We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Daubert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
One of the things that I am most grateful for throughout my journey as a concert photographer are the incredible friendships that first began in the photo pit. I am naturally a pretty outgoing and friendly person, and when I first started in concert photography I wasn’t afraid to introduce myself to the other photographers and ask them questions. Their generosity, kindness and mentorship helped me get to where I am today, and I like to give that back. Anytime I meet a new/aspiring concert photographer I take the time to talk with them, answer their questions, give them helpful tips/tricks, and most importantly tell them it might be hard work, and you might get a lot of “No’s,” but keep trying – it’ll all be worth it!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Front Rail Photography was really born out of the beautiful combination of my love for music and photography. I have always been a music lover, ever since I was a little kid. I have been going to concerts since I was in elementary school, and as I grew older I started to bring my camera to shows. Years later, a friend of mine let me borrow his professional camera to shoot a show, and it all sort of clicked….this was what I wanted to do! With the support of family and friends I quickly turned my passions into a business. Since then I have covered hundreds of shows and festivals, worked all access for some of my favorite bands, had my photos used as album covers, in a movie, magazines, and more! I have met so many incredible people and have created memories that will last a lifetime!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Beyond the basic skills of photography I think there are three important qualities to have if you’re hoping to become a concert photographer; you need to be outgoing, determined, and optimistic. Part of finding opportunities, learning more about the field, and making good connections all require you to be outgoing. You need to put yourself out there, introduce yourself to others, and build a strong network. As you search for those opportunities, you are going to be told “no” (a lot), so you need to be determined. Don’t let a few “no’s” keep you from getting that next “yes!” And lastly, you need to be optimistic, you can do this – even if no one else believes in you, even if your first few shoots don’t go well, success doesn’t happen over night. Be positive, believe in yourself, and you can achieve your goals!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Sometimes you need to take a step back and remember your why. This job can be frustrating, demanding, stressful…but it is also so beautiful and rewarding. The moment you walk into the photo pit, on-stage, or meet up with the artist, capturing those moments, and sharing them with others, it’s an incredible experience. Simple things like getting a message through social media about how someone loves my photos, or could see themselves in the crowd, or when someone changes their profile picture to one that you took, it’s those tiny moments of connection that you can look upon to remember why you do what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frontrailphotography.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontrailphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontRailPhotography/
Image Credits
All photos are from Front Rail Photography.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.