Taylor Rambo is a talented photographer from upstate New York responsible for tons of great pics from random hardcore shows. The dude was so kind to let me use his photos for the Concrete interview, and I was so impressed with his work that I thought it would be dope to follow up with a short interview where he could shed some light on his work. So, here it is! Plus, check out the cool pics of TUI, Backtrack, Malfunction, Vehement Serenade and couple other dope bands.Taylor Rambo is a talented photographer from upstate New York responsible for tons of great pics from random hardcore shows. The dude was so kind to let me use his photos for the Concrete interview, and I was so impressed with his work that I thought it would be dope to follow up with a short interview where he could shed some light on his work. So, here it is! Plus, check out the cool pics of TUI, Backtrack, Malfunction, Vehement Serenade and couple other dope bands.
First off, can you tell us about yourself and how you got into hardcore and photography?
My name is Taylor Rambo. I'm 20 years old and live in Rochester, NY. I've been into photography for about 6 years now. It started out when I was in high school. I had taken a basic photo class that really inspired me to get further into photography. I was just so fascinated with being able to capture a specific moment and show a different perspective on something. I started going to local shows to see my friend's bands around this time as well. Naturally it made sense to combine my two favorite things, music and photography. I would bring my camera to shows all the time. As I got older my music taste changed and evolved. Towards the end of high school I made friends with a local promoter who would often book hardcore bands. I started going to his shows more often and began to experience a completely difference music scene. It was crazy to me at first but I really loved the raw energy that was in hardcore music. The shows were always fun and crazy so it made for a lot of interesting shots. It sort of progressed from there. I got more into hardcore and photographed constantly.
What is The Entertainment Collective?
The Entertainment Collective is a entertainment company that I am involved in. Focusing mainly in the Rochester and Horseheads areas of New York, The Entertainment Collective was created to try and bring a different approach to shows. It consists of myself, 3 promoters and a graphic designer and we all work together to ensure the best and most professional experience possible. I've been working with the promoters in the collective for a few years now.
What makes a great photo of a hardcore show?
For me its about capturing the energy of the show. I feel theres a lot of emotion and intensity that drives hardcore music. I always aim to capture that feeling. Whether its focusing on one member, the entire band or the interaction with the crowd. I feel that any photo that captures the emotion and power and what that band is all about is successful.
Are there any specific pictures that you're most proud of?
With my style always evolving and progressing I tend to end up disliking most of my old work. One of my favorites was a mic grab shot I took of Ghostxship awhile back. They ended up using the photo for a hoodie design and it was such a huge accomplishment for me since its something I had always wanted to achieve. Every show theres always a few shots that stand out to me but eventually i'll always end up wanting to improve on what i've already done.
What are the biggest challenges of taking pics at hardcore gig?
One of the biggest challenges i've faced is knowing where to be. I like to be up close and front to really get the best and closest shots but obviously i'll be in the way of people trying to move and stage dive. Its a fun environment to shoot in but i've had things go wrong in the past. Ive had equipment broken and my camera knocked out of my hand many times before. I expect that to happen when I'm in that position however. Its really the challenge of being able to be close to the activity without being too intrusive and being aware of my surroundings. I've gotten some of my best shots this way.
What do you use to shoot with now?
I shoot with a Canon 5d Mark ii and a variety of lenses but most commonly a 15mm. I also use an off camera 580ex ii flash and a lightsphere flash diffuser.
Any tips for someone thinking at bringing their camera to a show and start taking pictures? Any dos and donts?
My advice to anyone is to not be afraid to get in there and go for it. shows are so much fun to shoot and you can get a lot of great shots if you arent afraid to get close. obviously be respectful to the bands and try not to be too much in the way. always know your equipment and come prepared for anything. Get a good sense of the venue or space. Being aware is key. Most of all just get into it. Get into the music and energy and it will show in your photos.
What are your goals for the future, what would you still like to achieve?
For the future I am trying to get out on the road more and do some touring. I have been on a few tours with some friends of mine and I loved it so I would definitely love to get out there and do more of that. There are a few bands i'd love to photograph and some to re-photograph so hopefully i'll be able to see some of them this upcoming year.
All pics by Taylor Rambo. More about Taylor here.
