Concert Photos   

I was greatly saddened to learn of the death of legendary concert photographer Jim Marshall this week, who was found dead in a New York hotel room on March 24th at age 74.

Marshall's typically black & white documentary-style photos are some of the most iconic images in rock and roll; his exceptional eye managed to catch some of music's biggest names in the most intimate situations.

Whenever anyone asks me how I got the photographs I did, why I was often the only photographer present or got such unique access I reply simply, ‘Trust.’
— Jim Marshall

Much has already been written about Marshall's death (see here, here, here, and here), so I'll just leave you with a gallery of some of my favorite Jim Marshall photos. They say a picture's worth a thousand words, but I think some of these are worth well more than that.

Rest in peace Jim. Your legacy in photos will live forever.

Cash Flipping The Bird || 1969

Garcia Backstage at Woodstock || 1969

Jim Morrison Smoking || 1968

Hendrix at the Drums || 1967

Dylan Press Conference || 1965

Earlier this week The Dead played a two-night stand at Allstate Arena in Chicago and Jamtopia had local photographer Jason Kaczorowski (pronounced Kaz-er-ah-ski) on the scene.

When he's not busy working as a wedding photographer, Jason volunteers as a concert photographer for the Mockingbird Foundation and Headcount. Plus he's currently organizing Mock Show, a poster convention during this summer's Phish Red Rocks shows.

I hope you enjoy Jason's great concert photos of The Dead in Chicago as much as I do.

Grand Prize Winner

Mike McCready of Pearl Jam || July 12, 2008
Photo by Jeff Kravitz for Inside Celeb Pics

1st Runner-up

Gogol Bordelo || Aug 19, 2008
Photo by Alexandre Pinabel for Collectif ISO

2nd Runner-up

Eating Glass || June 8, 2008
Photo by Ben Hajdukiewicz

Congratulations Jeff Kravitz!

Jeff's stunning picture of Pearl Jam's Mike McCready going airborne at the 2008 VH1 Rock Honors is getting an honor of its own — 1st place in the 2008 Jamtopia Concert Photo Contest.

I could see him tensing his leg muscles, hear the music reaching a crescendo, and I just waited for the right moment. Hands down the best photo I have ever taken.
— Jeff Kravitz

It wasn't unanimous, but two of our three judges chose Jeff's picture as their favorite from the more than 330 great concert photos entered in the contest. Personally, I loved this one from the second I saw it. As Jeff said, he took this one at just the right moment!

Our 1st runner-up is Alexandre Pinabel who captured the incredible emotion of Eugene Hütz and Pamela Racine from the New York gypsy punk outfit Gogol Bordello.

And taking the 2nd runner-up slot is Ben Hajdukiewicz with his photo of Jose from the Canadian hardcore band Eating Glass. As judge Andy Gadiel said, “it literally looks like his face is melting.”

Congratulations Jeff, Alexandre, and Ben, and thanks again to nearly 200 professional and amateur concert photographers who entered. Hope we can do it again next year.

Want to see more great concert photos? See all 12 finalists.

With sincere thanks to all of the 195 professional and amateur concert photographers who entered the 2008 Jamtopia Concert Photo Contest, I'm very pleased to announce the finalists.

I must say it was nearly impossible to pick just 12 finalists from the more than 330 great concert photos entered, but without further ado, here they are…

Franki Doll || Feb 21, 2008
Photo by Roger Krueger

Die Mannequin || Apr 24, 2008
Photo by Reinier Asscheman

Grace Potter || Apr 25, 2008
Photo by Greg Homolka

OK Go || May 16, 2008
Photo by Tasha Schalk

Boris || May 29, 2008
Photo by Nathan Wind

Ratdog || June 1, 2008
Photo by Matt Beauchemin

Eating Glass || June 8, 2008
Photo by Ben Hajdukiewicz

Radiohead || June 9, 2008
Photo by Samuel Dietz

Anthrax || June 22, 2008
Photo by Jazmin$Million

Pearl Jam || July 12, 2008
Photo by Jeff Kravitz

Paramore || July 25, 2008
Photo by Cody Mulcahy

Gogol Bordelo || Aug 19, 2008
Photo by Alexandre Pinabel for Collectif ISO

Want to see the winner? Come back on November 1st for the big announcement.

Learn more about the 2008 Jamtopia Concert Photo Contest.

The 2008 Jamtopia Concert Photo Contest comes to a close at the end of September, so you've only got 30 days to enter your concert photos for a chance to win a Canon PowerShot SD750.

Meanwhile, the contest is jamming along. The number of entries has doubled again and there are now close to 200 great concert photos in the contest. Here are some of the latest entires that really capture the spirit of the competiton…

Bob Weir || June 1, 2008
Photo by Matt Beauchemin

Michael Stipe || July 2008
Photo by xylum tube

The Academy Is… || July 9, 2008
Photo by sarah beck

Vampire Weekend || June, 2008
Photo by simpsonradio

C.C. Deville || August 14, 2008
Photo by bluemanatee1202

Phil Lesh || July 12, 2008
Photo by moongrasspro

Think your concert photos can compete with these? Visit our concert photo contest area to learn how to enter, meet the judges, read the official rules, and get some great concert photography tips & advice.