Figure 22.1. Dave Weckl, drummer for Chick Corea, 2006. Fujifilm Finepix S2, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 1600, 160 mm
Take a lot of shots, as it's hard to predict what the drummer will do next. If you listen well you can probably guess, but the better the drummer, the harder it gets. The best moment to shoot is when the drummer goes round on the drum kit (drum roll). When the drumsticks hit the toms or cymbals, you will see the sticks in your photo. Another nice option is to let the drummer's face hide behind a big cymbal. The moment he hits the cymbal with his drumstick, it will top over and you will catch a glimpse of his face. That is your moment.
A good standpoint to shoot drummers is the side where the hi-hats are positioned. These are two smaller cymbals on the left-hand side of the drummer (right-hand side to you), which he operates with his foot and the sticks. He leans over nicely when he hits them. Most of the time, the hi-hat is used during a verse when the focus is on the rhythm.
Depending on where you stand, the drum kit offers many photo opportunities and you have a chance to shoot a really great picture. The same goes for percussionists, with the great advantage that they are more visible as they stand behind their instruments. Here as well, a few details and parts of the instruments in your photo will be sufficient.
