PicsArt Monthly PicsArt Monthly Magazine July Issue 2015 | Page 25

WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING PERFORMANCE YOU’VE EVER SEEN AND WHY? Late last year I began shooting for a company in Seattle called “Seattle Living Room Shows”. They get up-and-coming bands to come play shows in small, intimate venues around the city. The shows are cut back, personal, and really allow the audience to connect with the musicians. These shows are surprising because people come to see these shows for the true love of music. The room is silent while the band is playing, everyone fully appreciating every second the band is performing. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY SINCE YOU BEGAN? As a photographer, there’s definitely an etiquette around shooting from the pit. Lots of unwritten rules that generally come down to being a good neighbour. Don’t use flash, don’t hog “the good spot” all night, get your shots and move on so that others can get their shots too, things of that nature. It’s a very small community and it’s important to be nice, friendly, and make connections with others. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY? Definitely discovering new music. I usually get to every show I shoot early, so I can photograph and listen to the opening acts. These bands are usually up-and-coming, and it’s great to get to know their music and style. The other thing about music photography is there’s a very real rush that comes over you when you’re photographing a band up close. When you get your image of “that moment” from the performance where the guitarist is really rocking out, or the crowd is on their feet cheering, it’s kind of awesome. PicsArt Monthly |25