The Jukebox

Matt Vogel, 20 years old from Minnesota, loved going to shows and also loved taking pictures. He decided one day that he was going to put them both together and start doing concert photography and lucky for him it has all turned out really well!

1.What did you expect when first starting out? Did you have any standards? Did you get any inside info from others or just went straight into it?

I was nervous at first, but the more I shot the better I got. I learned a lot by just doing and doing and doing as opposed to being formally educated. I asked a lot of other photographers for advice.

2.For you, what does photographing a single concert entail? (The steps you take, what all you have to do to get the shots you need to get) 

I get to the venue, get my pass and credentials, head to the pit, and shoot! I try to get the most shots of the lead singer - this is because they’re the ones that generally get used for press, plus the lighting is generally much better on them. I try to get at least one good one of each band member, though.

  3.What is your editing selection like? Do you ever have a “wow” moment when you take a picture and think, “Yeah that’s going to be the best one”?

It’s always hard to tell on the camera LCD, but when I’m flipping through the photos on my computer, I go through them one time doing nothing, then another time where I pick all the ‘usable’ ones. I can almost always look at a picture and say “Wow, I can’t wait to edit this, it’s awesome!” 

 4.What is the most difficult thing you have had to do so far?

There are some shows where they are basically pitch black, and I need to get at least one good photo. That’s always a complete challenge, and it happens too much.

5.I noticed in your portfolio you have done just select concerts. Do you want to branch out and try to do full tours or work with promotions? Or do you like sticking with a single show?

I’d love to do tours and more promos, but my life schedule doesn’t really allow for it. Photography is more of a hobby and I’m a full time student as well as an owner of a couple of businesses, so unfortunately I can only do photography when I can find time! Shows are the easiest to do for me.

  6.How do you plan on staying with doing music photography? If not, what are your future plans?

I’d like to tour a bit at some time if my schedule permits! Otherwise I’ll keep shooting shows and building my portfolio.

 7.Do you have any advice for the kids who want to break into this business and do what you do?

Be patient! Too many kids expect it to happen overnight. If you work hard enough and remain patient, you’ll get noticed!