Mike is an awesome photographer based out of L.A, Performance capital of the world!
He specalizes in concert photography and shoots some of the biggest names, and up-and-coming bands that roll through los angeles, and man does he do it well…..
let’s go !
So when did you start taking photos, what or who got you interested?
When I was 14 or 15, a friend of the families who had just completed their last photo course at MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN turned me onto it. she let me borrow her camera when she wasn’t using it and I was totally hooked from then on
What do you shoot with now?
I have had dozens of cameras over the years but I stick with canon gear now. most recently I’m shooting with a canon 30D
How did you Get started on the concert tip? what attracts you to it?
I started off shooting still life, but have always had a passion for music. I started shooting local shows in nashville on simple digital cameras and sometimes even disposable film cameras. once I moved to southern california I got into it because I was already involved with the music industry and shows here are more prominent and relevant to what I wanted to be doing.
It shows! all of your live shots are so full of energy and movement.
Anyone with a camera can take photos of a show, but I really try to take it above and beyond and make the person viewing the pictures feel like they were there for the moment.
Are there any photographers in specific who have influenced you?
The most common answer would be some popular photographer who has made a name for himself, but for me, anyone willing to take the steps necessary to be what they want to be is an influence.I have a general rule with admiring people. I don’t think you should ever meet your idols, because most of the time they are not going to be what you expect.
Words of wisdom indeed, Have you had lot of support from friends/family along the way?
more than i could have ever hoped for. my family backs everything i do 110% and my friends are just the same.
i would honestly have to say my mom will always be the biggest fan of my work.
So what would you like to do more of? anything you see for your future?
I’ve done a little of everything. Model, still life, music, product. etc
I would love to do more with modeling but never leave music in the wake. I want to continue shooting for the bands, labels and publications that I work with now, but just expand the roster.
(this is mike’s girlfriend, the charming and lovely Britney Fontana)
Any last thoughts?
I appreciate the support that i have gotten over years. every comment someone makes about one of my photos, whether online or in person never ceases to amaze me. i just do this because i love it, i never expected anyone to like it, and thats what keeps me going.
This is mike:
aaaand you can find him on:
www.myspace.com/mikemcdougalphoto
-AN
