. section. In Cameron, there really is not a bad seat. The stadium is not that big at all, so even the upper seating was a lot closer than many other concerts I have been to.

After picking up my pass, I rushed home since I invited a bunch of my friends to meet up before the concert. Fortunately, they were running late so I was able to get home first. Once all my friends arrived, it was been time to go. We all caravanned over there and found great parking. By that time, I had left my friends and agreed to meet up with them afterwards; I had a job to do.

The Concert

As I turned the same corner from the parking lot that I had come from two hours before, I was met by a mob all trying to get in. I believe they were supposed to be in different lines, but there was honestly no telling. There was a DUU girl trying to get everyone back into lines and reassuring the crowd that the show wouldn’t start until everyone had gotten inside. However, I did not think that was going to happen.

I figured my best approach was to come from the side. I found a DUU member and weaved right behind him until I got about seven people from the door. I then had to wait in line until the security officer saw my pass and let me through without searching me.

I was relieved when I finally got into Cameron, until I looked up and saw who was coming onto the stage, Kid Cudi! No one was in their seats, students were jumping from the upper sections onto the floor and mosh pits were starting. Security did a decent job keeping everyone contained, but after a certain point, you can only do so much. I was able to make it all the way to the front surprisingly easily. However, when I tried to get to the pit, the security guard would not let me through. I showed her my press pass and tried to explain to her that I was allowed to be in the pit for the first three songs, but she wouldn’t budge. She let me on the bleachers on the left side that some of the VIP and DUU members were at told me I could not get any closer. As disappointed as I was, I realized that I still had to get my pictures. I took a test shot and the very first one turned out well.

Kid Cudi at the begining of his set during his concert at Duke on Thursday,
April 1, 2010 (Photo by Al Drago)

After a few good pictures, I wanted to get closer. I found a DUU member and explained my situation. He was very friendly and was able to get me into the pit.

Photo Tip: At most concerts, photographers only get to be in the pit for the first three songs before getting kicked out. The idea is that that is enough time to get all the necessary shots. Performers look best and are usually the most energetic at the beginning. You have to stay focused and work fast.

I took about 200 quick shots during the four or five minutes I had. I started with my 70-200mm IS f/2.8 lens before switching to my standard 17-85mm f/4-5.6 lens. My zoom lens was wonderful as usual, but it was at times when Kid Cudi was right in front of me, I caught myself using my standard lens more. Unfortunately, with f/4-5.6 on my standard lens, many of the photos were blurry, even with that much light. I would complain about wanting a 17-55 f/2.8 lens, but I’ve realized:

Photo Tip: It does not matter if you have the expensive top of the line camera and lens, sometimes you just have to work with what you have and be creative. You can make it work if you are willing.

Kid Cudi rocks the packed Cameron Indoor Stadium on Thursday, April 1, 2010
(Photo by Al Drago)

Nonetheless, I was pleased with the result of my photos and once I was kicked out of the pit I had a chance to breathe for a while and enjoy Kid Cudi.

Kid Cudi’s performance was outstanding. It was apparent that more people were there for him, as he is newer and geared more towards the age group of those college students. I found myself singing along to just about every song, including my favorite “Soundtrack 2 My Life.” The choice and order of the songs was great too, mixing from David Guetta’s “Memories” into his hit single “Day ‘n’ Nite”. He was so pumped I think he was just about ready to jump into the crowd while singing “Make Her Say.”His awesome set concluded with “Up Up & Away” and “CuDi Zone.” The crowd was definitely in the Cudi Zone by the time he finished. I think him alone was worth the money.

After Kid Cudi exited the stage, the security made everyone go back to their original seat before N.E.R.D. came on. During this time, I talked to a couple cool people. I saw my friend Lawson again, still shooting for the Chronicle and doing his thing. I also met a few people from Duke’s yearbook that were friendly and we had a nice conversation.

Once we had a nice conversation going, it had drawn time for N.E.R.D. to take the stage. This time I entered the pit with all the other photographers and had ample time to get the shots I needed. The trio was all over the stage, so I had a fun time trying to follow them. Before I knew it, my three songs were up and it was time to return to the bleachers. I continued to take zoom pictures from the bleachers and enjoyed the music.

Shay Haley of N.E.R.D. gives it his all during his concert at Duke on Thursday,
April 1, 2010 (Photo by Al Drago)

N.E.R.D.’s lineup included hits “Rock Star” and “Spaz” as well as my favorite “You Know What.” It was apparent that Pharrell was having a good time, dancing around and at one point spraying his water bottle out onto the crowd during “Everybody Nose.” They sampled different songs from their three albums as well as other hype music. Towards the end, Pharrell invited about 20 girls to dance with him on stage during the song “Lapdance” and later guys got a chance to break it down on stage. As the show ended, the crowd was a sea of smiles jamming out with every word. This was such an energetic and fun concert that lived up to its name. Cameron truly did rock.

Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D. looks into the crowd during his concert at Duke on Thursday, April 1, 2010 (Photo by Al Drago)

It is rumored that Kid Cudi will have a new album out this year entitled either Cudder and the Revolution of Evolution or Man On The Moon: The Ghost in the Machine. Pharrell announced backstage that N.E.R.D. has gotten rid of the 27 songs they had planned for the Instant Gratification album that was planned to be released later this year. He told a Duke Chronicle journalist that the new album would be entitled Nothing.

My alter-ego

Al Drago — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:19:21 +0000

Full post coming soon!

State Radio

Al Drago — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:40:55 +0000

This is just a quick post, its late and I’m writing a full concert review in the next few days. Last Thursday I went to the State Radio concert at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC. I went with my friends Margaret and her brother, Tim O’Brien, a photojournalist over at NC State. We were interchanging lens and cameras, so I was able to try out his 40D and 50mm f/1.4, both of which I was very impressed.

Click here for the full story.

Up The Tree

Al Drago — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:13:28 +0000

Back when the snow came two weeks ago (see last post) I had a crazy week. I called it a “reverse week” since I had five days off and only two days of classes, needless to say it was sweet. So with all this time off I decided my best course of action was to go outside and shoot some. I always enjoy shooting from this angle.

Photo Tip: When first practicing shooting from this angle (horizontal from the subject), try shooting up a tree or across a roof. Focus on a specific part of the subject to leave the rest of the image out of focus.

Not only do these examples have a lot of depth to them, but they have a reoccurring pattern so you can clearly see whats in focus and whats out. I tried out shooting across on my roof when I first purchased my Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS which I unfortunately just parted ways with yesterday.

Long story short I sold all the lenses I wasn’t using as much anymore and bought a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. I was debating between that and the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6. I kept going back and forth on the two but decided on the 17-85mm because its very compact and I don’t need that much of a zoom. (I have my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 for that) For some reason the extra mm (17 over 18) caught my attention when I really should have been paying attention to the fact that the 17-85mm is f/4 at lowest aperture whereas the 18-135mm is f/3.5 at lowest. I mean, hopefully that won’t make too much of a difference. I know I’m just rambling now.

But I guess if we’re on the topic of lenses, I’ll let you know what my plan in the upcoming months are. I plan on upgrading my camera body from a Rebel XTi to a Canon 7D. So excited! (But that’s another topic for another time) The two lenses that are on my wish list are the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM and the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. The 10-22mm has always intrigued me and for some reason I’m hooked on getting a lens with so little zoom (for once!) The 17-55mm is quite frankly THE standard lens to have. However even if I sell the 17-85mm I just purchased, those two lenses are some very expensive pieces of glass.

Oh, and I almost forgot! (I know, what next!?) Last week I traded a friend my Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4 broken AF for his Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens. I’m not sure if its a permanent trade, but for now I sure am enjoying it. I promise I’ll save this topic for later, but man its strange using a prime lens. I actually have to move back and forth to zoom! (I’m a zoom junkie)

So I guess that’s all for now, a brief post with lots of photo lens talk. Everything else is going well. I’m busy with school, running, journalism, and DJ-ing, but man am I enjoying life.

Interesting Icicle

Al Drago — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:07:34 +0000

Ah, winter. Snow, ice, school closings, gotta love it. Its been so long since the Triangle received this much snow, at least five years. Usually I’m a big snow enthusiast and supporter, but this time I was doubtful it would have an impact on anything. Boy was I wrong…

The snow began Friday night, only enough to stick and make an appearance. I thought that would be it and everyone’s hopes would be crushed. I went to bed confident that the snow was done and it would be a wet and disappointing weekend.

I woke up around noon Saturday only to look out my window and realize I was totally wrong. There was a good four inches of snow that stuck and it was still snowing lightly. I eat breakfast quickly and rushed outside to enjoy the snow.My friend Scott and I busted out the old sleds from the basement and spent the whole day sledding down “the hill” by our house. By six, we were wiped and to my disbelief, although the sun was out all day hardly any snow melted. It remained below freezing all day, and that meant one thing: another snow day.

I spent my Sunday pretty much the same way. I was out all day sledding and even made a snowman which I sent to The Daily Tar Heel.

By this time, the snow began melting a little. I was able to drive to Kroger without too much difficulty to get dinner, but it was still pretty rough out there. Now that the roads were starting to melt and the sun was going down, everyone knew ice was inevitable. Just about all local schools were canceled for Monday which definitely seemed logical.

Of course if one receives a snow day, thou must spend it playing outside all day. I mean, that’s just a given. Now its Monday night and school is once again canceled for tomorrow. I think I know what I’m going to do.

I’ve always enjoyed the snow; its very calming and I just love how it leaves a clean white blanket over everything. I took this photo of an icicle hanging off the side of my house. I used my Canon 70-200mm IS f/2.8 lens for the shot and was happy with the result.

Desert

Al Drago — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:41:43 +0000

Back in the summer of 2007, I went on a cross country road trip with my friends to New Mexico. One of the stops was at Arches National Park in Utah. I snapped this photo out of the window when we were first driving in. I really like how the desert bushes are all shaped to one side because of the wind.