Adam Kennedy is an experienced photographer based in the North East who has captured live music all across the world. Rebecca Schott caught up with him to find out more about his work.
How did you first get into photography? And how did it develop into music photography?
I’ve always had a passion for music photography ever since I was a teenager. Even at my first concert when I was only 13, I managed to sneak in a 35mm film camera. Strangely enough, that first gig was Guns N’ Roses at Gateshead Stadium. Who knew back then that I would get to photograph Slash up close over 20 years later?
You’ve been photographing the band Vintage Trouble for a while now but how did that come about?
I was lucky enough to connect with Vintage Trouble during their first UK headline tour back in 2011. Since that point, I’ve been fortunate enough to shoot the band during tours alongside the likes of The Who, AC/DC, Paloma Faith and Glastonbury Festival, to name but a few.
What’s it like to have your work in displayed across the world?
It’s always a great feeling to see your work in print. Some of my favourite examples include having my images used in a billboard campaign in New York’s JFK Airport and also as the official poster for the Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada.
What do you find most challenging about photographing concerts?
I think the biggest challenge for me is letting go of how I would like a show to look but rather presenting it how it is. We would all like nice soft white light and an aesthetically-pleasing stage set but it rarely happens. My role as a concert photographer is to represent the show as the artist intended it to be seen by their audience.
Do you prefer shooting in small venues or bigger venues and why?
They each have their merits. With small venues, you get the opportunity to get up close and establish a connection with the artist. On the other hand, bigger venues tend to have better lighting and production but less of the intimacy that you would find at club shows.
What advice would you give to budding music photographers?
Try to not to get too hung up on equipment and instead, concentrate on learning the fundamentals of photography and working on your composition skills. Get out there as much as possible and practice. As the old saying goes: the best camera you can have is the one you have with you.
For photography bookings, collaborations or enquiries, you can contact Adam Kennedy at adamkennedy79@gmail.com.
