Photos

Nina Diaz fronts a terrific power trio from San Antonio, Texas called GIRL IN A COMA. Her sister Phanie plays drums and Jenn Alva is on bass.

These women just flat BRING IT. They will often go from intimately soft to distorted-crunchy loud several times in a single song. Here, Nina takes a quiet moment, lifting her sweaty hair to make eye contact while singing a heartfelt verse before attacking her guitar again.

This was shot at an annual festival in Austin, "Pachanga Fest." It's small, but that's one thing that makes it superior to the larger and better-known Austin festivals. (So don't tell anyone about it!)

Concert photography -- especially in a rock context -- is often a challenge. Stage light is low and colored, flash is often not allowed, and the performers are usually hyperactive. When using autofocus, one must be sure the camera has chosen the right spot, such as face or hands, rather than a random item like the end of the guitar. Given the low light, long shutter speeds are necessary, so you have to shoot when the performer holds still for a moment. When it all comes together, it's a wonderful milieu, but I often rely on the "crutch" of digital shooting -- hit the shutter as often as possible! -- to get a good shot.

Girl in a Coma has been touring for ten years, building fans across the country. They write great songs and have an eclectic sense for covers -- everything from "Walking after Midnight" to "Femme Fatale." Don't be surprised to see them get big.