If a photo is worth a thousand words, what about the person who took that photo? In a day and age where, thanks to Instagram, everyone thinks they’re a professional photographer, it’s important to remember the people who actually do this for a living.
People like Joe Calixto -– the LA native, hardcore-loving photo taker who has shot bands like Glassjaw, Turnstile, Bane, Have Heart and many more.
Today, in a time where all we have are photos to remember some of our favorite shows by (since no one can attend any at the moment), we’d like to take a second and shine a light on the hard working people who took them.
So to learn a little more about Joe Calixto plus some advice on live photography, be sure to check out our newest installment of our Photographer Spotlight series below. Afterward, make sure to follow Joe on Instagram here.
Who or what got you into concert photography?
I don’t think anyone got me into concert photography but my cousin was the reason I picked up a camera. He was in the Australian army and he came to visit us in the Philippines and brought the very first DSLR I’ve ever seen. I just wanted to take pictures of my friends skateboarding and playing shows. So, I guess if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here. Thanks, kuya!
What was the first show you ever shot?
The first show I ever shot (here in America) was a showcase my cousin’s band played. It was at the Cobalt Cafe in Canoga Park, CA. They played Brand New covers. It was kinda cool tbh.
The first actual show I shot with press credentials was the Taste of Chaos tour in 2009. Thursday headlined and there was no way I was gonna pass on a chance to shoot them! No sir!
What was your first touring experience like and who did you shoot for?
The first tour I did was a full U.S. tour with my band. I actually didn’t take as many photos as I wanted to then. It was actually not til 2016 when I toured with some friends of mine in Silver Snakes on a Bring Me The Horizon tour that I experienced touring where I just focused on photos and selling merch. That shit was so much fun. Every tour was fun… work but keep it fun.
What’s your preferred camera setup?
I currently shoot with a Canon 6D and a Canon 17-40mm and I have a Tamron 70-300mm as my Tele (got it on the cheap). But it’s always a handy wide and a decent zoom. Nothing too crazy.
For young photographers who are still learning, what’s your time management like or the schedule you give yourself day-to-day while shooting?
I absolutely hate back-logging, I almost instantly work on all my shit the moment I get home. I legit lose interest on them the more I lag on photos, so I just dive in right away. I do like editing, so that’s cool. But do take breaks, don’t burn yourself out. Just get the wheel rolling, you feel me?
Any other tips for future concert photographers?
I tell this to absolutely anyone who’s asked me this question. JUST HAVE FUN OUT THERE. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having the time of your life while shooting a show. As much as you’re there for a job, you can still be professional and have a blast. Definitely makes things less stressful. And for people who think being a concert photographer isn’t stressful, you’re dead-ass wrong! The pressure of capturing images is gnarly in that pit. But yeah, just have fun, enjoy what you do!
Personally, who are some of your favorite concert photographers?
I always love this question because I get to introduce the world to some of my favorite photographers out there! So if you haven’t, please check out the work of these amazing and talented people:
Erica Lauren, Becca Lader, Furn Zavala, Kiabad Meza, Gabe Baccera, Ron Yamasaki, Danielle Parsons, Nate Zoeller, Hiro Ituo, Courtney Coles, Tyler Ross, Joseph Ipatzi, Josh Vega, Kat Nijmeddin, Dan Rawe, Senny Mau, Katy Viola, Lupe Bustos, Joe Ortega, Abbie Shipperley, Josi Hoffmann, Courtney Kiara, Alexander Bemis, Krissy Marie, Nat Wood, Anam Merchant, Tim Chisham, Madison Stern, Farrah Skeiky, Georgia Rawson, Jesus Martinez, Reid Haithcock, Alyson Colleta, Tim Cayem, Atiba Jefferson, Nina Sandejas, Ryan Russell, Mitchell Wojcik, there’s so many more but these people here blow my mind each time!
I’m gonna actually also mention these people cause video is also a key part of concert documenting, Steven (197 media), Sunny (Hate5six), JAR (workofJAR), Jonathan (JVPhotovideo), Cameron Nunez and Chris Avis (CAVIS FOREVER).
Lastly, who’s your dream artist to shoot?
It used to be Deftones but I already shot them and it was awesome. So, I would say it would be a dream to photograph Slipknot and/or Incubus – oh and/or the Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms, Counting Crows or Lisa Loeb would be sick too!
