Live Twitter Interview
There are hundreds of millions of Twitter users in the world, and around 300.000 join in daily, according to Chirp, the last Twitter Development Conference held last April.
I became one of them not so long ago, and it’s not a secret to anyone that I’m totally addicted to it. It is not only for the sake of socialising, as I still believe in the good old times of having friends one can see and touch and have a drink with; but what I did find is a world of information, innovation, art, fashion and a constant exchange of ideas and opinions that I doubt will ever cease to amaze me. Among many wonderful things, I found Sketchbook Magazine there. To cut a long story short, I wouldn’t be writing these words if it weren’t for Twitter.
It is in that spirit, and with the aim of sharing the wonderful and yet immeasurable reach of this tool, that we started the Live Twitter Interview space; where we will feature interviews all our readers can follow and participate in, by following us on twitter (@Sketchbookmag ) or searching #SBLIVETWINTERVIEW.
The first guest of these series of interviews is American music photographer and visual artist Derek Brad. The reason why he was chosen to be a part of this space has a lot to do with the way Derek uses Twitter to promote his work. His daily features on Twitter include the “Pic of the day” which most probably would be an extract of the latest gig he photographed, and I’ve been hooked on more than one insomniac night to his live tweets from rock and roll gigs I just wish I could’ve attended.
We’ve transcribed the interview in case you missed it, or want to read it again. Many of the questions in this interview where sent by twitter users who were quoted on the live interview. We thank them all for your interest in being part of it, and hope you stay a part of it..
(And please keep in mind readers, being constrained to 140 characters takes a toll on spelling/grammar!)
SB: Where are u from and what you do?
DB: I am from Philadelphia, PA and I am a music concert and conceptual photographer/ artist
SB: How did u discover your passion for photography?
DB: When I was young I use to always draw and take photos with my little blue Fisher Price camera,
SB: Are there any artists or photographers in your family?
DB: Actually no, there are no other artists in my family, although my younger sister used to be a singer.
SB: What influences did you have as a child then in order to become an artist?
DB: My influences were music, movies and great artists I admire like Salvador Dali.
SB: How did you train to acquire these skills?
DB: I am totally self trained. I believe art can’t be taught because it is what is in you. You just need to let that creativity out.
SB: Remember your first gig as a photographer? Who was the artist?
DB: The first time I was paid for photos was Katie Melua when she toured the US, but the first time that I knew I could do this, for life, was at Raphael Saadiq gig. I got a great classic looking shot of him.
SB: Was it very different from attending a gig as a fan? Did u change your attitude towards a gig?
DB: Not at all I still love going to gigs the only thing about them is I don’t get to bring my friends along
SB: Do you allow yourself to have a “fan” moment if you really like the band?
DB: No I never have a “fan” moment when I am in the photo pit and I have yet to be star struck
SB: You really like music and that shows in your photos. Have you ever thought about becoming a musician?
DB: No I have never really thought about becoming a musician. I love creating visual art that’s what I do. Tho I have to admit it would be pretty awesome to stand on stage just once in front of thousands.
SB: Your photos depict certain intimacy & connections with the bands. How do you achieve that?
DB: I guess it just naturally comes to me. I feel the music and the energy as I am photographing
SB: Is it difficult to achieve that graphic effect if you don’t like the band?
DB: Good question. Yes it is difficult to achieve the effect and it has been very rare that it has happened. I usually get to shoot the first three songs and there have been times where I have walked before they were over
SB: If you could resume your passion & art in one shot, what would that picture show?
DB: it would show what I feel about people and the world. Good and evil
SB: Nowadays with high definition digital cameras everyone can be a photographer. What do you think makes your work different?
DB: People tell me my work is different because of my passion and because I have the “eye” for it. I justlike to just think I see the world a little differently.
SB: What else -besides music- could you dedicate yourself to photograph?
DB: I currently do conceptual portraits, besides music. I like that as well.
SB: What is your biggest dream as a photographer/artist? What would you like to achieve?
DB: As a music photographer I would like to do an album cover, publication covers and world tour with a band. In terms of my conceptual art, I want to create at least a couple photos to change the mindset of the world. Even if just for a moment of awe
SB: Is music photography a very competitive market? How do you connect with the bands?
DB: Yes very, very competitive. Look at all the cameras you see at a show! I usually connect with bands by showing them my portfolio or sometimes if they open for another band I get to shoot them and I send some of the photographs to the band or management and I get to work with them more in the future
SB: So which has been your favourite band to photograph so far? I know you are closer to some bands more than others
DB: Lately shows have been so great I keep thinking the last show I did was the best! Energy plus great music is always the best. It would be way too hard to chose just one.
SB: As an avid gig goer, have u noticed an evolution in the music showbiz? Are gigs any better now?
DB: I would not say they are better or worse. There are more of them since bands tour now much more than before
SB: How did you find out this is what you wanted to do? What makes you sure of it?
DB: I am sure I wanted to be a photographer simply because I love it.
SB: Can you see the final product as you are shooting? Is there any “good luck” involved in a good shot?
DB: I shoot completely manual and never look at the image on the screen during shooting but I can see the final product as I am capturing a moment. I love it when I know I got the shot I saw. I don’t ever rely on good luck, but of course it has occasionally happened
SB: You get paid to go to gigs, hang with the bands… is there any downside to your profession?
DB: A couple downsides would be waiting in between bands (unless I meet some amazing fans) and all the emails and administrative work it takes to get the gigs. Also I never get to bring my friends or family along.
SB: What would you advise to someone who wants to be a music photographer?
DB: Start by shooting local bands, put together a portfolio and most importantly Never Give Up and save your ears by buying yourself a good pair of earplugs.
SB: Last but not least: What’s in your sketchbook? What’s coming ahead?
DB: Oh I have a number of things in my sketchbook (yes I carry one around as well as a camera) but one exciting project I have coming has to do with Lady Gaga and mostly with her fans. I cannot speak to much about it I will be focusing on it in September
SB: Sure the little monsters will be excited to know about it… anything u can tell?
DB: I will be releasing more info about it within the next couple months once I get the final approval. Watch this space…
Text & interview Mariana Moyano (Twitter user @Emmes11)
Photos by Derek Brad (Twitter user @Derekbrad)
