ALKY
Taking a Vintage Risk with ALKY & Orla Monelle at Whelan’s
Whelan’s was already buzzing when I arrived, but I was more nervous than usual, because that night, I brought a lens that could either ruin every shot or deliver pure magic. I had the incredible opportunity to shoot ALKY and special guest Orla Monelle, two artists whose performances were nothing short of electric. What made the night even more memorable was a risky gear decision on my end. Normally, I keep my loadout light—just my camera and two trusty lenses. But with a bit of determination (and some very tight squeezing), I managed to cram a third into my satchel: the vintage HELIOS 44-2. For those who haven’t used it, the HELIOS 44-2 is a legendary/infamous Soviet lens from the 1970s. It’s fully manual, slightly unpredictable, and loved for its dreamy, swirling bokeh rather than clinical sharpness. I’d never dared to bring it to a gig before because manual focus and fast-moving artists are usually a nightmare combo but something told me to give it a shot. I paired the HELIOS with my Sony A7RV, which made the whole setup even more exciting. The large sensor size on the camera absolutely sings in low light, pulling out crisp detail and texture that would’ve been lost on a smaller rig. The combination of vintage glass and the large sensor created something really special. ALKY’s sound instantly grabbed me—he reminded me of Interpol, The National, and other bands in that space: moody, driving, and emotionally textured. His stage presence was next level. He didn’t just perform; he pulled the crowd in. Even in the tight, intimate space of Whelan’s, he had the audience right up front, completely locked in. Orla Monelle brought a gorgeous contrast with her set—ethereal, confident, and magnetic in her own right. One of the biggest variables at any gig is lighting. It can make or break your photos and the edit. Thankfully, the lighting techs leaned into deep reds for most of the show. That rich, moody palette paired beautifully with the HELIOS’s quirks, creating a soft, laid-back atmosphere that perfectly matched the vibe of the night. Was every shot a keeper? Not even close. Manual focus in that environment is chaos. But the ones that landed? They really landed. The kind of images that feel a little rough around the edges—but in the best way. Honest. Dreamlike. This shoot reminded me why I fell in love with live music photography in the first place. Sometimes, stepping outside your usual setup, embracing the mess, and chasing a feeling is exactly what you need to capture something real.
