There are many reasons for that hiatus - and to be honest, I might get a little too personal, but that's what this blog is all about, right? Following my journey as a photographer.
One of the reasons for the unintended hiatus from music photography is that I'm super busy Resetting San Francisco. It involves producing videos, such as our San Francisco Para-Mayoral Activity horror video and the Parkzing app review (Yup, I totally pulled a George Clooney and did a director-actor-writer move.); taking photos of events, and helping out with other types of media among many other things.
I was also busy finishing up my last classes at Berkeley - I officially graduated in August, a year early!
I've been totally Type A-ing it.
Another reason I took a break from concert photography is that when I was at SXSW back in March, someone I loved, respected, and, most importantly, trusted said "You shouldn't be surprised when people tell you your photos look like shit." I know that the more mature and confident thing would have been to just brush it off and not let it get to me. Instead, I ended up so self-conscious and depressed.
I know I'm no Terry Richardson. My photos aren't gracing the covers of Rolling Stone. But... I didn't think they were that bad. Yes, I know I've been having trouble shooting at some of our events at work, but I still didn't think I was TOO bad a photographer. That person's comments really shook me up. For a long time, I just couldn't be the brave, risk-taking photographer I used to be. I always second-guessed my ability and thought my photos were just going to be ugly - creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of terrible photography.
I've gotten some awesome opportunities lately to go to really great shows. One of which was the Phantogram show at the Fillmore on November 2. My friend Steve chose me to film his interview with the band (I'll post a link when it's done) and photograph the concert.
Events like that really helped me get out of my funk. I'm still self-conscious and harsh on myself, but I think I'll grow and improve without that discouraging person in my life.
With that said, I present my favorite photos from the Phantogram show:
