City Pages article
by Youa Vang
1.7.15
I found this article and thought it was worth a read as its my favourite genre of photography. The article explores the differences between not only the photographers and the equipment they use but also the different uses for the photographs and how they are used.
The article also discusses how the advancements in technology are "changing the game" and changing the way photographers have to work in this new age.
With the power of the internet offering so much more for photographers, the costs of professional equipment are decreasing, opening a door for more new photographers to join in.
But the quote Vang uses from photographer Eric Hess points out that to be successful, you have to work from the bottom and work your way up while you find your own style.
Another quote from photographer Adam Degross says that although he believes you should learn the basics, it's not necessary to study photography to become a good music photographer.
But Vang goes on to question how photographers now make money in the field of photography with so much competition. The answer suggests it's the photographers passion, hard work and individual goals that will prevail.
I agree with the views expressed in the article. As someone who is passionate about gig photography, I can understand the struggles within the genre.
There are many websites where you are 'interned' or contribute by taking and supplying the pictures for nothing but they will organise free access and a photo pass for you to take the pictures. However, some that I have experienced also require you to review the gig at the same time. Usually you will either go along with another contributor who will then review the gig while you take the photos or the photographer will have to do both. As a photographer, I don't understand how this can be expected of you, although I understand why, with the gig promoter wanting a full review on the website in exchange for the free passes. But as the norm is to have the first 3 songs to capture your required shots, there is no way I would be able to concentrate or have time to concentrate on writing as well. Plus, I'm really not good with words at the best of times.
I think it goes back to the influence of the internet and how most smaller, independent websites need more from contributors for nothing. This is where photographers draw the short straw. If the same site had a writer who wanted to review, they are now able to go along and maybe take one or two photos on their smartphones to accompany the review but these photos wont be the passionate, heart felt, well thought out images that a photographer would get.
I agree that the best paid photographers will be the ones who can score a full time position with a band, etc, where they get a full tour/s. Also, there are those who work their way up to work for the bigger music magazines but this will also require a lot of passion, hard work and sufficient experience. As discussed in my critical review, modern technology has positively changed the market, as it is in constant demand and offers a larger playing field however, it is having an impact on traditional photography and how we capture images.
I would love to be able to do a lot more music photography when I'm older and time allows and I will continue with it as a hobby until that time. But I have the passion for it and always work hard at it when I do so I'm hoping I can have some success at it in the future.
The article can be found online at http://www.citypages.com/music/can-professional-concert-photography-survive-7446275
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