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 Boston Schulz, who is based in Los Angeles. Boston currently shoots freelance and has also worked with local venues and Shutterstock Editorial.
Portfolio: https://www.bostonschulz.com/
Instagram: @bostonshulz
What do you shoot with and any favorite lenses?
Huge Nikon fan here, shooting both with a mirrorless & a DSLR, mostly using the Nikon Z6ii with a 24-70 F2.8 and the Nikon D750 with a 70-200 F2.8.
Do you have a signature editing style or aesthetic to your photography?
I don’t think my editing style is anything unique, as I simply love contrast and bold colors. Especially if I’m doing minimal to no editing for editorial content, I try to keep all my images as you would see the show in real life. However, I try as much as possible to shoot unique poses and angles.
How and when did you get into concert/music photography?
I got started in music photography back in 2013. I recently graduated college, moved away from home (to NYC), and had no idea what I was doing with my life. I was working 9-to-5 and wanted something to do with my nights. I loved going to concerts, so I started going to small venues alone. As a young introvert (and a woman), I hated people talking to me when I was at concerts, as I really just wanted to watch the bands. During one set, I happened to see someone in the photo pit and it was just like everything clicked into place. I knew that’s where I wanted to be. I had a lot of friends who were photographers, so they helped me pick out a camera, then I asked venues if I could come shoot for free, and now I’ve been doing this for over a decade!
Do you have a niche or specific genre that you tend to shoot?
I do cover all genres, but I love classic rock, so I tend to cover a lot of ’80s rock bands. I also grew up listening to country, so I also photograph a lot of country artists & festivals. Additionally, I love the local LA music scene, so I try to photograph as many new bands as I can.
How do you approach capturing the performance energy and atmosphere in your work?
I want my photographs to look like what someone would have seen if they were actually there or missed out on if they weren’t. So a lot of the time, I’m capturing the performance by what I’m drawn to as a fan. I try to keep an eye out for little interaction moments between band members or spots where the lighting is just right. I love the moment of artists looking out, admiring the crowd; a lot of my images are that exact moment.
Have you photographed any of your favorite artists or events? What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishments so far?
I have had the honor of photographing two of my favorite artists: Tom Petty & Alice Cooper. Photographing Tom Petty was a moment that I’ll cherish forever. I have one of my favorite shots of him printed out poster sized in my room, because it was such a beautiful moment. When I was in the pit, I took a moment to step back away from the photographers and the stage to just enjoy seeing him, and I (embarrassingly) started dancing. He happened to look down at the crowd near me right at that time. He then looked right at me and chuckled. The photograph I printed is him looking away laughing. As for new bucket lists, there are so many artists I still want to photograph, but I would love the opportunity to cover the top women in the music industry who are just killing it: Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, Pink, Lady Gaga.
In a perfect world, what would be your dream photo job/opp?
I’m in love with festivals. I love the experience of a three day weekend with the incredible fans. So my ultimate goal would to join a festival in-house photo team. I have my fingers crossed!
What is one thing you’d like to achieve in 2024?
Getting on a festival team or shooting another bucket list artist are things I’d love to achieve in 2024. Honestly, I love every time I’m in the pit, so I’m just happy to be here (as corny as that sounds).
Who in the creative community has inspired you or helped you on your journey?
Oh my gosh, so many amazing, beautiful people in this industry! When I first started, I was so inspired by the incredible Dana Distortion & Mark Weiss, both of whom I was able to share a pit with in NYC. And I love so many people in the LA community, some whom I’ve had the honor to share the pit with and some I haven’t: Steve Rose, Beth Saravo, Debi Del Grande, Skyler Barberio, Ashley Osborn, Miranda McDonald… just to name a few. But there are so many incredible, talented people out there! And I know I’m going to feel bad about missing so many in this list!
What is one misconception you’d like to clear up or a hot take you have regarding challenges or life as a concert photographer?
This is a tough one. To me, the biggest misconception is that not all of us want to (or can) tour. There is a lot of appreciation & recognition of touring photographers in this industry and I absolutely love that! But, (myself and) a lot of us don’t want to or can’t tour for various reasons. So, it’s hard to feel like you’re “succeeding” when a lot of the accomplishments revolve around only touring.
Additional photos by Boston:
