If a photo is worth a thousand words, what about the person who took that photo? In a day and age where, thanks to Instagram, everyone thinks they’re a professional photographer, it’s important to remember the people who actually do this for a living.
People like Joe Ortega – the self-taught, punk-loving photographer who has shot for bands like Thrice, Dashboard Confessional and more.
Today, in a time where all we have are photos to remember some of our favorite shows by (since no one can attend any at the moment), we’d like to take a second and shine a light on the hard working people who took them.
So, to learn a little more about Joe Ortega, be sure to check out our newest installment of our Photographer Spotlight series below. Afterward, make sure to follow Joe on Instagram here.
Who or what got you into concert photography?
I grew up on West Coast punk as far back as 1994 (Bad Religion, NOFX, Guttermouth, etc.). T-shirts, cassette liner notes, magazines and tour posters were littered with images of bands playing and candid photographs backstage or in the van were part of the culture everywhere. Those images specifically were etched into me at a young age. Once I started taking photographs, I often went back and borrowed from those memories and used that energy to drive my own style – gritty and true to what I knew in my heart of hearts.
What was the first show you ever shot?
I brought my camera going to hang out at the Anberlin farewell tour. I had zero clue what I was doing and it was completely aimless. Out of the photos I took, I think maybe one or two were usable. Those few photos were enough for me to want to do it again. So every chance I could photograph a band, I did and still do.
What was your first touring experience like and who did you shoot for?
One of the first times I went out and did anything worth mentioning was with the band Acceptance. They are the sweetest people and I’ve known them for the longest time. I honestly couldn’t have asked for better humans to be around to do shows with. I was with some of the hardest workers from the crew to the band and it absolutely made me want to put my best foot forward. Being surrounded by these guys inspired me to dig deep, try new things and stretch my own expectations of myself. I’m better for having known and worked with them.
What’s your preferred camera setup?
Right now I’m currently shooting with a Nikon D610 body with a Sigma Art 24mm f/1.4 lens. It allows for intimacy and range that I feel captures moments as they unfurl. There is something about that focal length that feels intuitive to me to shoot the people I’m around from backstage to portraits and live shots. If I’m not using that lens, then it’s my tried and true Nikon 50mm f/1.8. Those two lenses are actually all I use.
For young photographers who are still learning, what’s your time management like or the schedule you give yourself day-to-day while shooting?
I learned pretty early on that for myself, I didn’t need to spend a lot of time getting multiple shots of the same situation. Whether that’s portraits or of the performance itself, I gravitate towards this idea that if I got one good shot, then I’m ok to allow myself to move on. It’s luring to camp out in a spot and try to wait for something to come to you but going out and finding that moment elsewhere can be rewarding. You also streamline your [editing] process because you don’t have to sift through a dozen different moments throughout the show and each of those may have batches of 20-30 photos that are essentially the same. Lots of time could be wasted on the backend of the process.
Any other tips for future concert photographers?
The best tip I could give to anyone who wants to photograph bands is to learn to be the kind of person that your peers respect and that others want to be around. Learning the camera stuff will come one way or another. The one thing no one really wants is someone who is disrespectful or flat out no fun to be around. Being a person that people respect and can trust will go further than a single photo every time.
Personally, who are some of your favorite concert photographers?
I absolutely love everything Lupe Bustos does. His ability to think, plan and execute is second to none. Once that process has ran its course, he’s incredibly gifted on going back to the drawing board and returning even better than before as an artist. It’s really beautiful the way he carries himself professionally and he’s kind beyond kindness. I also respect the path Elliott Ingham has taken from his State Champ days through his run with Fall Out Boy. I admire his skill set in creating a vision and a style that is undeniably his. From video to photos, anytime you see something Elliott has done, he has his footprint all over it like the architect behind your favorite house or building. It’s truly impressive and inspiring.
Lastly, who’s your dream artist to shoot?
I’ll give two answers since the first one is impossible but I would have loved the chance to photograph No Use For A Name. I love that band as much as anyone could love a band. As far as bands that are still able to play shows, the Descendents. I’ve been such fan of them for as long as I can remember and the opportunity to do it would be a truly pinch yourself situation.
