Interview With Gray Read

Have you ever wondered who is responsible for the superb snaps of SA’s finest musicians in action? Well, here is the man behind the camera – Gray Read from Gray Stills.

How did you get into photography – more importantly, music-related photography?

I’ve been running around with some form of camera since I knew what a camera was. My dad knows his way around a camera and taught me a whole lot with his Canon A1 SLR. Plus, when I left school I studied film, and the theory behind a film camera is largely the same as a stills camera, so when I got my first decent camera a few years back I was pretty geared up on how to get some great shots out of it. But I got into band photography last year at Season’s Wither 2. I spoke to the organisers and a couple of friends who were playing, and I asked if I could take some pics and they were keen. Since then, I’ve juggled doing gigs and other shoots (such as modelling, sporting, events, travel shots, etc). But I play in bands myself, so my love for the music made me gravitate towards the band scene.

What equipment are you currently using?

I have a Canon EOS 450D, with a Canon battery grip and Nissin Speedlite. I use both the standard Canon 18-55mm lens, as well as a Tamron 70-300mm telemacro lens.

Some bands operate on a 3 song rule for photographers i.e. they won’t let you take any snaps after their third song. For example, at the Counting Crows concert in Johannesburg, all photographers were told to leave after a couple of songs. Do you think that this is fair?

I think the 3 song rule is pretty unfair! The first song often yields some great shots, since the band generally wants to start with a bang, and there’s the initial excitement that the stage brings. However, it’s mostly in the last few songs where the band’s energy is at its best. When it’s all about catching a moment, you don’t want to have to stop when you’re still 6 or so songs away from the best moments. Plus, it’s just horrible having your camera packed away, while every second member of the crowd is snapping away or filming with their cell phones.

Have you found local venues to be accommodating when you request a light change, for example?

All the venues I’ve shot at have been very accommodating. I’ve rarely wanted the lighting at a venue to change, but the once or twice I’ve asked for more house lights or less strobe, they’ve been more than happy to oblige for a song or two. And things like leaving a camera bag behind the bar, or using a power point, etc., I’ve found most venues are really chilled and keen to help out.

What has been your favourite gig/band to shoot so far?

It’s so tough to choose! So far my favourite band shoot has been Chromium at Thornfest – I shot some amazing bands there, but for Chromium, the lighting was just perfect. The sun was low in the sky, the smoke machines and the stage lights added a bit of extra colour here and there – the results were epic!

But my favourite gig so far has been the Cool Runnings show of the Seven Year Kismet tour. All of the bands rocked, and because of how the stage was set up, I could pretty much get snaps of them from any angle. At one point I was wedged between the stage monitors under the bar which was keeping the band separate from the crowd. It was intense being squeezed into such a small gap, having the band blaring in front of me and the moshpit raging right behind me – it was so much fun!

Many young photographers often complain about having to do shoots for free or never getting paid for their work. As expected, this can be frustrating. What do you do to ensure you aren’t being ripped off?

To be honest, I’ve only recently started to charge for my work – until now I’ve just been building up a decent portfolio so I can approach people with an impressive array of shots and say “Here’s what I can do.”  But I’ve obviously shared a lot of my snaps for exposure, so everything I have given out so far has my name on it. But as with any service, just get down on paper clearly what you expect for your work, and get a signature from the band/manager/venue before your camera even leaves your bag – no pay, no pics!

If I gave you the opportunity to take snaps of any band, who would it be and why?

Any band? Well, a local band I’d have to say Agro – those guys put on one awesome show! Their energy is intense and their crowd interaction is always amazing.

For an international band I’d say Eluveitie. They’re a Swiss folk metal band and one of my absolute favourite bands ever. I’d love to get snaps of them rocking out – a metal guitarist next to a bagpipe or hurdy-gurdy player; a headbanging violinist, etc. – I just imagine it would be so much fun!

Thanks for your time. Where can people find out more about Gray Stills and contact you for a shoot?

I mainly use my Facebook page. Just search for Gray Stills and you’ll find me. All of my contact info is on there, plus a selection of galleries if you’d like to see some of my other work.

All photographs copyrighted to Gray Stills.

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za
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