Usher: Past Present Future Tour
Leica Monochrome for the Win!
After the Super Bowl performance, I knew I needed to attend Usher’s tour. It took some convincing, but I got my fiancé to agree to purchase VIP tickets. The tickets weren’t cheap, but Usher is one of the artists I know who will never disappoint.
The first time I heard Usher was when my mom and I visited my sister in Denver after she moved there. She had the Confessions CD, and I played it over and over the whole time I was there. I was 11 years old, and I was hooked. Even my mother was hooked; for some reason, I remember her quoting, “She’s three months pregnant and she’s keeping it,” which, now that I think about it, is a very weird line to keep quoting.
Fast forward 20 years later, and Usher was coming to the Wells Fargo Center. I don’t go to many concerts, but every time I do, I think about how I can sneak in a camera.
Wells Fargo Center Camera Rules:
Video and audio recording devices are not permitted in the Wells Fargo Center.
No professional equipment, detachable lenses, or lenses longer than 2.5” are permitted.
GoPros and Contour cameras are not permitted.
Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted.
Please note that the camera policy for each event is determined by the event and is subject to change.
The great thing is, I measured my Leica 90mm 2.8 lens, and it was technically a bit longer than 2.5”, but it’s not like they have a ruler. Because it’s attached to a small camera like the M10 Monochrom, I thought there would be no problems. Granted, if I were to go to more concerts, I would want to get a Q3 because it would help with cropping. Of course, I didn’t plan ahead and rent a Q3, so I had to use what I had. Honestly, I’m happy I brought the monochrome camera with me because, at ISO 6400, you can’t notice any horrible grain in the frame.
When we entered, one security guard did question me a lot. I told him the camera doesn’t record any video, and the lens doesn’t get any better than what he sees now, and he believed me. I guess they talked about me because another security guard told me I should probably not carry it out in the open while I’m in the VIP bar. He said there was a chance they would ask me to leave, so I just gave it to my fiancé to put in her purse.
I’m happy I took the chance because I enjoyed the photos I was able to create. I posted a reel and tagged Wells Fargo Center, and they actually reposted my photos, which I found funny because I technically shouldn’t have had the camera on me. I’m just happy they liked the photo as well!
In life, sometimes you just need to take a chance, tell the truth, and hope good things will follow.
You can view more photos here