Behind The Lens - Blast Beats Photography

Within the music industry, there are many aspects that people don't tend to think about... including, Who is the one taking the photos for articles, magazines or for the artist or bands socials? Well we want to show some recognition to those people, and today we would like to highlight Blast Beats Photography by having a brief interview and sharing some of their favorite shots so far!

1- Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get started with concert photography?

I'm still really new to photography, but I was always that kid taking pictures of everything. That just never stopped. My focus became concerts because those are my favorite place to be. Music has always been grounding for me-- you can have nothing and no one in the world, but you can always listen to music. I spent a lot of my life in school, and once I got out, I started going to concerts again and it's only recently that I started taking concert photography more seriously.

2- Do you remember the first show you photographed? What did you shoot with?

I don't remember what my first one was for certain, but the first one where my friends and family started commenting on my photos was the Trinity of Terror tour with Black Veil Brides, Ice Nine Kills, and Motionless in White. At the time, all I had was my cell phone and I didn't do it with anything fancy, but I had specifically got that phone for the good camera, and I got some decent shots. I've only recently upgraded to a legitimate camera-- I have a Sony A7iii. I only have one lens so far, a Sigma 24-70mm. A 50mm is the next lens I'll get!

3- Do you do this full time, or do you have a primary occupation?

This is a hobby for me right now. I work as a small animal emergency veterinarian full time. I work a really varied schedule, but I do get the flexibility to be able to be off for a lot of concerts, which is nice. Now that I have a legitimate camera, I am hoping to do more and more concert photography.

4- Have you had to overcome any challenges or obstacles in your journey so far?

Honestly, just trying to get off of the ground. Like I said, I'm still really new, so there is so much to learn trying to break into this business. Learning about how to set up a business, liability insurances, media passes... it's a lot. I've been really lucky to have a few experienced concert photographers help me with a lot of the nitty gritty, but I know I still have so, so much to learn.

5- What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?

Any time one of the bands or band members shares one of my photos! I swear nothing makes me more excited than when I see that. It has only happened a few times, but it's so cool when it does!

6- What advice would you share with people just getting started with concert photography?

Ask! I've learned so much just by reaching out to photographers that I've followed for awhile. So don't be scared to shoot a message to photographers you look up to or snag one of them as they're leaving the camera pit at a show. They may not all get back to you, but from what I've encountered so far, most people are willing to help the new guys out.

7- Last question, What is one band or artist that you feel is underrated that you want to share with us?

I think most of my favorite bands are pretty well known (Bad Omens, Black Veil Brides, Ice Nine Kills, Bring Me the Horizon...) but there is one called Dark Divine that is AMAZING who isn't quite as well known (yet). I found them on TikTok awhile ago, and saw them live a few times. They put on one hell of a show.

Thank you Rachel for taking time for the interview and look forward to seeing more of your work!