Apr 8, 20184 min read

Alex Wolf | Tips for Shooting Live Concerts

TIPS FOR SHOOTING LIVE SHOWS

@ALEXWOLFDOES

Alex Wolf is a freelance music/entertainment & commercial videographer, currently living on the East Coast where there is a lot of pulled pork BBQ and humidity. Growing up, she frequented a venue in Raleigh, NC, where she first saw Attack Attack, but sadly, like most great videos, it is no longer open..

When she turned 18, she became ill, and reached out to the Warped Tour staff and received VIP passes and a press pass to shoot the show. From there, she kept that connection alive through the years, until this year. She met Common Ground Records, who had a band named Small Talks, who won the Skullcandy Battle of the Bands competition. The band brought her out on their leg of the 2017 Vans Warped Tour, where she gained the experience of a lifetime, met some incredible people, and learned how to live out in the elements, lol. She brought the first girl she liked to Warped Tour, and the first band she heard was Senses Fail, and she was instantly hooked, so having the opportunity to join the tour was a long time dream come true. We obviously also bring up the sad fact that Vans Warped Tour is coming to an end this summer and I ask Alex what she thinks will take its place. Will one of you start a new touring festival, or will an incredible group like the Emo Nite family create something new? What do you think?

CHECK OUT THE EMO NITE TOUR

Alex and I met at the APMA's afterparty and when I started this podcast we decided to do an episode together. Alex shoots frequently for Emo Nite, which, if you don't know what that is, please look into it immediately! They're doing a lil' tour. Some of the projects that Alex has worked on include Camera crew Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Super Deluxe, Demi Lovato singing Paramore clip (TMZ, MTV, etc), Absolute Merch content, Warped Tour videographer for Small Talks.

In this episode of Project Freelance we talk about some of the important health aspects of being a freelancer. We often forget to take care of ourselves, because we are always so hyperfocused on our work. Time management is something I have personally struggled with.

A lot of us artists are extremely antisocial, so it's important for us to surround ourselves with likeminded, creative people. We are a culmination of the five people we hang out with most. The best support system should include five people that are like minded and will push you. If your five are not doing that, change your five. At the end of the day, don't let anyone hold you back. That's not to say to leave your homies behind, but make sure your "homies" push you and don't just hop on the waggon the minute it starts moving.

For my photographer readers/listeners, it's important for you to build relationships in this industry. The more you communicate and put yourself out there, it will take you a very long way. People are going to say no to you your entire life, but when the right people say yes, it will take you a long ass way! I'd recommend that you look into the idea of getting a mentor or even interning for someone, like a music label, music producer, professor, etc. If you want to get your way into bigger shows, try going through the support bands. If you shoot for them, you'll also get to shoot those bigger bands and headliners, which will only propel you forward.

You must absolutely be respectful to everyone at the venue. The staff is allowing you to shoot in their house, so don't step on their toes. You have to remember that you are there to do a job and so are they. Do not hassle the security guards, because they are not only keeping the kids and bands safe, but they're also going to be looking out for you. Concert etiquette is extremely vital if you want to succeed in this industry.

Alex is learning a lot, not only about the industry, but about herself. She has grown a lot as a person, through the relationships that she's built and the risks she's taken to get there.

We all think about giving up at some point, because, let's face it, this shit is hard, but you have to remember not to be so hard on yourself. You will have hard days, so it's good to have that support system I spoke about, around you. Sometimes taking chances and making mistakes bring the biggest rewards.

We also touch on the LGBT aspect of our lives and how it affects some creatives' incomes. No matter what, make cool stuff. Fuck what people say, fuck getting denied for jobs, fuck all the posers who think they are going to "make it" in the music industry, and just go create shit!

Alex is currently working on a few various music related projects, promo pieces for local businesses in the region and polishing up a mini documentary about Cayley Spivey (Small Talks)/Mental health in the music industry. Also on the pursuit of finishing her undergraduate degree in May.

Alex is available for summer tours/the grandest of grand - Warped Tour. Also still on pursuit of the best coffee beans to make cold brew with, so please lmk.