concert ∙ Isobel Trigger · Victoria BC

In photography by webmeister Bud

This was a crazy weekend. T’was Father’s Day, my 15th anniversary with my wifey, the first day of summer, and YYJ Rocktographers’ Festival Season showcase.

Somewhere in there, though, I deked out of my regularly scheduled programming to catch a band I love: Isobel Trigger.

Here’s where it gets interesting: this was a small, free, mid-afternoon show in the parking lot of Long & McQuade, set against the chainlink-fence-which-prevents-you-from-falling-many-storeys-to-your-doom slash dumpster-and-loading-pallets background, with 3/4 of the band under a shady tent, and 1/4 of the band in direct sunlight.

But boy howdy, do I ever love a shooting challenge. =)

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0001Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM · 18 mm · 1/4000 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

This . . . is the rockstar point. I’ve only ever received this from an artist once before (Vince Vaccaro at Rifflandia 2011) and, as a concert photographer, there’s a special aflutter your heart goes when you receive this.

Felicia totally played up to the three photographers in attendance for this show. Honestly, the last time I saw this amount of attention to the photographers was when I shot KISS.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0002Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 · 126 mm · 1/1500 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

Ariel, under the sun spotlight, was a focused, unstoppable ball of drumming energy. Also, go long-haired drummers. So great for badass photos.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0003Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 · L: 175 mm · M: 159 mm · R: 110 mm · 1/4000 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

Felicia shines with stage presence, and her comfort singing is obvious, leaving her free for little moments with the crowd like this.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0004Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 · 146 mm · 1/1500 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

The entire band is very exacting in their music, hitting one-note breaks with impressive precision before everyone kicks back just as strong and loud.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0005Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 · L: 126 mm · R: 76 mm · 1/1500 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

Brett, on guitar (and just as impressive on a pedal steel), has that rockstar vibe to him. He’s in to it.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0006Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 · 70 mm · 1/1500 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

Conversely, bassist Ryan seems completely chill about the whole situation.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0008Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 · 83 mm · 1/2000 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

It was a super-fun performance, and the second I’ve seen from them. Isobel Trigger has been my USS of late.

I attempted to be at the first seven performances USS had in Victoria, and was blocked at every turn by sickness, scheduling conflicts, miscommunication, alien attacks, etc. before I finally succeeded. A few times.

It took me a few tries to finally catch Isobel Trigger live at Rock the Royal! last year and, since then, I’ve managed to miss at least three of their shows. I SHALL PERSEVERE.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0009Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 · L: 88 mm · L: 200 mm · 1/1500 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

And can I just say that Felicia has the most amazing rings since Georgia Murray? So flippin’ cool.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0010L: Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM · 35 mm · 1/3000 s · f/1.8 · ISO 400
R: Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 · 175 mm · 1/1500 s · f/2.8 · ISO 400

It was just 30 or so of us in a back parking lot, but Isobel Trigger rocked it like they were headlining an arena stage which, by all rights of their talent, is the status I believe they deserve.

20150623 - Isobel Trigger 2015-0011Canon EOS 70D · Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM · 18 mm · 1/4000 s · f/1.8 · ISO 400

=)