In the 9th edition of In Focus, we chat with Melbourne-based photographer Richie Black
1. How many years have you been shooting?
That’s hard to say, over 15 years on and off
2. How did you get started in photography?
I have always had an interest in photography, always having a point and shoot, taking shots of random locations but for a long time, life revolved around being a musician and playing in metal bands back in Adelaide, before moving to Melbourne. I still have one of my first cameras in storage somewhere.
I found my way back into photography while in a previous job teaching web design, I was asked to fill in and look after a photography class when an instructor was away. This involved mostly architectural photos at National Trust locations using a now very outdated Lumix DMC FZ5 with 5mp. I would end up taking over the role, working on various projects. I would stay in the role for a few years, I didn’t really become serious about it until around 2018. Things moved pretty fast up until 2020. I shot a few small shows at different venues with an old Olympus, then a Nikon d700. It all just picked up speed around the end of 2022 and kept going from there
3. What is your favourite band to shoot?
My favourite so far has been Devin Townsend at the Forum this year. The last time he was here I had to miss for reasons out of my control
4. What is your favourite venue to shoot and why?
I have to say the Forum. My first big show was there and set the standard and never disappoints
5. What setup do you take with you to shoot gigs?
For pub shows, I take one Sony a7iii and a Tamron 28-75. I like the weight of the Tamron. I also have a Sigma 24-70. A great lens but heavy and everything is backwards. For bigger shows, its 2 Sonys as well as a Tamron 70-180. I’m just using either a generic harness or Peak Design strap. Stored in a Peak Design sling. Ear plugs, always
6. What software do you use to edit your photos?
Editing is in Lightroom and some Photoshop. Being Sony, I’ve looked into Capture One but will stay with Lightroom for now
7. How would you describe your editing style?
That’s hard to describe. Sometimes minimal. I do find that I approach editing differently with Sony colours. It’s a bit more of a challenge but it does get easier. I work for realistic skin tones
8. What photographers do you draw inspiration from?
This varies quite a bit. For concert photography, I like Matt Walter’s work, Odin Imaging, Todd Owyoung. For street, Phil Penman. Being a big Mighty Boosh fan, Dave Brown
9. If you could shoot any band in the future, who would it be?
I have to say Iron Maiden, it’s the bucket list gig
10. Concerts can get pretty rowdy, whats your best gig story?
This is a recent one. My partner Kaza Black and Ie went over to Adelaide to shoot punk legends Where’s the Pope? These guys are legends of the scene and it was a one off reunion show. We got there early and made our way to the front. We were thinking, older crowd, it shouldn’t get too out of control right? Well, it was the opposite. From the start it just kicked off, we got slammed. Punters diving over us. Thrown around old school. Up there with the best gigs. Check out the show on Youtube
11. Whats your favourite camera to use when you are not shooting gigs and why?
I love my Nikon d700. So much so that I will likely buy another. I love the colours from that camera. If it wasnt for the weight I would be gigging with 2 of them but unfortunately at a kilo each without lenses its a no go. I also like to take out an old Canon AE-1 Program film camera
Huge thanks to Richie Black for taking the time to chat with us, head over to his Instagram and give him a follow – @richie_black_photography
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
