We caught up with 3 Sydney photographers stuck in lockdown
If you talk to any musician with half a brain, they’ll tell you that photographers are the true unsung heroes of the scene. Here’s a group of people who invest large chunks of cash into new equipment, lug that equipment around to shows, and document the evolution of a community we’re so lucky to be apart of.
What’s more, they’re all legends. I’ve never met a music photographer I haven’t liked. Great group of people.
So, nine weeks into lockdown, we caught up with three of our favourite Sydney music photographers to see how they’re doing in iso, get some listening recommendations, and reminisce on the glory days of live music.
Tom Wilkinson
How have you been keeping creative in lockdown, if at all?
Honestly haven’t been creating much during lockdown! A few things here and there but the spark has faded a lot.
Who are some of your favourite Sydney artists to shoot (ya know, when we’re not stuck inside)?
In a live setting, the three local acts that come to mind are Johnny Hunter, Battlesnake and Thunder Fox. Energy and charisma for days.
What have you been listening to in lockdown?
Colter Wall, The Buoys, Nathaniel Rateliff, Viagra Boys, IDLES, Sleaford Mods, Alexandra Savior, John Denver, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Rolling Stones, Etta James, Polish Club, Wolf & Cub, PLANET, ILUKA… to name a few
Of all the photos you’ve taken, which one makes you miss live music the most?
Probably these couple of shots from the last event I was able to attend, the inaugural Country & Western festival in Sydney Park. There’s nothing more rock n’ roll than Country music.
Who’s another Sydney photographer whose work you really admire?
Very tough to name just one but I’ll say Mclean Stephenson, truly a unique talent around town. Go check out his work @mcleanstephenson.
Check out Tom’s work here.
Four Minutes To Midnight (Maria Boyadgis)
How have you been keeping creative in lockdown, if at all?
Creativity has been hard but I’ve been trying to keep creative through painting and watching films that inspire me. I’m currently painting a colour explosion of Eric Clapton. Could be a masterpiece, ha! I’m not sure yet. Also, I have been watching movie marathons of Quentin Tarantino films and re-watching the Series ‘Vinyl’ directed by Martin Scorsese with co-creators Mick Jagger and Rich Cohen. This has really kept me inspired and helped me with my passion for music and film.
Who are some of your favourite Sydney artists to shoot (ya know, when we’re not stuck inside)?
This is a hard one. There are so many to choose from. I’d have to keep it local and say Andy Golledge. The band really knows how to put on a show.
What have you been listening to in lockdown?
Apart from jamming out to the old rock classics (Let’s be honest here and call me an old soul but nothing beats ‘Shine on you’ by Pink Floyd. The extended version with the epic riffs that make your soul be heard). I have been trying to stay on top of and support new releases during lockdown eg. The Marcus King Band, Dr Goddard, Prince (Welcome 2 America, unreleased material), Polish Club etc.
I’ve also been listening to Like A Versions played by our local artists. Genesis Owusu’s Talking heads cover was RAD. Anything Genesis Owusu covers is pretty epic.
They’re not local but I do love listening to Khruangbin, Cafe del mar and the Intervals for some cool jams in the studio.
Of all the photos you’ve taken, which one makes you miss live music the most?
Who’s another Sydney photographer whose work you really admire?
Not sure if they’re Sydney based but I’m currently obsessed with Sebastian Zanella, Tim Swallow and Jason Lee Parry. Love all their edgy brilliant stills.
Check out Maria’s work here.
Pat O’Hara
How have you been keeping creative in lockdown, if at all?
Honestly, it’s been a battle between wanting to stay creative and just survive lockdown. I’ve tried doing some things that I normally wouldn’t have the time to do like developing my own 35mm film. But I also bought an underwater housing and living so close to the beach I’ve found I end up down there most days shooting just to keep those creative juices flowing and getting some sun whilst doing so.
Who are some of your favourite Sydney artists to shoot (ya know, when we’re not stuck inside)?
I’d be shot and hung if I didn’t say Dear Seattle and Sons of the East, but there’s a never ending list haha. STUMPS, C.O.F.F.I.N., Lincoln’s Gold, Trophy Eyes, Gang of Youths would be some of my personal favs!
What have you been listening to in lockdown?
I purposely answered these questions a week late so I could say Amyl and The Sniffers’ new album cause that is absolutely insane. Turnstile dropped an incredible record that I’ve been non-stop listening to for weeks. Middle Kids, Sly Withers and The Dirty Nil have been getting a fair flogging, and for some weird reason Creedence Clearwater Revival have been my most played artist in lockdown haha.
Of all the photos you’ve taken, which one makes you miss live music the most?
I think it would be this one of Ben from Slowly Slowly, something about him with the crowd makes me miss all those intimate moments between artists and the audience. But also I miss having to jump into the mosh to get photos and getting thrown around like a rag doll!
Who’s another Sydney photographer whose work you really admire?
There’s absolutely no way I can say just one but I’ll rattle off five of my all time favs; Grit Van, Jack Rudder, Jordan Munns, Georgia Moloney and Dani Hansen.
Check out Pat’s work here.