In the Studio with Concert Photographer Deanna Escobar — SugarShot Media
Today, we’re going In the Studio with concert photographer Deanna Escobar the owner of SugarShot Media. Deanna started photography in 2001. She really got into it, post 9/11, to get closer to things she loved — extreme sports and music. Of the two subjects, concerts have dominated her portfolio. Originally, she started out with Minolta Maxxum 35mm film SLR. A couple of years later, she graduated to a Nikon DSLR.
She loves being able to capture someone in the moment. Her photography style tends to be bold, sharp, and bright. And her concert photography, she wants people to feel like they're in the front row, seeing what she sees. She has been lucky enough in her hobby to have access to a lot of larger artists and has had the support of a DC-area radio station for a long period of time.
Her concert photography is currently on display in the Hal Gomer Gallery at the Chesapeake Arts Center in the Rock n Roll Concert Photography exhibit until October 2, 2021.
Here’s Deanna talking about her background, and passion for photography:
1) Which band is your favorite to photograph and why?
I like bands that know how to work for the camera with their angles and poses. Usually those are the bands that have some longevity. Also, it doesn't hurt if the band members are photogenic to start. Some of my favorite bands to capture have been Green Day, the Foo Fighters, and the Struts. Tom Morello is a great subject to photograph. Another fun band that I discovered in the last couple of years is Avatar...they're great for their costumes and theatrics onstage.
2) Which photographer(s) influence you as a photographer? Which photographer(s) inspire your work?
I don't have any particular photographers that I'm influenced by. If there were any influences, it was probably photographs that were published in Rolling Stone Magazine, SPIN, or Alternative Press. I used to dream of providing photo content for those publications.
3) Is there a specific venue that you enjoy photographing at?
My favorite venues are generally the Anthem and the 9:30 Club. The Anthem's pit is so roomy. Meanwhile, the 9:30 Club's pit is so intimate....I swear it's shrunk in size over the years! Even when I wasn't officially photographing shows, the 9:30 Club was my home away from home back in the day. I'd be there with a disposable or a point-and-shoot camera while going to see my favorite bands.
4) Is there a message you hope your photographs convey? What would you like to say through your photographs?
When people look at my photographs, I want them to feel the excitement and intensity of the show being captured. I want them to see how it looked through my eyes, with the movement and the lighting. I don't do a ton of color correction, except to make the image look more representative of the light and moment at the time.
5) When did you find your passion for photography?
I took up photography in late 2000/early 2001. I had a Minolta Maxxum 35mm film camera. I was really into photographing extreme sports, my friends' bands, and any band or extreme sporting event that I could get a media pass for. Photography helped me pass time after being laid off post-9/11. I was unemployed and looking for a way to creatively occupy my time and my mind. I also feel like I know the bones of a good photo. I'm a graphic designer by career — the first 10 years, I was in advertising — a job that requires careful image selection to convey emotions.
6) What motivates you to continue taking photographs?
I still love capturing images that you can only get from up close in the pit. It is a little easier for people to get great images on their phones, but I like being able to have images that are much higher resolution. I should actually print out more of my photos. I just don't have enough wall space!
7) How would you describe your photography style?
My style of photography tends to be sharp and bright with vibrant colors. After seeing my photography often enough, you can generally pick mine out from other photographers' work.
8) How do you connect with the subject of a photograph?
When I'm in the pit, I usually tend to make eye contact in between shots so that the subject knows that I'm focused on them. Some play up to the camera, and those end up being some fun shots. They also probably notice me because I'm usually grinning like a fool in the pit...enjoying my short-lived time directly in front of the band.
9) What are some challenges faced with photography? What do you enjoy the most?
Dark lighting, reds, purples, and blues tend to be the toughest shoots. I also find photographing outside challenging, at times, because I'm so used to photographing with controlled indoor lighting. I most enjoy bands that take time to have the best stage lighting. I recently photographed The HU at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, and, even though it was outdoors, they had some of the most beautiful stage lighting.
10) What advice would you give a photographer that just started their career?
For new photographers, just learn to use your camera. Figure out what the functions do and play around with your settings. Sometimes the coolest photos come around by accident. Also, don't be afraid to experiment! Three songs is plenty of time to capture what you need...and then play around for your remaining shots.
To learn more about Deanna or check out more of her art, visit: www.instagram.com/sugarshotmedia or https://www.facebook.com/sugarshotmedia .