Zack Smith's Backstage Portraits
Zack Smith's backstage photography captures the quiet moments behind New Orleans festivals. Rather than jostling in the crowd, he creates serene spaces backstage using large-format film cameras and makeshift studios to photograph musicians in unguarded moments.
From 2001 to 2016, Smith shot hundreds of musician portraits, mostly behind the scenes. His collection, "Exit Stage Right," showcases a slice of musical culture fans rarely see. Notable captures include:
- New Orleans singer John Boutte at the 2010 Chaz Fest
- David Batiste during the 2013 Ponderosa Stomp
Smith's approach transforms bustling festival vibes into intimate memories. His portraits are displayed without traditional framing at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, creating an immersive experience.
Originally from Lafayette, Smith became part of the New Orleans music scene around 2000. His ability to connect with musicians and help them relax in front of the camera set him apart. His journey began with a simple bedsheet hung from a tree at the 2001 Jazz Fest entrance, leading to backstage photo booths at events like Chaz Fest and Voodoo Fest.
As both a musician and photographer, Smith brought an insider's perspective to his work. Playing drums in Rotary Downs, he often moved between performing and photographing at the same festival.
His backstage portraits became a signature at Voodoo Fest, inspired by rock photographer Danny Clinch's setup at Bonnaroo. Smith's work captures the humanity in his subjects, like a candid smile from Irma Thomas backstage at Voodoo Fest.
Though Smith's last official backstage session was in 2016, coinciding with his daughter's birth, his legacy of festival portraits continues to inspire. The New Orleans Jazz Museum exhibit, filled with prints of past festivals, embodies the essence of his vision, reminding viewers of the personal moments behind the music.
Jenn Devereaux's Concert Photography
Jenn Devereaux's journey from music fan to professional concert photographer is as vibrant as the performances she captures. Growing up obsessed with music, she would sneak cameras into concerts, dreaming of one day working in the photo pit.
Determined to turn her passion into a career, Jenn saved for her first DSLR camera and eventually found herself credentialed in the coveted photo pit. Now, she's the house photographer at two of New Orleans' most renowned venues:
- The Fillmore
- The Smoothie King Center
With over 16 years of experience, Jenn's work has been featured in prominent publications like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Entertainment Tonight. Her client list includes major names such as Uber, Live Nation, and iHeartRadio.
"Jenn's understanding of the music industry shines through in her work. She captures not just the spectacle of live concerts, but the subtle connections between performers and their audience."
Her dedication has earned her recognition on platforms like the Nikon: CES 2019 Concert Photography Panel and features on industry podcasts.
From a young fan sneaking cameras into shows to commanding the photo pits of major venues, Jenn Devereaux's story demonstrates the power of pursuing one's dreams. Her ability to balance the energy of concerts with impactful moments continues to inspire those passionate about music and photography.
Caitlyn Ridenour's Versatile Photography
Caitlyn Ridenour's diverse portfolio showcases her versatility as a photographer in New Orleans. Her work spans:
- Live music
- Events
- Portraits
- Fine art photography
Each reflects her bold, colorful, and candid style.
In the music scene, Caitlyn immerses herself in the energy of live performances, capturing vibrant and authentic moments. Her event photography seizes genuine interactions at celebrations both large and small, weaving unscripted moments into expressive visual stories.
For portraiture, Caitlyn aims to reveal the true essence of her subjects, balancing artistry with sensitivity. Her ability to make people feel comfortable results in warm, engaging photos that celebrate individuality.
Caitlyn's fine art photography pushes creative boundaries, often evoking deeper emotions and inviting viewers to engage on a more profound level. Her signature style—bold, colorful, and candid—leaves a lasting impression across all her work.
Clients praise Caitlyn for her professionalism and ability to capture intimate moments with remarkable detail and emotion. From weddings to corporate events, her adaptability and consistent quality shine through.
Caitlyn Ridenour's work demonstrates her ability to excel in various photographic fields while maintaining a distinctive aesthetic. Her capacity to capture the essence of live music, the vibrancy of events, and the individuality of portrait subjects ensures that each image is a vivid slice of life, crafting memorable experiences one click at a time.
Marc Pagani's Musical Insight
Marc Pagani's dual expertise as a musician and photographer enriches his work with depth and authenticity. His journey, marked by lifelong musical immersion since childhood, naturally evolved into a career where music and photography converge.
Marc's profound understanding of music elevates his live music and musician portrait photography. He doesn't merely capture images; he translates melodies and rhythms into visual stories. His photos reflect a sense of harmony and rhythm, highlighting performance nuances that might elude others.
His background as a Music Therapist in Chicago enhances his ability to connect with musicians on a deeper level. This enables him to create portraits that reveal the soul behind the sound, showcasing the stories etched into every line and note of their performances.
Pagani's Unique Approach in New Orleans
- Capturing the intensity of live concerts
- Showcasing musicians' quiet contemplation backstage
- Employing dual skills to create compelling, evocative images
- Syncing with the ebb and flow of performances
His live music photography is celebrated for encapsulating the essence of a performance. Marc's images often feature strikingly composed action shots, where the energy of the stage and the connection between musician and audience are palpable. He frames these moments with clarity, offering viewers a distilled experience of the live performance.
Marc's musician portraits benefit from his empathetic perspective as a fellow artist. This rapport is evident in the relaxed, unguarded expressions of his subjects. His portraits often feature musicians in candid, introspective moments, revealing their passion and dedication to their craft.
Incorporating elements of mountaineering and rock climbing photography into his work demonstrates Marc's versatility. Whether amidst the energy of a live musical performance or the tranquility of a climber's ascent, Marc's photography is characterized by emotional depth.
Marc Pagani's exceptional ability to merge his musical insight with his photographic skills results in work that stands out for its emotional resonance and authenticity. His images offer immersive experiences that provide a glimpse into the heart of the performance, defining his unique contribution to music photography.
Virginia Hanusik's Environmental Focus
Virginia Hanusik's work bridges photography, environmental advocacy, and cultural storytelling, offering a unique perspective on South Louisiana's architectural and infrastructural landscapes. Over the past decade, she's documented the region's intricate relationship with water, the oil and gas industry, and the climate crisis.
Her new book, "Into the Quiet and the Light: Water, Life and Land Loss in South Louisiana," combines striking black and white images with essays, poems, and historical reflections from various contributors. This multifaceted approach presents a comprehensive story of a region deeply tied to its watery surroundings.
Key Elements in Hanusik's Photography:
- Homes on stilts
- Powerlines stretching across water
- Everyday structures set against industrial backdrops
These images juxtapose human adaptation efforts with environmental decay, speaking to the broader implications of climate change and demonstrating both resilience and fragility.
"Architecture can symbolize deeper social and environmental stories."
Her approach stems from a fascination with how architecture can symbolize deeper social and environmental stories. The stilt houses, for instance, are practical adaptations to the flood-prone landscape and metaphors for lives lived on the edge—precarious yet persistent.
In her book, Hanusik thoughtfully includes voices from the community, transforming it from a personal photographic journey into a collective reflection on the region's past, present, and future. Essays reflect on socio-political dynamics influencing environmental degradation, while poetry captures the emotional weight of living in a landscape under constant threat.
Hanusik's work serves as a bridge between visual art and environmental consciousness. Her ability to translate complex environmental issues into accessible imagery contributes significantly to both fields. Through her lens, we see South Louisiana's landscapes and the enduring spirit of its people, striving to adapt amidst relentless challenges.
"Into the Quiet and the Light" is a testament to the region's resilience and a reminder of the stakes involved in preserving unique cultural and environmental landscapes. By intertwining photography with heartfelt commentary and historical insights, the book compels readers to engage with South Louisiana's pressing environmental realities.
Michael Weintrob's INSTRUMENTHEAD Project
Michael Weintrob's INSTRUMENTHEAD project marries innovation with reverence for musical artistry. For over two decades, Weintrob has developed this series, creating portraits of musicians with their faces obscured by their instruments. This approach both hides and reveals the essence of his subjects, transforming music photography into a unique art form.
The project began with a simple premise: to capture musicians in a way that underscores their connection with their instruments. By placing instruments in front of the musicians' faces, Weintrob challenges traditional portraiture, suggesting that a musician's soul can be captured through their tools of trade.
"I think that these instruments are an extension of who these musicians are," Weintrob reflected.
INSTRUMENTHEAD Timeline:
- 2017: Release of first coffee table book, "INSTRUMENTHEAD"
- 2022: Release of "INSTRUMENTHEAD REVEALED," showing musicians without their instrumental masks
This progression invites viewers to understand both the alter ego cloaked by the instrument and the raw, unfiltered self behind it.
The INSTRUMENTHEAD series has become an integral part of the festival circuit. At the upcoming Daze Between New Orleans event at Faubourg Brewery, Weintrob will create an immersive art experience. Set within the festival's VIP Lounge, this installation aims to blur the lines between viewer and art, inviting attendees to step into the world of INSTRUMENTHEAD and experience the intricate relationships between musicians and their instruments first-hand.
Weintrob's endeavor is both a tribute to musicians and a bold artistic statement. It challenges perceptions of identity and presence while celebrating the bond between artist and instrument. The juxtaposition of hiding and revealing adds intrigue that resonates even with those unfamiliar with musical life.
Through two decades, INSTRUMENTHEAD has evolved from a creative concept to a celebrated project within music and art communities. It invites us to reconsider traditional portraiture and appreciate the soulful synergy between musicians and their defining instruments. As the series continues to evolve, it stands poised to inspire both artists and audiences with its originality and sensitivity.
Zack Smith's Behind-the-Scenes Perspective
Zack Smith's work captures the quiet intricacies of festival life, from a musician's sigh backstage to the vibrant energy of the New Orleans music scene. His portraits tell stories not seen on stage but felt deeply by anyone who's experienced life behind the scenes.
Key Aspects of Smith's Photography:
- Intimate moments backstage
- Candid captures of musicians' preparation
- The unseen pulse of festival life
- Unique perspective on the New Orleans music scene
Smith's photography offers a unique window into the intimate moments that define the true spirit of music festivals. His work goes beyond the glitz and glamour, revealing the human side of performers and the intricate tapestry of emotions that make up the festival experience.
"Photography is about capturing the essence of a moment, not just its appearance." – Zack Smith
Through his lens, we see the nervous energy before a performance, the camaraderie among musicians, and the quiet moments of reflection amidst the chaos. Smith's ability to blend into the background allows him to capture these genuine, unguarded moments that tell a fuller story of the music festival experience.