Working with Professional Entertainers...

  Last month I get a request to photograph the living guitar legend, Pat Travers. He, his record and promotion company were in need of new, fresh, high res images for his new CD - "Fidelis" an AWESOME collection of great tunez! You can't help but crank up the volume when listening to this CD!

I've known Pat for years. We lived close to each other and would bump into each other in music stores and on the road along the way.  Hell, when I was younger I used to rent out his rehearsal studio, ARS (Artist Rehearsal Studios). Although we never really hung out, time would go by without seeing each other. But, I still consider him a fellow musician and just a real great guy.
  So a couple of weeks ago we got the paper work together and discussed what everyone was looking for in the pictures so that I could deliver exactly what everyone wanted. Not an easy task, but a fantastic challenge.
 We decided to do the pics at Pat's house. I felt that he would feel much more comfortable there. Pat agreed. Not to mention we would be doing a few wardrobe changes and his collection of fine PRS guitars where there. This way he would not have to drag anything around and we could get this done in a timely fashion.
  Once I arrived, everything went really smooth. Pat knew exactly what he wanted to do and how to do it.  A real professional. He even broke out a little portable amplifier and started playing while I photographed him. (For me, that was a treat!) That really brought out some good vibes and expressions for the images.
  Lots of jokes and goofing off made for a very relaxing photo shoot. And a small tour of his abode.
 After we looked at the proofs on the computer, he asked if I was going to the show in Clearwater, Florida. I had not known of the show and he invited my wife and I to attend. I figured while there we could get shots of the entire band.
 So we drove to Clearwater, Florida's "Ruth Eckerd Hall" and arrived in a torrential downpour of rain while trying to unload the photo gear.

 I love working with professionals. Once we got everything set up, it was like a well oiled machine. It's about business, promotion and getting things done in a timely fashion with the least amount of stress possible. 

 I can't explain to you how wonderful it was that every member of the band was so into what needed to be done. I thank them ALL for making it fun and easy. I was even able to throw in some family portraits of the band members and their loved ones. (My treat to them!)

 Once we were done with the photo session we enjoyed the show then packed everything up and relaxed before the ride home. We sat backstage and talked with the band and their family members about stuff other than music and had a great time with some really great people.

 I had a wonderful time photographing these guys. Their professionalism was top notch. No bullshit, no goofing around when work had to be done. It was a fantastic experience.
  Thank you, Pat, Kirk, Sean, and most of all, Rodney for all of his extra foot work.
I also have to give an extra special thanks to my wife, Angella, for being there to assist, support and just plain love me!

*All Images Copyright 2004-2010 Michael van Gelder.*
*Property of Gelderland Productions, L.L.C.*
*All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.*