FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER
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SHIONA WALKER

Shiona has taken some amazing a7x photos that you've probably come across whether you realize it or not. She has even donated some of them to GunslingerAP.
She was nice enough to answer some questions for us.
ENJOY!

GunslingerAP: Why do you like photography?

Shiona: I'm one of those people who love to document things. Always taking a few too many shots of family and friends at parties, and keeping (at least one) camera in my bag with me at all time. I think its just nice to always have visual memories of great experiences and adventures.

GS: When did you first get into photography?

SW: I grew up in a family of quite avid amateur photographers, so it was always around me, but that was more landscapes and perfecting artsy looking holiday snaps. The music photography I started getting into when I was about fourteen or fifteen so near the beginnings of the digital revolution. Mostly to begin with I was just shooting from the crowd though. It wasn't until I was 18 and could actually afford to buy a digital slr that I became more active in trying to shoot shows. If digital cameras had been cheaper before that who knows how differently things might have turned out.

GS: Do you have any inspirations/influences?

SW: Not any of the stereotypical ones really. Jeremy Saffer (http://www.jeremysaffer.com/) is an amazing guy I met when I was out in the US one summer who shoots mostly metal/hardcore bands, but the attitude he has towards the whole music industry as a freelance photographer is forever inspiring. I like other photographers that are still really down to earth - they'll shoot a band because they love them. regardless of 'fame'. It's funny actually the biggest inspiration when you're shooting a show is really the band themselves. They feed off crowd reaction, and I think when you have a band that connects well with the crowd its easier to draw a lot more emotion and atmosphere into the shots.

GS: What kind of Camera is your favorite to use?

SW: Probably my Canon 400D (thats an XTi in the US). It was the first digital slr I got and its probably still my fave. I love my Canon 30D as well - its a more professional slr than the XTi but in turn it requires a lot more work and skill when it comes to post-processing. As for compacts (for those sad times that I don't get access to the photopitt) the Fuji fd 30 serves well as a point and shoot from the crowd.

GS: Do you photograph for fun or for a career?

SW: While I'd really love to do it on a professional level I don't think its as profitable as people tend to think. Plus I'd hate to start looking at it as a financial thing rather than something I enjoy. So lets stick with it being a good hobby.

GS: What advice do you give to less experienced concert photographers?

SW: If its what you really want don't give it up. And don't let any pro- tell you you aren't good enough. Find local bands in your area and see if you can shoot them to built up a portfolio. If there aren't a lot of bands where you are then try and shoot shows from the barrier with a good compact or bridge camera. Once you've got a reasonable collection of photos set up an online portfolio with either flickr or carbonmade. Both these sites are real easy to use and if you decide to pursue photopasses they give a PR person easy access to your work.

Learning how to use your camera is essential - when it comes to slrs its not just point and shoot anymore. You have to fully understand the settings you're using and the consequences of changing each setting and how that'll impact your final image. Having good knowledge of photoshop is pretty handy too (I'm still not quiet there myself though!)

Always keep in mind that equipment isnt everything. There's people out there with camera and lens worth over $10,000 easily..and some of them still aren't that great. If you have a real eye for it and you have a passion for it that'll shine through even on less expensive cameras. So don't fret if you haven't got the latest-greatest most costly equipment.

GS: What is your favorite band to photograph?

SW: I think A7X is actually in my top three, because I've covered a couple of their shows now and theres a great atmosphere and adrenaline rush from shooting one of your favourite bands. My others would probably be Mindless Self Indulgence (because of the complete spontaneity of their shows), or a lil-known band from Oregon called Broadway Calls.

GS: Where can people look at your pictures?

SW: Well I'm not really meant to talk about it...but I'm in the process of co-launching a new website called vivalascene but it won't officially go live until next week. Other than that I'd say my buzznet or flickr accounts :)

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT SHIONA's WORK!

Below are some of Shiona's favorites of her photos. There are her favorite A7X shots and her favorite non-a7x and also a little about each. Take a look!


"This one of Johnny is probably forever my favourite. It was actually an accident when I cross-processed it. Originally that shot was a write off that never should have seen the light of day."


"This one of Matt as well! I adore this photo. The lighting was just perfect for a few moments. That one I liked enough to get a pretty big print of it for my room. (and on the side..I sell 10x8 inch prints over at Big Cartel)."


"Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship on Honda Civic Tour last summer (this was actually taken from the crowd with a six year old digital camera)"


"Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy (this was me inexperienced and very lucky with lighting)"


"I was actually really into street photography last summer and covered a bunch of dates of the Edinburgh fringe festival performers. So while its not my thing to listen to I got some pretty spiffy shots of some opera singers too."


BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF SHIONA'S WORK!
Hope You Enjoyed!