Behind The Lens With Paige Wilson

4O5A3601

After discovering her love for photography in school, Paige Wilson eventually merged her love for music and passion for photography together, shooting her first show back in 2015. Giving her own personal style and flair into every photograph she snaps, Paige opened up about how she found her unique point of view and knack for capturing rare moments through the lens. 

When did you start showing an interest in photography?

I first took an interest in photography when I was about 12. I remember going on a family vacation and being obsessed with the camera– I had to shoot everything. From there, I got my own little camera and took photos of nature and still life wherever I went which later evolved into portraiture and the rest is history.

BLEACHED-33

Bleached

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

I’ve taken my fair share of photo classes. I actually got to learn the ins and outs of film photography through courses in high school and again in college, which really helped sharpen my technical skill. I’ve also learned a lot of studio lighting techniques from classes, but I would argue that I have learned the most through hands-on experience and trial and error.

What gear do you typically shoot with?

I’m a Canon fan so I love my 5D Mark III. I also love my 50mm f/1.8 lens. Sometimes, I shoot a 70-200mmf/1.8 or even opt for 24-70mm kit lens. I use prisms and lens filters for special effects and sport an old Pentax K1000 for film. But, in all honesty, I’m not an equipment nerd, so I like to keep it simple with what’s in my bag.

CHVRCHES-53

CHVRCHES

A lot of young photographers have a mindset that you need the most high-end equipment to achieve the best photos, do you agree with this idea?

Not entirely, no. I agree that some fancy lenses, gear or editing software can enhance a photographer’s skill and make for better effects on images or image quality, but in the end, you’ve got to have an eye for it; ultimately, it is the photographer not the gear, I’ll always stick to that belief.

What was the first show you ever photographed?

The first show I photographed was The Griswolds with Wild Party at The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA on July 6, 2015.

THE_GRISWOLDS_OC9589

The Griswolds

When you first started out, did your taste in music impact what bands/artists you photographed and is that still something that happens today?

Yes, absolutely. For the most part, I have a say in what I shoot or who I work with, and my taste definitely contributes to that. I love working with artists that I listen to, but I also love finding new music through photography opportunities as well.

How would you describe your shooting style?

Maybe I would call it “imaginative documentary”? I suppose that’s a bit of a juxtaposition, but more than anything, I try to capture the aura of a moment as opposed to what our eyes precisely see. I think it’s really important to portray the emotion or the feeling of a moment using color, composition, or special effects. It’s exactly why I love using enhancers like prisms, or editing techniques to really paint my images with the mood that the moment held in person.

BØRNS-33

BØRNS

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

That’s such a hard question. I’ve noticed that my particular favorites are not usually everyone else’s picks. But, I am particularly proud of my triple exposure photos of The Struts. They’re a really successful representation of my style and people responded extremely well to them, which is always a plus.

THE_STRUTS-35THE_STRUTS34

The Struts

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

I used to be more involved with the idea that I needed to work hard to stand out because of the amount of people in this industry, but I think that a photographer’s work– especially if it has a memorable style– speaks for itself. Beyond actual art, I think its really important to network and create positive relationships with the people around you, which I find enjoyable; I’ve met so many friends through my work.

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

Firstly, just keep shooting. Everything. All the time. Secondly, know that your work has actual capital value and don’t undermine that by continuously working for free. Thirdly, work through your doubts. Don’t stop, even when you feel like selling your gear and getting a “real” job.

4O5A6313

The 1975

Stay connected with Paige: Website // Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr

Interview by Rachael Dowd

Related Post

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.