Meet April Onstad

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to April Onstad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

April , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I love this topic because I am so passionate about my profession and being one who is determined to bring change to the industry I am in.
I first noticed that I was the only female photographer at the first concert I ever scored a press pass to cover.
After that show, my photograph was picked up by Salt n’ Pepa and shared on Instagram. The confidence on stage that they shared was something so contagious that it forever changed me. If they can do it, so can I. I learned to be effective at capturing the room by walking in confidence. With the goal to be seen as a female photographer in the music industry.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

For over 20 years I have primarily been a family photographer, over those years many people would ask me what my favorite subject is to capture. It took me some time to find that answer.
In 2016 I branched out and began photographing musicians. It was in that field that I found my passion. I grew up in the music industry, surrounded by amazing musicians, talented photographers and I never dreamed big enough to believe that I could also be in that field. This year, I am excited to announce that I am able to focus solely on musician photography and promotion. I work for a small record company , New Folk Records, who is starting to make big waves in the music industry. I am so thankful that many of the artists have entrusted me to capture album art, concert and social media art, and allow me to help promote their music. It’s just so rewarding to be in a field you love and are passionate about.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three areas of knowledge that were most impactful in the journey would have to start with my love for music.
I not only sold music in the stores when they were around, I also studied the charts, watched different ways artists would promote themselves. My family was all in the business, and as such, we had many musician friends in our world for as long as I can recall. I listened to them, and I took mental notes the entire time. I was introduced and inspired by amazing musician photographers, Kieron “Spud” Murphy and Bill Francis. Legendary photographers that found their way into my families life. I was able to learn so much about becoming one with the people in the room and how to apply that to my love for photography.
It’s incredibly important that you listen to the people around you if you are in a creative field. You can glean so much from that.
Another important skill was not being afraid to ask for advice. I think so many people think that they can just go at it alone and succeed, but if we don’t stop and ask the people who paved the way before us, what they learned, what they would do differently, or just not being afraid to show your vulnerability, I do not believe that I would of grown into who I am today. Surround yourself with those who inspire you, it is contagious.
If you are just starting out in your journey to achieve your dreams, my last piece of advice is to always be willing to grow. Take classes, see the areas in which you can fine tune your business and lean into them. It was so hard to lay down the side of my business that photographed families, but it made room for this new dreamy adventure. Be willing to prune back the areas that are not producing to allow space for new growth.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking for musicians who are looking for help to reach their target audiences. I have developed an effective social media marketing strategy to help boost following, get your gigs packed and do so with amazing art to help guide the way. If there’s a band or an artist I should see , I love it when it’s shared with me. Along with New Folk Records, it’s such a gift to us when we see an artist see their dreams realized. The best way to reach me is through the website
newfolk-records.com , follow my journey on Instagram @aprilonstad.
I am so looking forward to this new growth and beyond thankful for all of my musician friends who have supported me along the way.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All photos taken by April Onstad

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than