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 Meryl Zipagan, who is based in Los Angeles. Meryl is the Senior Photojournalist at ION Indie Magazine and a contributor at For The Punks. She also shoots as the official photographer of several Fil-Am production companies.
Portfolio: https://www.merylmphotography.com/
Instagram: @hellomerylm
What do you shoot with and any favorite lenses?
Canon 5D M3. Current favorite: Canon Fisheye lens 15mm f/2.8
Do you have a signature editing style or aesthetic to your photography?
I’m currently leaning more with vibrant colors while keeping my subject’s skin tones natural as much as possible. I’m into photos that give out that feeling of momentum and hype, but wont feel “too edited” or unrealistic. (Fun fact: I still don’t know how use Photoshop after almost a decade in photography, so I basically don’t really have much choice but to make sure I get “THAT” shot in camera!)
How and when did you get into concert/music photography?
I’ve always been fond of keeping memories. Growing up (when digital world hadn’t existed yet), I would treasure and collect developed photos that I was able to take. (To this day, I still have those developed photos!) I am also a musician (I play drums) besides being a photographer, so discovering music photography was mind blowing knowing that I can combine both of the things that I love into one career!
Do you have a niche or specific genre that you tend to shoot?
Besides covering shows in LA (and surrounding cities), I am also actively (and have always been), covering Filipino-American shows, most especially musicians/artists based in the Philippines that go on international tours here in the US.
How do you approach capturing the performance energy and atmosphere in your work?
For me, I believe it is always feeling the momentum. It’s how the music flows and how bands/artist builds up hypes and breakdowns during their performances. It’s how they create a set list dedicated to how they want their crowd energized. I think I also benefitted a lot being a musician myself, as I was able to understand the pattern and feeling being in my subject’s shoes.
Have you photographed any of your favorite artists or events? What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishments so far?
Yes! 2023 was definitely the highlight of my career being a music photographer. I have marked off most of my bucket list during that year! One of the most memorable for me was covering the Eraserheads Los Angeles show last May 2023. I have been a HUGE fan of this band (I even have a half sleeve tattoo of them) ever since I started listening to music. Being a fan, I dreamt of being able to officially photograph them, make a photo book of it and have all four members sign that photo book. Which to this day blows my mind — how blessed I am that it came true! This band was from the 90’s and disbanded before I could even watch them live nor take photographs of them. So, that show was the first time ever that I have watched them live AND officially photographed them. Dreams really do come true! Other artists that I have covered that were on the top of my bucket list was: Ringo Starr, Fall Out Boy, Bring Me The Horizon, My Chemical Romance, Kamikazee, Korn, System of A Down, Pearl Jam, Urbandub, Rico Blanco, Slapshock, etc. As for my remaining bucket list, these are the artist that’ll take a long shot to photograph (but hey, I’m still hoping for): Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paramore, Deftones, and Coldplay. I would like to cover 1-2 festivals this year as well!
In a perfect world, what would be your dream photo job/opp?
A world wide tour with my favorite band — and with my dogs and cats.
What is one thing you’d like to achieve in 2024?
I would love to be on another tour this year and to cover more festivals as well as do more promo photos!
Who in the creative community has inspired you or helped you on your journey?
I’ve met a lot of amazing photographers and creatives throughout my years in the industry! Each one of them has given me inspiration and knowledge about this crazy little world and this fun and exciting industry we have. I am forever grateful to each one of you! And of course, YouTube for always guiding me in my misery!
What is one misconception you’d like to clear up or a hot take you have regarding challenges or life as a concert photographer?
FEMALE PHOTOGRAPHERS CAN ROCK THAT F*CKING PHOTO PIT, TOO!
Additional photos by Meryl:
