Behind The Lens With Britney Badeaux

Based in California, Britney Badeaux got her start in the industry a few years ago and has since become a photographer for Music&Riots magazine and has a portfolio that includes images of Pierce The Veil, Issues, Memphis May Fire and more. Currently, Britney is on the road with DayShell and I The Mighty across the United States and she took some time to chat about how she got her start and why always being true to yourself is one of the best things you can do in the industry. 

When did you start showing an interest in photography?

I started showing an interest in photography when I was younger, around the age of 9 or 10. I would take my mom’s camera and go outside and take photos of flowers. I took senior photos when I got into high school. Finally around the time of November 2015, I attended a concert and from then on, I knew that music photography was exactly what I wanted to do.

Pierce The Veil

How would you describe your shooting style?

Close up and personal. I like to capture each member of a band individually. If I can make my viewers feel like they are right there in the photo pit with me, then I feel like I’m doing my job well. If there is more than one band member that can fit into my camera’s frame, you better believe I will shoot wide. But for the most part, my style is close up.

What gear do you typically shoot with?

I use my Canon Rebel T5 and my 50mm f/1.8 for almost everything. When I am not using that lens, I use the 18-55mm. That’s literally my only gear right now. Of course, I hope to further my career and then decide to upgrade my gear a bit.

Ice Nine Kills

Have you taken any photography classes or were you self taught?

I was completely self-taught. When I was in school, I took art and graphic design classes which would help my perspective of how I saw things through the camera. I also became certified in Adobe Photoshop, but once I started taking my photography serious, I knew absolutely nothing about Lightroom.

What was the first show you ever photographed and if you could go back, is there anything you would have wanted to change?

The first show that I ever photographed was for my friends in the band Sycamour who are signed to Hopeless Records. I would have changed my attitude in that moment. I was the type to stand down and keep to the back of the crowd. I should have pushed my way to the front and did the most with my work.

Sycamour

You are currently a photographer for Music&Riots magazine. What has been one of your favorite moments/assignments since joining their staff?

One of my favorite assignments and moments was applying and getting accepted to shoot for Pierce The Veil during their most recent tour when they came through Los Angeles. I loved their band and their photographer was one of my main inspirations. So getting to shoot a show that I had been seeing photos of everywhere really inspired me to do my absolute best.

A lot of young photographers have a mindset that you need the most high-end equipment to achieve the best photos. What is your take on this idea?

Yes and no. I always say, “It’s not the equipment that makes the photo great. It’s the person behind the camera.” You could have the greatest equipment in the world, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to use it. I do believe that better equipment can result in better photos, but I feel like you can capture equally as of good photos even with a less expensive setup. Just depends on how well you use it.

Sleeping With Sirens

Out of your portfolio, what photograph are you the most proud of and why?

The photo I’m most proud of is a silhouette shot I took of Pierce The Veil in June. The first three songs were over so I left the pit and walked up to the balcony behind the guy controlling lights and sound. I made sure to include the band and some of the crowd to make it seem like someone took it while enjoying the show from the crowd. It’s always been my favorite.

Pierce The Veil

Especially these past few years, the amount of photographers in the music industry has increased. Do you try and separate yourself from the group to stand out or is it something you don’t think about?

I try and stand out to an extent. I want to make sure my photos are unique and different, but I try not to think about it too much. Worrying about what other people think of your work and how well they are doing, will slow you down from progressing. Support your friends and fellow photographers. Be the best you that you can be. That is what will help you stand out.

What is the best advice you could give to young aspiring photographers?

Keep moving forward and never give up. Make as many friends in the music industry as you can and always be professional. I have landed awesome gigs because of recommendations from friends and people I knew through the music world. In other words, always be true to yourself and continue doing what you love to do. People will appreciate and want to work with you more.

Issues

Stay connected with Britney Badeaux: Website // Facebook // Instagram

Interview by Rachael Dowd

Photo of Britney by Eden Kittiver