If you can dream it, You can do it.~

Shooting From Mortals To Monsters 2/20/15... 

You're about to get a look into another first for me, Although I've done plenty of shoots I've never gotten to do one with a band. And now that I've completed the task, I can breathe and reflect on it.

I Got so lucky honestly. Not only were the dudes amazing & easy to work with, But we met at Rabbit Foot One of my favorite spots in dah world no joke. I tried their MardiGras inspired King cake latte. It was like a party in my mouth! Perfect way to kick start the day.
Which is funny because I actually mentioned that and got the
"That's the point comment" from Rob. (Pretty sure anyway)
The owner/ barista Who at some point after that Over heard us talking about where we should shoot and mentioned their new building. (Which I've known about and am stoked on) They're expanding and moving Next to west end. I never would have expected It to happen like this but he trusted us, and handed me the key to an almost perfect location.

For me at least as a lover for all things old and creepy looking even? It was basically still just an old abandoned building. And lighting was tricky at times but it was a lovely shooting location. Which was just a good card dealt of a moment. I didn't previously find time to location search so take my word on it when I say I was stressing about where to go.

I spilled coffee all over myself, And broke BOTH of my hair ties, But other than that the shoot went extremely well. The dudes Jay,Tucker,Alex,Larry,and Ryan were so much fun to shoot. They made it really easy actually. Which was amazing seeing how it was my first time, And I barely knew what To tell them to do.
 I was nervous going into it because I didn't know any of them very well. But I think I caught their personality's pretty well for hardly knowing them.  I'm happy Neither them or myself  made me feel like I wasn't capable of doing it. Like I feared in the back of my mind at the start of it.
 I didn't think It would come out okay but it did.

Sometimes in life, You just have to go with it and take that chance. The Silverstien show didn't work out. And wasn't in the cards for me, But this time around the hand was dealt to my advantage. I've said this time And time again but Believe to see. I had faith that it would be okay, despite the odds feeling so against myself and my life lately.

Luckily, My PMA (positive mental attitude) Is coming back And i'm looking forward to taking on the scene in 2015. This is going to be Our year. And by that I mean Myself and the people I surround myself with.  Together we can do anything.
 I'm finally set goals for myself. And if things go well I'll report on them later on.

I fell in love with this shot, It's far from perfect as you can see. But I still like it.

I dislike textures in photos usually. But liked how this turned out????

Alex. 

Jay-Drums

Tucker-Vocals/synth

Alex-Bass

I've always been a sucker for candids, And making sure to capture the moment when goofing off.
Quality (and quantity of "good" shots) might be important. But it's never been my main focus. I capture a persons essence and the moments. And sometimes it's easier than others to get both. I'm personally really happy and proud of these. Hopefully the band thinks highly of them as well. 

Larry-Guitar 

A photo of a selfie. 

Ryan- Guitar/vocals

Fmtm is working on a new album right now, And from what I've heard it's killer.
I'm a big fan of bands that put stories into their songs/ Albums so I'm really excited to hear it in full.
And to see the shots they decide to use for it. :P

Here is their ReverbNation where you can check out the singles, and songs they have posted at the moment. And Their Facebook to stay updated on it all. Hoping to catch/ cover A show again soon. But for now my next post should be about Sister kill cycle, The knowing within, And the catcher and the rye. So stay tuned for that next week! Working on not only branching out but posting more often.

I really care about this. And I'm determined to fight for it.
This post was short But so was the shoot surprisingly. I didn't have a lot of time to get to know them as much as I'd have liked to, But I look forward to hanging and shooting them again in the future. When I met them, I never thought I'd see or hear from them again, Let alone get the chance to do something so huge for them. It's reassuring to have new allies and friends In the music scene willing to work with me. It's not very likely that many bands would be so easy going about things like they were. They came to my side of town. And were up for whatever, And that was so rad. I went into it with confidence for once in my life , Despite the nerves about little things. And the result was amazing.  If I do say so myself that is.

I'm on a roll here, And this is only the beginning. I cannot wait to get more shoots set up and maybe even get myself back into the same location if I could be that lucky.
Hope you all stick it out with me! Going to be one hell of an adventure. ~chyster

Untitled

This one goes out to Jason Mineer. ( cough the best sound guy ever. cough cough)
 If you're reading this, Know this post wouldn't exist without you.
I cannot thank you enough for all the support you've shown me. People like you are why I'm here. Your comments and excitement made me want to write. And i'll hold onto that, And try to start documenting more often. *smirks*

With that being said, this probably isn't going to be one of my bests, And i'm okay with that.
But are you guys? I feel like now that I have somewhat of a following I have people to let down.
These blogs aren't just for me anymore. Although still viewed through the eyes of Chyster everything feels so different about the writing process. I care so much more, I'm putting in so much more effort. And i'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared about not being good enough.

But I cannot even begin to explain the amazing compliments I've gotten about this blog. And for that reason I'm fighting to keep it up as much as possible. I haven't been writing as much, Because the Nights I've had probably seem like one in the same to anyone who wasn't there.
I mean come on how much can one write about the same venue, And praise the same band so much before it gets old? West end has become A place of comfort for me. But the darkness of my mind followed me this time around and really put a damper on the night. I think it's because I was surrounded by people who would be okay with me NOT being okay. (for some reason I still feel like death, although the anxiety factors have ceased which is nice time being)

But i'd be damned if I was going to let it stop me. The night was hectic but ended up being an another amazing night.  I don't think I've ever been so out of shooting and into singing my heart out. I've never shot this little of The knowing within. And that's okay with me.
 Sorry to report that I didn't catch enough of every band's set to talk about things properly. Or have photos to show. But I will say that from what  was caught, all the bands were great as always.
 RRE (red rabbit entertainment) Never fails. They are so great about putting bands that flow together, But don't all sound the same or bore anyone. It's awesome how different each bands sound was.

I got to spend more time with the band bro's than normal this show around.
So much goofing off and dancing per usual I swear the knowing within is the biggest bunch of goofs. (although completely professional and serious when need be)
Getting to know them on such a personal level has been the best experience of my life. And it's just the beginning. So get used to always hearing about it. I never ever in my wildest dreams expected a band I love so much to become such great friends of mine. They are my family, Fans included, We are the Knowing within-gers.

(They'll always be super heroes to me! Be your own hero<3 But always have other great ones surrounding you.)

I once made this comment and Can't help but share it here. They're like the band from Scott Pilgrim but opposite
" We are Sex Bob-omb Here to make you think about death and get sad N stuff."
 Vs We are the knowing within Here to make you think about life and be Happy N stuff.
And I've been doing just that lately.

I know hands down I want to work in the music industry, And go back to school to better my chances of actually achieving that. But I'm so confused about which directions to take, or where to start.
There's so much that interests me, Or that I could see myself doing..... ergh. I think honestly tho getting my dang license is the best to focus on for now. I've put it off for far too long. It's time to grow up and deal with it. I'm capable. I'm just scared sh**less . Wow okay I didn't mean to make this all about me. Sorry about that. I just feel like I'm supported, and finally ready to listen to MY KNOWING WITHIN. (cheesiness aside I mean it, They've helped me in so many ways.)
My heart wants wings, my brain want's roots. and I cannot stand their bickering's.

I just want to go on adventures and make my attempts at being a starving artist. But I'm starting to think that that isn't the place to start. I need to become stable and full of growth, Before I can expect to uproot myself and survive.... Life is funny, Just when I thought a door was opening for me It slammed shut in my face. It's still swinging, So maybe eventually when the time is right I'll sneak my way through it. Or maybe i'll break a window.  I'm just so tired of the same old thing, Go figure I'd get too comfortable somewhere and crave for new places to find my place in. A never ending cycle for me. Escapes only last for so long. The worries of my life and mind clouded my work And even my play and it was killing me to the brink of tears almost all night. I can't even understand the things that were racing in my head But oh boy was it buzzing.

In other news, I should be attending Silverstien's Discovering the water front tour Next weekend On valentines day.... And I just might return to tell the tale. Fingers are crossed on that one, I've been in situations before where it seemed like everything was perfect Just to throw me for a loop give up thinking it's not happening only to do a total 360 and end up working out???? So who knows. Not going to stress myself over it. If it's meant to happen it will. (Dear parents, Not driving me won't make my license ordeal any easier just for the record.....! In fact it'll probably just push me further into my dark hole abyss of being stuck. Making it happen is what will push me to suck it up and grow up.)
Also I've been asked by a few people for potential shows/ shoots that I'm really looking forward into making happen. The want seems to be there. But the will to make it work? Not so much. This is my life, It's always going to be. Now I just need the money to follow so I can keep it up..... I can't rely on my parents forever, And what little money I have saved up isn't going to last much longer at this pace. Plus I'm craving new gear. Which is killing me to even think about because $$$$$$$ </3 *siiiigghhhh*

 

These dudes are all about giving back, they've done so much for myself and their fans. And even strangers and haters as well i'm sure!..... 

Whether it's the emotional relate-able lyrics that can help you realize there's light in the darkness, the support of good vibes when around them Or the things they're constantly sharing/ giving away. This time it was original hand written lyrics, and a few other things. But in the past I've gotten broken sticks, set lists, picks, shirts, you name it. They never fail to make someones show experience special.  Even if it's something as simple as Getting high fives or singing into the mic. Tim is the best at what he does. Every single person in the room can be moved. And can feel involved/ special. 

 The stage is his element. It's where they all belong. And it shows. They were made for this. 

You'll struggle, And they will too. 

there's no getting around that. But YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. 

 God is faithful and always provides the pathway, And the strength to carry on.

I live for seeing these guys make differences in peoples lives like they did in mine. 

Every show thus far has been unique and amazing in it's own way. 

But this time around it was really great just to kick back and enjoy the time with my band bros And with some of the within-gers!<3 

West end is the perfect place for it too. 

It's character is so chill and full of hard working good vibe-ing people.  And they put up with all our insanity x) Like James, the drummer breaking a pair of new sticks on the tables while jamming out to dubstep-y rap music? I guess that's what you'd call it haha. Also they have the best south western eggrolls. Okay seriously. Try them. it's worth it I swear. 

If I had the guts I'd look into getting a job there...... Because I really love being there so much recently.

Also HUGE thank you to Jason johansen

 (Yes another jason Crazy To wrap your head around right)  

Of fat rat photography for all he's done so far to help me. 

I've already learned so much and i'm really grateful for it. He stepped in and fixed my camera settings because I was lame and too lost in my head to be shooting manual until he intervened. :) Plus it's always great to watch him do promo shots. Although I often wish it was me taking them... It's highly enjoyable to see him at work. And to learn what I can from him.

He's so great in his own way. :) 

I feel like this was a pretty blah post And I left moments out??? this post was personal enough already. Anyways as always if you made it thus far, Your support and patience means the world to me. I hope you enjoy my rambles.~ Chyster. 

Ps, For those of you who are knew to what i'm talking about, Here's a link to their newest song  An Untold Story and the link to their book of faces! TheKnowingWithin  Jam out, and like them while you're at it! And here's a link to RedRabbit'sFacebook take a moment to check out all the great gigs they have coming up this spring! (personally i'm stoked for The sister kill cycle show)