Behind The Scenes: 4 Photographers Who Took These Iconic Pictures of Popular Musicians

In a craft like photography, honing your skills shouldn't begin and end with practicing on your own. There is valuable insight to gain from other photographers' work - from learning how to apply certain photography techniques to being inspired by their artistic vision.

For instance, a previous article covered tips on landscape photography provided by Tom Baskind who specializes in the genre. Aside from explaining techniques for the rule of thirds, lighting, and foreground elements, Baskind emphasizes the importance of creatively experimenting with angles and perspectives.

Meanwhile, music photography is another genre that is widely appreciated for how it portrays musical artists and bands, both behind the scenes and on the stage. Here's a look at four music photographers whose work with iconic musicians can be a great source of creative knowledge and inspiration.

1. Todd Owyoung

(Photo : FKA Twigs photographed by Todd Owyoung)

A New York-based photographer with more than ten years of experience, Todd Owyoung has worked with famous artists like Janelle Monae, FKA Twigs, and Aerosmith. His diverse portfolio spans studio portraits, environmental portraits, backstage photography, and live photos at concerts and music festivals. As a Nikon ambassador, Todd believes that photography gear is an important consideration for advancing the technical and creative process.

When it comes to using the Nikon Z7, a full-frame mirrorless camera, its fast aperture, silent shooting mode, and bright electronic viewfinder were found suitable by Todd for both studio portraits and backstage candids of artists. While this professionally-oriented body has been discontinued, those hunting for a reliable mirrorless camera from Nikon can still look forward to the release of Z8 this year. The Nikon Z8 is expected to cater to detail-focused photographers with its upgraded camera sensor.

2. Danny Clinch

(Photo : The Foo Fighters photographed by Danny Clinch)

Danny Clinch is an American photographer and film director who has made a name for himself in the music scene through his intimate and revealing portraits of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, the Foo Fighters, and more. Aside from being published by prominent publications like Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and Esquire, he has also presented his work in four coffee-table books and numerous galleries.

In an interview with Steve Bedell of Shutterbug, Clinch has shared that his go-to photography gear is the Canon EOS 5D with a 24-70mm lens. Among the range of DSLR cameras on the market, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is considered a powerhouse by professional photographers due to its 30.4MP high-speed camera sensor and ISO range of 100-32000 that result in vivid and well-lit portraits. The phase detection technology of its autofocus also paves the way for smooth and precise shooting, which is particularly useful for subjects in motion during live stages and performances.

3. Matty Vogel

(Photo : Billie Eilish photographed by Matty Vogel)

Los Angeles-based photographer Matty Vogel works as a tour photographer and close visual collaborator for big-name artists like Thirty Seconds to Mars, All Time Low, and Billie Eilish. His work focuses not only on capturing key moments during concerts and performances but also on telling a story through behind-the-scenes shoots and artist profiles.

In his photography blog, Vogel recommends DSLRs like the Canon EOS 6D, since its impressive ISO range allows you to take images with less noise and interference. This makes the colors and details more evident, even when you're shooting under changing lighting conditions. Since his blog post details his entire tour photography workflow, Vogel has also mentioned the importance of choosing the right lenses. The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens is a viable option for beginners, as it supports both auto and manual focus modes for greater versatility.

4. Annie Leibovitz

(Photo : John Lennon and Yoko Ono photographed by Annie Leibovitz)

Annie Leibovitz was Rolling Stone's chief photographer for more than thirteen years, allowing her to create an extensive body of work with musicians like Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, and Dixie Chicks. She was also known for taking the iconic portrait of John Lennon curled up against his wife Yoko Ono, hours before his tragic death. Her portraits are made distinct by her clever use of vibrant colors and unusual poses, allowing her to convey the person behind the music.

Before Leibovitz transitioned into digital cameras, her favorite was the medium-format camera Mamiya RZ67 for her work in the 80s and early 90s. While this analog camera is hefty to bring around, shooting in film trains you to pay better attention to your focus and exposure. With interchangeable parts and detail-rich lenses, you're bound to create stunning portraits and close-ups.