We are kicking off 2024 with a new series profiling the hard-working photographers who produce iconic images from all over the world.
For our first profile, we have our in-house photographer and Everyday Metal creator Mitch
How many years have you been shooting?
I have been taking photos since the 90’s, around 2009 I got more serious, taking photos of street art and graffiti when I was living in London. I started shooting concerts in 2018 when Everyday Metal was founded.
How did you get started in concert photography?
When I created Everyday Metal, I had another photographer lined up to shoot Adelaide’s Life Pilot, the first concert for our site, that photographer fell through at the last second, and with the encouragement of a good friend, I shot the gig myself. I had never shot a gig, it was a real learning experience and lit a fire under me and I got addicted to shooting live shows.
What has been your favourite band to shoot so far?
I would say I have two, The first is Sleep Token, I’ve had the pleasure of shooting them twice over the years and they always put on a great show. Most recently would be Behemoth when they played their Good Things Festival sides show at Max Watts, I have not had that much fun in ages!
What is your favourite venue to shoot and why?
Again I have two, The Forum, its a grand old venue, that has good lighting, a generous photo pit, and allows pyrotechnics. The second would be a newer venue, The Northcote Theatre, they have a modern approach, and the staff are super nice and welcoming, treating all photographers and media as part of the family.
What setup do you take with you to shoot gigs?
I like to take two bodies with me, a Nikon D850 with a NIKKOR 24-70mm lens, and an older Nikon D800 with a meaty 70-200mm zoom. I use a mix of Blackrapid single and double harnesses and carry it all in a LowePro protactic 350 backpack.
What software do you use to edit your photos?
I primarily edit using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
How would you describe your editing style?
Super dark! I typically under-expose my live shots, I feel it helps me make my photos more dynamic and moody in the edit.
If you could shoot any band in the future, who would it be?
Slipknot seems to be the one band that has eluded me, otherwise, I would have to say Machine Head is at the top of my list.
Concerts can get pretty rowdy, what’s your best gig story?
When I was shooting Devil Driver, during the first song, vocalist Dez Fafara was using the microphone lead as a bullwhip, he was belting the hell out of the fallback speakers, and on one swing he missed the speaker and whips me right in the face, knocking off my glasses and had me seeing stars.
What’s your favorite camera to use when you are not shooting gigs?
I love using my Reto 3D film camera and my Insta360
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