Embarking on a biographical venture through the lens of live music, our Photographer Spotlight Series aims to highlight photographers’ talent and perspective — all while showcasing their skill to the creative community and rest of the world. These interviews aspire to provide a glimpse into the world of concert photography uniquely told by each individual and create a network for fellow photographers to link with one another and potential opportunities.
In this feature, we present Franny Kovacs, who is based in San Diego. Franny is a co-photographer for First III No Flash and shoots freelance for herself, Top Shelf Music Mag, and Concert Crap. She also shoots & manages photographers for a portrait photo company.
Portfolio: https://frannykovacs.com
Instagram: @frannykovacs
What do you shoot with and any favorite lenses?
Canon everything since day one. My main camera body is the Canon 5D MIV, my current backup body is the Canon 90D. My go to lens is the Canon 24-70 2.8. I’ve had it on my camera for the last 8 years, however I just added the 70-200 to my kit for festival season.
Do you have a signature editing style or aesthetic to your photography?
The goal for my photos is to look dynamic. I want there to be some sort of wow factor whether it be the lighting, the pose, the effects, etc. I love using LEDS and strobes during posed portraits whether they are indoor or outdoor to create added emphasis to the subject. I love light painting. During shows, I try to find any unique angle to make whatever light is available interesting to the subject. I’m looking for lights to line up for a nice backlighting or silhouette moment, a spotlight emphasis, or sometimes the crew will bless the show with incredible lighting production that I’m merely documenting. I love using lens filters for that added unique take on the lighting. I have a halo filter and a chromatic flare filter from Prism Lens FX that I really love because It takes whatever light is available behind the subject and flares or rings it over the subject. I love the look of the starburst filter as well. My editing style for everything is always crisp, clean, vibrant color, solid source of focus, and grain free. Smooth like butta!
How and when did you get into concert/music photography?
So I have been going to concerts as long as I can remember. My mom was a huge music and concert lover so it was something we did together growing up. As a teenager (who was 3 point-and-shoots deep documenting everything for no reason) I discovered bands like Underoath and From First to Last that changed the game for me. I loved this whole new world of music and the shows that came along with it were even more of a treasured gem. I, of course, started taking my small digital camera to every show I went to (which was literally hundreds) which led me to being super into concert photography. When I was 16, I decided I wanted to be a professional music photographer for my career and that was it.
Do you have a niche or specific genre that you tend to shoot?
I started in hardcore music so my heart will always be in hardcore music. I have shot festivals that host a wide variety of genres, so I’ve covered everything at least once. I have recently gotten into EDM photography which is totally different than any other type of music photography, but I have been enjoying the challenge and the cool laser lights that come with it.
How do you approach capturing the performance energy and atmosphere in your work?
I don’t think a great shot can be planned at a show. My approach is to just be observant of everything on the stage, around me in the pit, behind me in the crowd. I’m looking for genuine moments on stage and in the crowd… and having good peripheral vision helps a lot in my experience.
Have you photographed any of your favorite artists or events?
My two favorite artists are Hippie Sabotage and Bring Me the Horizon, both of which I’ve been blessed to shoot on multiple occasions. Photographing Hippie Sabotage for Same Same but Different Festival ‘s main stage stands as one of the highlights of my career. Remaining bucket-list artists include, but are not limited to: My Chemical Romance, Blink 182, Death Cab for Cutie, From First to Last, Paramore, Spiritbox, and Alison Wonderland. I also really want to shoot a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.
In a perfect world, what would be your dream photo job/opp?
Touring with From First to Last on their worldwide tour with Sonny Moore.
What is one thing you’d like to achieve in 2024?
I’d like to really improve my videography skills and expand my portfolio with music industry video work. I would also like to book more travel work, whether that be festivals in other cities or a tour of shows.
Who in the creative community has inspired you or helped you on your journey?
Two important people to me on my journey are Kristy Rose of Top Shelf Music Mag and industry photographer Nikki Phillips, founder of First III No Flash. Kristy has always been a ray of sunshine and support in some very crucial moments of my career such as shooting my first ever music festivals and my expansion into EDM. Nikki has motivated and inspired me just by leading a great example of consistent work and showing me how to navigate an impossible industry without compromising your standards. You ladies both seriously rock!
What is one misconception you’d like to clear up or a hot take you have regarding challenges or life as a concert photographer?
Just because we create glamorous artwork doesn’t mean it’s glamorous work. You see us in the barricade of space taking pictures, I feel multiple photographers squished into a tiny area of space with multiple security guards standing in your way. You see cool photos on social media, I feel the extremely rushed nature of submitting the photos on time. You see me working from home, you don’t feel the time and concentration required to edit a gallery. You see a sick light and smoke show, I see a nightmare of a setting. IYKYK.
Additional photos by Franny:
