A SHORT, SHARP, SHOT.....

Ra Ra Riot ©David Sorcher

I've been in a great discussion today about the frustration and angst of music photographers today, specifically one friend who is wondering just what he is doing it all for anymore. Firstly, understand that many, if not most of the music photographers i know and shoot along side with in the pit often do this work for no money at all. They are all damn good photographers mind you, but finding publications, especially web-based ones, that are willing to pay for the work is more difficult than ever before. In our "everybody-has-a-camera-so-everyone-is-a-photographer" world, the profession of photography has taken a bit of a hit, since so many publications these days seem all too willing to accept lesser quality images for the financial boost of the free ride. And now Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has announced to everyone, while buying up the world's largest photo sharing site (Flickr), that there is no such thing as professional photographers anymore (excuse me???). Somebody shoot me, please...literally.

Some will argue that young photographers need to pay their dues and that working free to build your portfolio is to be expected. I can agree with that to a point. I have certainly done my share of free work and dues paying in my day. But it is important not to make a long-term habit of it and to establish yourself and your work as something of real value. We school, we work hard, we invest thousands of dollars in our equipment and most importantly we have a talent and passion for the work we do that goes far beyond that of the average person's skill set.

This doesn't mean that i always need cold hard cash for my work, but there does need to be some adequate exchange. I am always amused when i shoot a band (or anybody, anyplace) and there is an assumption that you will simply email them photos. Because your picture have no real value, right? I suppose that means that the band will therefore be showing up with their instruments to entertain my friends at my next garden party? Well, if they are willing, we can talk. :-)

Believe what you will folks, but in spite of today's advanced technologies, you will not see shots like the one above taken with your cell phone from the 8th row. Even if you have the technology, being a photographer also involves the consistency of good composition and the ability see the light and recognize the moment. Yes Marissa, the world still needs professional photographers.

Here's one more from last night's show of The Shins. If you'd like to see more of that show, visit my FB page.

If you would like to see some of my best music shots visit please my website. :-)

The Shins ©David Sorcher 2013