The Rock & Roll Lifestyle Of A Professional Photographer
Former Spice Girl Mel C is pictured on stage at Party In The Park at Cardiff Castle in the late '90s. Editorial photographer Scott Ramsey took the photograph. Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography.
I've often thought that a career as a professional photographer has some similarities to a career in the music industry. Odd, you might think but stick with me!
Sure, musicians are in front of the camera rather than behind it and often live in what seems like (at least from the outside) a glamourous world but having photographed Mel C, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Stereophonics and the Manic Street Preachers, all in concert. I've definitely noticed similarities.
Now, I can't speak for all photographers, but for those who specialise in photographing people, like myself, it can definitely be a Rock & Roll lifestyle. The highs and lows can be dramatic.
In fact, sticking with the music theme, photo assignments can often be represented by a soundtrack that includes everything from R&B, Techno, Grime, Blues, K-Pop and Opera. Trust me, some days, it's a real emotional roller coaster, and that's all before you've even taken a photo!
For instance, stress soon replaces excitement when preparing for a photo shoot, and then the pre-assignment nerves kick in; yes, I still get imposter syndrome even after 30 years of taking photos.
On the day of the photoshoot, you have to set up your equipment and, more importantly, know how to use it. Then throughout the day, you continually problem-solve, set up cameras, adjust lights, instruct your assistants, direct the subject, review the images, monitor the light, liaise with the client, think creatively, be witty, serious, empathetic and engaging, adjust camera settings and of course take photos.
Then you relocate, so you need to pack up, move out, and re-setup everything before rechecking the shot list, keeping to the schedule, and adjusting all the lights and cameras again, all whilst being wittier, more serious, more empathetic and more engaging. And above all, more creative!
In fact, you just have to be more of everything the entire time and having time to think can often seem like a luxury.
But do you know, I absolutely love it; it is the best job in the world.
And sometimes, if you're really lucky during all this organised chaos, something special happens. A beautiful moment when all those years of hard work pay off and everything starts to flow. Your experience kicks in, your creativity sparks, and you really start taking pictures.