Zenia Monteagudo, an experienced music and event photographer, shares her captivating journey from using disposable cameras to shooting iconic concerts. She discusses the challenges and excitement of concert photography, including managing unpredictable lighting and equipment transitions. Zenia also reflects on the importance of confidence and adaptability as she ventures into family portraiture, emphasizing the emotional connections in both genres. Her insights inspire aspiring photographers to embrace new experiences and overcome self-doubt.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Starting Concert Photography by Chance
Zenia's concert photography career started by chance after buying a Sony camera at Target on clearance.
A band using her photos granted her a photo pass, leading to gigs at iconic venues like Red Rocks.
question_answer ANECDOTE
First Concert Photography Experience
Zenia's first concert photos were taken without a pass, focusing on capturing fan energy and emotion.
Early images were technically flawed but conveyed intense moments that inspired her.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Four Years Manual Focus Challenge
Zenia shot concerts manually focusing for four years with a fixed 85mm f/1.4 lens she loved.
She eventually switched to autofocus and more lenses but found manual focus suited intense stage light conditions.
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#579 Zenia Monteagudo is an experienced music and event photographer who has recently begun exploring family portraiture. Zenia shares her personalized journey into photography, starting from her early fascination with disposable and point-and-shoot cameras to a pivotal moment when she purchased a Sony camera on clearance at Target. This chance purchase set her on an unexpected path, leading to opportunities in music photography, including shooting concerts at iconic venues like Red Rocks.
KEY TOPICS COVERED
Starting a Photography Journey & Building Confidence - Zenia’s chance transition from hobbyist to semi-professional highlights the role of curiosity and saying "yes" to new experiences, even without a portfolio. Building confidence can be a struggle, but validation from others—such as bands requesting to use her photos—provided the encouragement to pursue her passion professionally.
Concert Photography: Skills, Challenges, and Opportunities - Zenia offers a frank look at shooting concerts, from initial “shot in the dark” gigs to handling pro gear, unpredictable lighting, and the high-energy atmosphere of music events. She emphasizes the need for adaptability, technical growth (moving from kit lenses and manual focus to more sophisticated equipment), and the thrill of capturing authentic moments.
Transitioning Between Genres & The Power of Candid Photography - The episode contrasts concert photography with family portraiture and events, exploring Zenia’s process as she adapts to settings with different expectations, emotion levels, and technical requirements. Her candid approach, focused on real moments over posed photos, remains consistent.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS
Photo Pass: Special permission or credentials granted (often by a venue or band) allowing a photographer to access areas for professional photography, particularly in concert settings. It often requires a portfolio and/or assignment from a publication.
Candid Photography: A style of photography where subjects are captured naturally, without posed arrangements or direct awareness of the camera. This approach centers on authenticity, emotion, and storytelling.
DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What opportunities can arise from saying "yes" to experiences outside your comfort zone as a photographer?
How does photographing candid moments at events or concerts build storytelling skills in photography?
In what ways does the environment (concert, event, family session) influence the techniques and mindset you bring as a photographer?
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