Jason: Rex, how did you get your start in concert photography?
Rex: I have always loved music and being around it. My background is in video and graphic design. Having a background with video I was familiar with a camera and when I had free time at concerts I would just mess around snapping off some photos. Once day a good friend and one of my favorite musicians Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival expressed to me how much she loved my photos and her belief that I should start to take photography more serious. I’m happy I decided to listen to her.
Jason: What’s your favorite type of photos to take at a concert or festival?
Rex: I love to get that up close and personal photo with a shit tone of expression, but my favorite would have to be arranging large group photos. Music brings out unique people and provides a place for personal expression. Getting these photos of friends or a group of devoted fans always leads to a fun image. They can be a pain in the ass to arrange 50 plus people, but once it’s all ready the expressions and joy on everyone face takes the prize!
Jason: Any advice you would have to anyone wanting to get into music photography?
Rex: Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile to get a photo that you want. Try to get the best access you can. When you do get the access you want act like you have done it before and belong there. Sometimes people don't think twice and will let you run wild if you look like you know what your doing. Be nice to the security and people working the stage area. Sometimes you can talk your way into places your not supposed to be. Always have your camera ready to take a photo. You never know who you will take a photo of or what will end up unfolding right in front of your eyes.
Jason: What’s the worst thing that has happened to you on a job site?
Rex: I was at a festival, I won’t say which one, and I was working with a bands to do extended work, like on stage and all access. The band gave me an all access pass that hangs around my neck so people knew I had permission. The person running production on the stage didn’t believe me that I had the permission even with the pass. He got over aggressive with me instead of being professional and confirming things with the band. Long story short, in his attempt to be over aggressive with me one of my lenses got dropped out of my pouch and broke as he tried to escort me out of the stage area. As this was unfolding the band's manager saw all of this happen and stepped in. The festival ended up renting me a lens for the rest of the weekend and paid for a new lens.
Jason: What do you find the hardest part about being on the road half the year traveling the country following bands around and festival hoping in the summer?
Rex: I used to say the hardest part was keeping up with all of the photos and not have them pile up for me when I get home. Now I would say is making sure you make sure to take care of myself. Make sure I get enough sleep when I have the opportunity, take a nap if needed, eat well, take a few minutes on the road to get out and see something new so you can stretch your legs and take a moment to enjoy the journey you're on. A few years back I had a major health scare. There was a point where death was a strong possibility. During this time I realized how much I let life pass me by all of these years. Yes I was loving running city to city and festival to festival having the time of my life but I never took much time to take care of myself. Now that my health is improving and i'm the feeling better than I have in a very long time I find that I enjoy what I do so much more. Taking that moment to enjoy what's around you, listening to what your body and taking a moment to take it all is has made me a happier person and I think it shows in my work.
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