MQ: How did you get
into photography? How many years have you been doing it?
DS: I picked up photography strictly as a hobby after I
graduated college in 2004. It was something I was interested in doing and had
friends doing as well. I didn’t know what I was doing, though, but I just went
out and tried a lot of trial and error. As for concert photography, that didn’t
start, consistently, until around 2007 or so. I lived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama –
a college town, so there were always local shows to photograph.
MQ: That is so cool.
I’ve had several friends in high school who would photograph local shows from
behind the curtain. What was some of the equipment you would use, starting out?
How would you get the shots just right with the lighting being so dark?
DS: When I was first staring out, I was using a Canon
Digital Rebel and basic kit lenses. I would then work up to using a 40D and 50D
as other earlier bodies. I had non-DSLR cameras before that, but the Rebel was
the first. As for lighting, well, I had no idea you weren't supposed to use a
flash. I mean I had zero concept about the "rules" and we're also
talking about local non-credentialed shows. I used an external flash for those
local shows. It's something I wouldn't do now, but I have zero apologies for
doing it then.
MQ: What were some of
your most memorable moments at a show you were able to capture through the
camera (if it's even possible to narrow it down)?
DS: Oh... there are lots. If I had to narrow one down, it
would be the night in July of 2010 when I went to Egan's Bar, where I usually
shot shows in Tuscaloosa, to see who was playing that particular Saturday night.
Summer is always a slow time in town so I didn't expect much. Turns out it was
this band from north Alabama called "The Shakes". I was like "They're
pretty damn good for a Saturday night in July band". A year or
so later... they blew up, started getting momentum, and changed their name to
"Alabama Shakes". I mean they are literally why I'm doing
credentialed shows now so that first show I saw them do will always stick with
me.
MQ: The Alabama
Shakes?? They're huge now! Oh wow that's really neat. When these shows go on,
what is it that you look for as a photographer? What makes your camera go
click, in that moment they are performing?
DS: When I shoot a show now, I'm looking for emotion from
the performer. I'm looking for energy. I'm looking for some type of expression.
The photograph has to tell the story of the performance. From a practical point
of view, I'm looking for adequate to decent lighting, a good solid shot of at
least the artist's face, and similar things like that. I make my money by the
photo being able to clearly identify the artist on stage.
MQ: When you started
out in your craft, would you have to fight for a good spot to shoot? Or was there
always some sort of accommodation to where you could set up for a good vantage
point?
DS: When I was shooting at bars, which were very small and
tight, I'd usually get up front early and stay there. Most people knew who I
was so it'd never be a problem in getting to where I needed to be.
MQ: I have to ask,
what was it like to see Carrie Underwood, Blink 182, Chromeo, Tegan and Sara,
St. Lucia, and even GWAR live on stage???? How were you preparing to capture
them through the lens?
DS: They all put on really good and entertaining shows. Each
group and act know the value of putting on a visual performance. GWAR was nuts
because you have to duck and dodge all the stuff they throw into the crowd.
As for preparation, I do standard research for each act I cover, including
seeing current photos to get an idea of how their stage set up looks and what
kind of lighting to expect. I try not to go into any show blind.
MQ: Aside from all
the shows you've photographed, what about your other projects with wedding
portraits and profiles of people you have captured. How did you get into that?
Or was that in the beginning of your endeavor?
DS: Aside from shows, I have a completely separate side of
the business to handle my weddings, portraits, and events work. It's under a
different but similar name as I wanted a clear and distinct difference in the
eyes of the public. When I started out, I didn't think I'd do weddings. I was
happy just experimenting with things, shooting high school football and the
local shows. A friend got married and I offered to do his photography as a
gift. It was a very small outdoor wedding. When I did that, I was like
"Well, I might was well jump feet first into this". I started doing
weddings full on in 2010 and love doing them. I learned a lot about how to do
them from shooting high school football. Both are all about anticipation of
movement, being in the right place at the right time, and thinking on your feet.
MQ: That's really
neat! So lastly I just wanted to ask about any advice you may have for those
looking to start taking up photography?
DS: If you do take up photography, just get out and
practice. See what works and see what doesn't. Trial and error is key in the
learning process. I also encourage people to find their particular style and
look. Don't worry about copying the look of other photographers. Do what appeals
to you and let others find it.
For more information and to see his work, you can visit his sites at the following links:
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