Only one image

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in photography. What inspired you to start taking photos?
I first started photography in year 10 or 11 at school when I saw some awesome party photos online and wanted to be able to create something like that. It was a nice way to be a part of the party for me and I really enjoyed the joy on peoples face when they would see the photos afterwards. After school I was much more inspired by travel and lifestyle photographers who would always come up on my instagram feed.

Everyone has a unique style. Can you describe how you would define your style and what visual or conceptual elements characterize it?
I’m a big believer in capturing an exact moment with my photography. Rather than setting everything and getting it perfect every time, I like to be ready to capture moments whenever I can. Photography is something that you can reimagine but never recreate and I like that about the type of photography I shoot. Currently I am mainly shooting live music and weddings and this thought process and style really serves me well within these fields.

Photography has the power to tell stories and convey emotions. Can you share an experience in which one of your photos had a significant impact on people or on yourself?
Even though I mainly shoot concerts now, I often see the most significant impact when I am shooting somebodies wedding. Be able to capture memories for peoples most important days is something that is really special to me. Trying to capture the emotion and feelings of people that they would never see themselves is my favourite part. One of my favourite challenges in photography is trying to capture a story with only one image.

What has been your most challenging photographic project to date and why?
I’m very fortunate (or unfortunate) that I haven’t had many projects that are extremely challenging for me when I shoot. I have tried by best to separate work for joy with my photography and try to pick and choose the projects which speak to me and are something that I know I would love to do. I suppose the hardest challenge I have faced would be shooting a music festival for the first time with little knowledge of what direction I should be following with my photography.

Technology and photo editing tools are constantly evolving. Can you tell us about the techniques or equipment that you consider essential for your work?
Currently I shoot mainly with a Nikon d850 and some prime lenses, as well as a Fuji x100v when I am trying to be as mobile as possible. I edit almost completely in Lightroom but have been moving some things into Photoshop to make use of some of the generative functions for a bit of fun and creativity.

There are many genres in photography, from portraits to nature photography. Do you have a favorite genre in which you feel most comfortable or enjoy shooting the most? Why?
I feel most comfortable shooting music photography. It’s what I have most of my experience in, and can almost do it with my eyes closed at this point. Knowing my camera back to front has made this experience much smoother as I can focus solely on the pictures I’m taking rather than how my camera is working. Aside from this, I love to shoot portrait and travel photography. Being able to see and capture the world is an amazing thing.

Can you share an interesting or unusual anecdote you’ve experienced while taking photos?
Something I’ve learned later in my photography is the perfectly taken shot sometimes isn’t the best photo you will take on a day. Sometimes the shots in between that have that little bit of missed focus or motion blur can mean so much more than getting everything right.

Many photographers find inspiration in other visual artists or everyday life. What are some of your sources of inspiration?
When I was learning photography my biggest inspirations came from photographers like Andrew Kearns, Samuel Elkins and Joe Greer as they were so visible on social media and I just loved the way that they saw the world through their photography. Also, I took a photography class in college for fun and the professor Dan McCormack was a huge inspiration and mentor for me. The way he saw and spoke of photography was amazing. We used to come in with all our expensive cameras to class and he would take something much more beautiful with a pinhole camera made out of a box of oats.

Photography is a visual medium, but it often has a conceptual background. Have you worked on photographic projects that address specific themes or concepts? Can you share information about one of those projects?
Not particularly as I work mainly in the event field. Sometimes I work with brands on other projects but mainly music.

What inspires you when creating new images? Do you have a ritual or creative process you follow to find inspiration?
It’s a bit selfish of me. But one of my biggest sources of happiness in my photography is seeing somebody else enjoy my photos. As long as I am able to do this, I am sure I will keep shooting.

Editing and post-processing are essential parts of photography. Do you have a particular focus on post-production of your images?
I like to make my skin tones look as natural as possible. This is hard to do in shooting concerts as there are often a crazy amount of lights and lasers in the background, but trying to keep things natural helps my editing process.
I also love colour, and I really like to show this when editing my images.
Aside from that, I pretty much entirely focus on the moments in the photograph when I am selecting my images.

For aspiring photographers who may be reading this interview, what is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career, or what advice would you like to share with them?
Don’t undervalue yourself! If you keep shooting, things will come.

Recommend us the Instagram account of an artist that you like their work.
@rubyboland