Stephanie Bartik has made quite the name for her self over the past couple years earning the name of “Rock Star” photographer. Not only is she one heck of a photographer, she is also someone who truly supports all things local. We wanted to take the time to chat with Bartik about her inspirations and reasons why she picked up a camera in the first place. Read the full interview below!
What made you want to start shooting concert photography?
I was always surrounded by photography. My dad and uncle were both photographers. My dad worked a a full time job and then he would “CHUTE” brides and Bar Mitzvah kids on the weekends. I would drive with him to the studio he worked for on Monday nights- It was just a dad/daughter thing; nothing special to an outsider, but to this preteen girl, who shared him with 2 brothers and a sister, I treasured the time alone with him. I remember looking at the faces in the photos which hung on the walls, and making up stories in my head about them. Who they were, what secrets their eyes held, etc.
What was the first concert you photographed?
The first time I did live performance photography was when a friend from where I used to work asked me if I would take some photos of him singing Rockaoke-it was like karaoke, but it was in front of a live band. He knew I did weddings and other ‘normal’ photography. So, I showed up, camera in hand. At the end of the show, I introduced myself to the band (Michael Bruce was the drummer) and asked if they wanted some of the photos I took for their website. I also posted the photos, and I seemed to get some people notice.
Then I received a message from someone who worked with iHeart Media who worked at a local radio station. They were sponsoring a 3-day hard rock music festival in Schaghticoke; ROCK ‘N DERBY, on the weekend of May 20-22, 2016. I was dizzy with excitement it was a whirlwind of music, program in hand, I diligently ran from stage to stage, to try to catch a few photos of each band. First time EVER I was in a pit- I knew I had only 3 songs to shoot, but I have to admit, I lost count in the first few bands. I went from trying to edge my way to get a good angle, to somehow being able to move freely around, then realized I was alone, with security tapping my shoulder! OOPS!
On Sunday, May 22, the last day of the festival..that is when it hit me– literally! I was standing in front of the giant speakers… Sixx: A.M was on stage. I felt the now familiar vibrations from the music move my clothes, but then, a certain note—it was like nothing I had ever experienced before, but I FELT the vibration go right through my heart! It was at that exact moment, I knew THIS is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Yes, at the age of 63, I finally knew what I wanted to do when I grew up! I WANTED TO SHOOT ROCKSTARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have 3 songs in the photo pit and can only bring one lens. What are you using and why?
I have gone through a lot of equipment upgrades since I began this- I have always been a Canon girl…but my go-to lens, if I can only carry one is my RF 28-70 f2.0. It is very heavy, but a true workhorse! It is wide enough to get most of the band, but oh so sharp! I always bring at least 3 lenses to a non-pit show. The RF 28-70 f2.0, RF 70-200 f2.8 (Great for distance shots, when you show up thinking you have pit access, then last minute it turns into soundboard -It seems to happen more with ‘older’ performers, not wanting extreme closeups) Also, I always make an attempt to get the drummer- to me, they are the heartbeat of the band but tend to be cast into the shadows toward the back of the stage, or blocked by the front man. so the longer lens helps get them focused in the frame. And then especially if it is a smaller venue, or I want to get crowd shots or ‘artsy’ angles, I bring my wide lens 15-35.
Is there other types of photography you like to shoot? If so what and why?
Headshots and Street photography— I love the angles. Every face I see holds beauty, but just in different ways. I like when I see a face and it just tells a story (Goes back to those photos hanging on the wall in the studio when I was a kid) But this is also very similar to how I like to photograph rockstars— I try to capture the ‘feel’, not just the ‘frame’ if that makes sense. I am not a technical photographer at all. I know the settings I use are different from many articles I read on “how to photograph bands” Again, I tend to FEEL the music and anticipate when the performer will be doing something.
Who are some photographers out there that inspired you to think outside of the box?
NYC Well-known? Peter Hurley for headshots, Todd Owyoung for bands – I would say I suppose he would be my modern-day concert photographer idol. And of course, I have to add Annie Leibowitz as a groundbreaker for women in this genre. Locally? Man, there are so many! I know I am leaving some out here. I believe just as our local area is so rich in musical talent, there are many fantastic photographers. Jim Gilbert the King of Nippertown. Claude Sawyer, always an honor to be in the pit with him. Michael Hallisey, Joe Deuel, and some young kid named Frankie Cavone. Just to have my name in the same sentence with these talented photographers is always a thrill for me.
While shooting national acts is always incredible, what makes photographing local Capital Region acts at smaller venues so special?
For me, THE FANS! The performers tend to feed off their excitement. While the ticket prices to some more famous headliners are out of the reach of so many, the fans appreciate the talent and value of what we have in our own backyard. They know Bruce Springsteen most likely isn’t going to hop off the stage at the end of the show, personally thank the fans for coming, and maybe even have a beer with them…you get that at the local level.
For those who are just getting their start or are thinking about getting into concert photography, what advice do you have?
First of all, know that concert photography is everything a “normal” photographer hates. Dark sometimes what seems non-exsistent light, fast movement, flashes of light – Hopefully not only red! dealing with crowds and stage huggers, who plant their feet in one spot, and will elbow you if they think you are trying to get in their space. For all the people I have mentored, I tell them to try to remain professional When you are at the show, YOU are representing the band as well as the venue. Keep that in mind while dealing with fans. NEVER STOP LEARNING always try something different. In todays world of digital vs film, you can try different settings see what style fits you- AND PLEASE! Leave your ego at home. We are all their as support- either to the band, the venue, or the publication.
Who are some bucket list musical acts that you would like to photograph one day.
OK, this might seem odd, but when I am asked what is my favorite genre of music to photograph, I tend to say whatever is on the other side of the lens I am looking through. I like the action shots you can get from hard metal or alternative grunge type. But there is also something to be said for capturing the mood of the blues. Again, able to feel what the singer is saying. My heart is definitely saturated in Blues. I got a kiss on the cheek from BB King on the back of his tour bus outside of the Palace (Before I was photographing-and it was much more innocent than that sounds!) As far as a bucket list? Well, I was able to photograph Rod Stewart, and Doug Gray of Marshall Tucker, both were my childhood Idols.
I don’t think I have a bucket list. Yeah, I would like to photograph some big names…ANY…just to say I did it. But I truly am such a fan of the local and regional scene.
I am not just saying that, I truly am. I am open to photographing anyone my calendar will allow me to.
What’s next for you in 2023? Is there anything that you would like to plug?
Who will I be in 2023? Hmm, I am in a semi-retirement phase right now, meaning I am only working 2 days a week at the 9-5. But in about a month, I am done with the 9-5. Does this mean I will relax? Take up knitting or gardening? NO WAY! I hope to hone my skills and be better than I might be now. I bought a video camera and Software. I would love to have the time to learn that aspect, to be able to provide better than the fan’s cellphone videos to the bands. I don’t see myself as a videographer, nor do I want to be. There is a separate skillset and expertise for that…but I will learn. I will most likely be traveling a bit more- I have a few bands from Connecticut I have worked with and western Massachusetts. Another touring band wants me as their photographer when they are in the tri-state NYC area.
So, always growing, always learning, always evolving. I am looking forward to the 2 weeks at the Lake George Classical Music festival again this year. It will be my fourth time with them. Also, I am looking forward to getting my new English Cream Golden Retriever puppy, Bowie (yes, named after David Bowie) trained enough, he can come to hang out with me at some outdoor summer shows.