Emma Gibbon has been chosen as one of the finalists for Northern Music Photography Spotlight‘s ‘Best Live Music Photo’ and we are so happy for her!
Of course, we decided to find out more about it and more about Emma for our readers.
Everyone on the Leeds Living team is excited about this, Emma. Tells us how you found out about it.
Thank you, guys! I saw that Northern Music Spotlight was a new page starting out on Instagram, and thought that bringing the northern music community together was a great idea. As a photographer from a small town in the North, I am always eager to be a part of something that showcases talented photographers from up here, and put our name on the map! So when I saw that they were doing an open call for the photo competition, I decided to enter.
It isn’t very long since you decided to go full blown freelance with your photography. Was making that change a ‘now or never’ moment?
I had consistent freelance jobs alongside my full-time job for 2 years before choosing to go fully freelance. Although there are other personal reasons why this was the right decision for me, I felt like I was in a position where if I didn’t focus on this full-time, I wouldn’t be able to progress any further. Luckily, it was a great decision!
What’s been the greatest challenge so far?
I think as most people would say, the uncertainty of if and when jobs will happen is always daunting. Luckily, I have been fortunate enough to stay busy this far, and I think a lot of that is down to the connections you make. For me, I have found that accessing reasonably paid jobs in the music industry to be the greatest challenge, which means I focus on other events too, which I also love.
Have there been any laugh out loud moments?
The first thing that comes to mind, is a man with a leaf blower frantically blowing confetti off the stage and straight into our faces during Tom Grennan at Leeds First Direct Bank Arena – an unexpected moment, and definitely ended up breathing in a few strands of confetti! Otherwise, it’s just genuinely nice to get to know other photographers in the pit and have a laugh together in-between shooting.
Have you found yourself in a physically difficult or awkward position? Any precarious times positioning yourself for the best shot?
There was one time when there were about 15 photographers in a pit, which would have been challenging enough for the size of it alone, but there was then tape placed at the very side speaker on the stage that the band insisted we were not allowed to step past. This made the pit pretty much redundant but we all did what we could from our tiny corner, ducking and taking turns during the first 3 songs!
Luckily, I have never found myself in any dangerous situations – if ever at a larger venue or event, a good security team will always warn you of any safety measures, like where any cannons are and when they will be going off; always be aware of your surroundings!
I know, of course, that you sometimes work as part of a team of writers and photographers at music festivals in particular. Is this compatible with individual techniques and approaches to the work?
I love working with other creatives and music lovers, and think everyone has something to both teach and learn. It’s great to share these experiences and see other people’s perspectives, and a strong passionate team really stands out in the final outcomes. I think it’s great for people to have individual techniques, as long as they’re delivering what is asked for them, I think fresh perspectives are inspiring! I also just want to take this moment to thanks Leeds Living for all the opportunities over the years, and how inspired I feel to be part of such a friendly, supportive, growing team.
How do you see your own future? Are you working on a plan or is it early days yet?
My current focus is growing my photography business, and I’m interested in expanding out to commercial and branding opportunities. I have recently completed my first Artist In Residency that also resulted in my first solo exhibition, which had such a great response; I would love to take part in further residencies in future. I am always looking to connect with other creatives and pursue projects that align with my passions. I think something vital that people often miss though (guilty!) is making time for personal projects. It can be difficult to prioritise when income is an important factor, but I believe so much can come from creating a strong portfolio of the things you love.
We’ve noticed that recently, tour managers and artists have started to use their own photographers and this has reduced the number of opportunities for freelancers and others in the towns and cities where the artists are performing. My own view is that if you’re being welcomed into a community and you can pay back by using local talent, then you should. What is your take?
I definitely think it’s important for photographers to be given the opportunity to build their shooting experience through press passes, but I can also understand this needing to be more controlled in certain spaces. I’ve been in my share of overcrowded pits, which doesn’t serve anyone. Paid working professionals are an essential part of the artist’s team, but I don’t believe this should mean shutting out all external opportunity completely, especially if it can be given to local talent. Lately, I’ve seen a few bands partnering up with photographers to offer mentored-based media passes to others, which I think is really positive for those starting out.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about following your path? Taking the risk, perhaps.
I say do whatever makes you happy! And I know that’s easier said than done, but as long as you’re in a position that means you’re healthy and have stability, why not pursue your dreams? In a working world where most get taken for granted, it’s the most rewarding thing to instead be able to put all that energy into your passions. It takes a lot of responsibility and accountability, and of course it’s not for everyone, but for me, it’s worth it.
I think the biggest fear is failure, but whether you stick at it for one year or the rest of your life, the experience will be essential for learning and growth and to lead you on to the next thing, which in my eyes could never count as failure. As with any creative practice, consistent practice is definitely what it needs; creative in a positive and meaningful way to you, and if you’re like me, try your best to let go of the pressures of being ‘good enough’. It might not always be viable to jump into freelancing, but there is always a place to start. Build that portfolio, make those connections – and never stop learning.
Emma Gibbon – thank you, as ever, for giving us your time today.
Main image: Emma Gibbon.
Photography by Emma Gibbon.
