Q: How do you manage to capture the energy of the band and the audience in still pictures?
A: I like the music; I like the performing and I like the stage design of this band. I am still a fan and try to catch the magic moments of the show.
Q: Do you find any difficulty in shooting in concert lighting – where the venue is dark with bright spotlights? If so, how do you make the lighting work for you?
A: The good thing is that Metallica works with the best lighting people in the world. So, normally the light is amazing. It is harder to find the right angle so that you don’t see ugly parts of the stage in the background (cables, advertising, stage workers). The contrast is not so much of a problem.
Q: Do you believe Leica lenses have a distinctive look in the way they render images? Is that important to you?
A: Of course. They are the most contrast full lenses in the world and I love how they show the unsharpness in a picture, the bokeh.

Q: This image uses the harsh concert lighting to accentuate the silhouette of James Hetfield. It is an image that conveys almost a moment of quietude compared to the other high energy shots in this series. Can you tell us a bit about what you were trying to convey here, how you achieved this shot and the technical information of the image?
A: James was standing beside the stage with his back to the crowd while Kirk was playing a solo, standing in a spotlight somewhere else. I saw this moment, which happens in nearly totally darkness. So, I made the f- stop 1.4, got on the right position, took the image and left before the spot was also on James. That’s it.
Q: Many of these images seem to be taken right in the middle of the action. What kind of freedom are you given on-stage and to photograph the band?
A: They give me a lot of freedom because they like the images and want use them for merchandise, the calendar, homepage and fan magazine. Of course there are some rules: don’t step together with the artist in the spotlight, watch out for the movie guys (MTV, etc.) and most importantly don’t disturb the artist during his show.
Q: As a follow-up, do you first find that you need to establish trust and a relationship with the musician(s) before shooting them?
A: A few key things: work peacefully, accept a NO, be invisible and bring good results.
Q: How does the Leica M-System capture images of the band as they play their songs while not interfering in their work or performance?
A: The silence of the camera is not really necessary on stage with a heavy rock band. You have to handle your equipment blind, without thinking “What should I do next?” This makes you quick so you can follow the action in front you. What’s important is, don’t look after a picture on your screen and check. You will miss something important. So I prefer simple equipment on stage. One camera, one lens. No flash, no tripod and no assistant.
Thank you for your time, Michael!
– Leica Internet Team
Connect with Michael on his website.