Some lessons are relevant to professionals in all industries
I attended a photography show in Chicago, “Alternative Nation: A Retrospective.” The exhibit featured work from concert photographers/documentarians who captured the rise of alternative music (Jonathan Rach, Joseph Cultice, Chris Cuffaro, Kevin Westenberg & Scarlet Page). Jonathan & Joseph held an artist talk & I took away the following lessons that are relevant to all professionals.
Lesson #1 – Run with your idea & ask for forgiveness later
Prior to their Woodstock 1994 set, Nine Inch Nails rolled in mud backstage to stand out from other acts. Joseph went against the event organizers’ wishes by jumping on stage to capture the rebellious moment. He took the most iconic images of the band’s performance. Other photographers missed out on the moment by “following the rules.”
Lesson #2 – Always Be Prepared
Jonathan told a story when Nine Inch Nails were invited to dinner with U2 bandmates Bono & Edge while on tour in Ireland. Jonathan was encouraged to capture the encounter for his documentary. When videotaping, he realized the batteries weren’t charged. Jonathan continued “taping” staring at a black screen & was grateful no one asked about the footage.
Joseph spoke of a time he had an opportunity to photograph Robert Smith on tour. Upon leaving, he discovered there was no film in the camera. He ran into the bass player & asked for a second chance. He was given a do-over & snapped some additional shots of Robert. The negatives were somehow misplaced (images that may have been widely popular).
Lesson #3 – Trust Your Instincts; You Are Enough
Joseph regretted his unwillingness to work with larger agents because he felt he wasn’t good enough. Many of us relate to imposter syndrome; we doubt our abilities, despite contrary evidence. This phenomenon makes it difficult to accept promotions & take on new challenges. It’s important to celebrate our accomplishments, no matter the size.
Lesson #4 – Believe In Your Abilities
Jonathan was busy documenting the Self Destruct Tour of Nine Inch Nails. Anton Corbijn (world-renowned photographer/director) was shooting the band for a magazine cover & encouraged Jonathan to pick up a camera & start photographing the band. Jonathan had no official technical training, but he had opportunity & trust of the band. He purchased a camera in a Hawaii tourist shop & the rest is history!
Lesson #5 – Patience Pays Off
Jonathan talked about capturing a favorite image, the back of Trent Reznor facing the image of a young boy’s face while performing Hurt. The performance was dominated by front of house projectors, so he positioned himself behind Trent on stage & waited. During a moment when Trent blocked out the lights, he took the shot. Photographers had to wait a week to have film processed. When the images were returned, he realized he had a print of the powerful moment he set out to capture.
