The Instagram Trend: Adding Effects to My Favorite 2012 Event Photos

“I love singing the songs I’ve written… part of the reason I decide to go out and play them live is to have that experience again.”

— David Byrne, How Music Works

“A picture is worth a thousand words” is probably one phrase that everyone has heard — it doesn’t need explanation here. That adage applies to event or concert photography. It can be very difficult to capture that “moment” however. Without control over the artist or subject, the right moment is fleeting, but if you do catch it, it makes the effort all the more sweet.

But even then, as I develop my knowledge of the digital darkroom, I explore photo filters like Instagram and plug-ins (such as Color Efex Pro). This makes it more challenging to decide if an image is “final” or finally ready for end viewers. Each new software tool exponentially increases the possibilities for your image. In my images below, the original published version (the ones you see immediately) received only minor tweaks. But if you mouse-over, you’ll see a “revision” I created while exploring filters and effects. The changes could be subtle or very obvious, but don’t expect cropping one head from a file and pasting it into a different one because I still like to post the most genuine images of an event.

I’m not suggesting that these newer images are the best possible versions (though they’ve got to be worth at least 750 words) or the best photos ever. I’ve decided they may possibly be more artistic and less journalistic as a result of further manipulation. In the case of PopMatters, I have no reason to present the artistic images in an original instance since I want the article and review of a show to be an accurate representation of the event under consideration. Conversely, I did realize I may not have spent enough time on the original image to have it be as accurate as it could have been. But with the aid of new software, I chose to revisit ten of my favorites from 2012 and present the enhanced images here — at least to take a trip down memory lane.

(Images are presented in no specific order.)

Billie Joe Armstrong at Irving Plaza in September (originally went black and white).

Paulie Malignaggi training at Gleason’s before a title bout at the Barclay’s Center.

Stephen Colbert introducing Colbchella ‘012.

One of the Danceparade 2012 parade-goers.

A humble Flying Lotus appreciative of birthday wishes.

Marina and the Diamonds (posted the enhanced image the first time).

Towards the end of the Mermaid Parade route, I glimpsed the Cyclone in this woman’s sunglasses (originally desaturated images a bit).

Janelle Monae at the Afropunk Festival.

Paul Hammer looking scared (not necessarily his actual thoughts) during a Savoir Adore show.

Frieda Pinto on the Tribeca red carpet for Trishna.

Bonus image: It may not be the best, but it always makes me laugh. Even superheroes have to wait.