By ALLEN MURABAYASHI | Published: April 28, 2011
If you've picked up Sports Illustrated in the past few years, you've seen David Bergman's work. Not only is he a masterful photographer, he's also savvy marketer and businessman. He's served as the official tour photographer for the Bare Naked Ladies, and currently with one of my favorites bands...Bon Jovi.
You're known for your sports images and Gigapan work. How did you get into music photography?
I was a musician before I ever picked up a camera. After attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston for my freshman year of college, I transferred to the University of Miami. At UM, I walked into the school newspaper on a whim and began my photo career.
Years later, when I was on staff at the Miami Herald, I pitched a story to the entertainment desk that put me on tour with Gloria Estefan. Next thing I knew, I was on a tour bus with Gloria and her family and loving every minute of it.
When I went freelance and moved to New York City in 2001, I was determined to make tour photography a regular part of my photo business.
Did you start off shooting both live events as well as band portraits?
Early on, I preferred shooting live events. The excitement and energy in the middle of a big stadium show just can't be beat. But over time, I've developed my portraiture style. The truth is that bands are more willing to pay for portraits. Lighting a portrait and working directly with artists is something that not everyone can do. Those that can do it well should always be able to find work.
How do you go from shooting local bands to Bon Jovi?
Slow and steady wins the race. That's my philosophy. I've been in this business for 20 years and treat every shoot as an opportunity to show what I can do.
My advice is to be nice to everyone and, most importantly, produce the highest quality work possible every single time you shoot. You never know who is talking about you and who can help you in the future.
I think of rock stars as getting drunk all the time and being surrounded by girls? What's the reality of the situation? Clearly a band with the longevity of Bon Jovi has to be pretty good about taking care of themselves mentally and physically.
Sometimes I regret the fact that I missed the 60's, 70's and 80's as a rock photographer. I see those old photos and hear the stories and can only imagine the crazy times they had back then.
These days, it's a business. Jon Bon Jovi, for example, is the CEO of a multi-million dollar corporation that just happens to be a rock show. I've been in meetings with management that, if you were to walk in off the street, you'd think we were working for a Fortune 500 company.
Jon takes incredibly good care of himself since millions of dollars are riding on him being able to perform at the highest level every single night.
You're not the typical music photographer in that you often are an official photographer. What sort of access do you have that the normal photographer or fan doesn't have?
It's very hard for me to do "three songs and out" when I'm hired by an editorial client these days. Working for the band is liberating and fun. I can photograph the artists in their dressing room and backstage. During the show, I try different angles and can go anywhere in the venue. I also have the advantage of shooting the entire show and can capture some of those moments later in the set that the press will never see. Afterwards, I can get the band coming off the stage when they're tired and sweaty. It's real photojournalism and can't be beat.
How aware is the band of your presence backstage and during the show?
I try my best to be a "fly on the wall," but the truth is, as long as there is a photographer in the room, the band is going to notice. The bands that have been around a bit longer, though, are better at just ignoring me when I work. I try not to stay in their face for very long and I know when to leave the room.
How many cameras do you use at once? Where are they?
My "go to" concert kit that I carry on my shoulders during a show is two Nikon D3 bodies with the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses attached. I also use an extra body (normally a Nikon D700 with 14-24mm f/2.8) for a remote camera. I'll put that in different places on stage to try and catch unique angles that I can't physically shoot during the show.
Big bands fly or drive between stops on tour. Do you hitch a ride with them or travel separately?
If I'm just coming in for a show or two, I'll fly in myself. However, if I'm on tour with a band for any length of time, I'll ride on one of the tour buses with the crew or band. For Bon Jovi, Jon has invited me to fly with the band, so I've been traveling on their private jet. We'll be visiting 17 countries in Europe this summer and I can't wait!
Do you plan specific shots with the band or management?
I'm fortunate that most of my clients hire me for my style and just let me do what I do. Of course there's the occasional photo request and I'm happy to oblige.
Does the band or management have to approve every image you publish?
It depends on the band. Barenaked Ladies, for example, love to look silly on stage and backstage. When I first worked with them a number of years ago, we started out with their tour manager approving the images. That lasted about two shows and then they just said I could publish whatever I wanted. In the case of Bon Jovi, Jon is involved with all the aspects of the business and he personally approves everything that goes out. He's been great to work with and we usually agree on the best photos.
How similar is each show? Can you tell when the band is "on"? Similarly, do you have days where you feel like you're just nailing the shots?
Most of the bands I work with are "on" every night. There is too much at stake for them to phone it in. I love it when I've worked with a band long enough that I know their tendencies and inside jokes. Something might happen on stage that no one in the audience will catch, but I get a little chuckle out of it.
How crazy are the fans? Do you see some crazy stuff? Do tell...
Bon Jovi's fans, many of whom are female, do go a bit crazy when Jon gets close to them. There is a "B" stage in the center of the arena and, when Jon emerges out there, the screams can be deafening.
You're selling prints and books from the current tour. Is this how you make being a concert photographer economically viable, or are the sales just gravy?
I'm on a quest to bring artistry and respect back to concert photography. Everyone is a photographer now and most bands don't hire tour photographers anymore. I started my site http://www.TourPhotographer.com with the goal of creating a sustainable business that would allow myself and other concert photographers to make a living. My goal is to have multiple photographers traveling with multiple bands all selling high-quality imagery to their fans at the same time. I'm a few years away from that, but I'll get there!
Do your friends/acquaintances hit you up for free tickets?
All the time. On some tours, I can easily get freebies. Bon Jovi is a "no comp" tour, which means no free tickets!
"Wanted Dead or Alive" is my go to karaoke song. Do you still get chills when you hear that opening guitar riff?
Absolutely. It's a classic song that I remember listing to (along with Livin' on a Prayer) when I was in high school. It's an honor to watch the original band members perform those songs every night. No offense, but it probably sounds better than your karaoke.
Also I hear it was David's birthday recently so happy birthday David!! Thanks for all the great photos this tour. And if you need an intern call me (but I prefer Canon over Nikon).
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