The National
Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
November, 7 2007
By James Berry

I chose this picture as it was from the first gig I shot from a photo pit: The National at one of two headline shows in London shortly after they’d received popular and critical acclaim for the album Boxer. They also happened to be one of my favorite bands, which made the privilege of shooting from so close up all that much sweeter. The band was immaculate, too, and the simple lighting really suited their aesthetic. I picked this photo out as it seemed to be a good representation of them, and particularly coy singer Matt Beringer—suggesting confessional whispers in dark expanses. Though I have taken better photos technically, this remains one of my favorites.

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