Behind The Lens With Zoe Rain

unnamed

Getting her start photographing local hip hop shows in the Seattle area, Zoe Rain began working with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis in 2010 and soon became their full-time photographer and videographer, touring around the world. With work featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, and The New York Times, Zoe has also worked with a number of artists including Chance The Rapper, Sam Smith, and Mary Lambert. With an impressive portfolio and years of experience some could only dream of, Zoe chatted with editor Rachael Dowd and talked all about where her career began and how she ended up touring with one of the most famous acts in the world.

When did you start showing an interest in photography?

I got one of the first point and shoot cameras when they were all the rage around 2004 and would take photos of flowers, my shoes, and bugs. I entered a photo contest of spiders when I was about 9 or 10 and was a finalist, which meant it was displayed at the Woodland Park zoo in Seattle.

webdsc_7409-2ed

Lorde

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

I learned photography first from self help books I would read as a kid, from studying magazines, searching for patterns, color, and interesting subjects. Then I learned from my mentor Jason Koenig (StudioJkoe.com) and got a lot of practice. I also took a year of Commercial Photography at Seattle Central Community College in Seattle’s Capitol Hill.

chance

Chance The Rapper / styling by Whitney Middleton

What gear do you typically shoot with?

Nikon D800, 35mm, 50mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 17-35mm, profoto b1s, sb900 flash.

teela

Teela

What was the first show you ever photographed?

The first show I ever shot was a Macklemore and Ryan Lewis show, at the release of their first EP together, at a small venue in Seattle called The Nectar Lounge.

eazy

G-Eazy

You began working with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis back in 2010 and since then, you have toured with them around the world and more. How did you begin working and touring with them?

I had an in with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, so I shot a lot of shows and just forced myself to get to know the local scene. I shot music that I enjoyed, because if I enjoyed it, I was sure other people would too. I ended up being asked to shoot Macklemore’s tour in 2013 simply because my work had gotten better, they knew me, and they trusted me. Once I had some tour experience and some connections with other artists, my work progressed.

1-9-16_phoenix31

Macklemore

When you are on tour, what does a typical day on the road look like for you?

Wake up, check where you are, check email. Coffee. Explore. Make sure you are aware of what the artist is doing as much as possible. Shoot the show. Edit the show all night. Dropbox photos of the show before artist wakes up. Sleep.

chanceforiphoneblue

Chance The Rapper / styling by Whitney Middleton

How would you describe your shooting style?

I have a lot of styles based on what it is I am shooting. I think every separate category for my work (live music, portrait, wedding, film, fashion, event) showcases a different process of shooting and editing my images to match specific feelings and aesthetics in that genre. It’s almost like having multiple personalities within the umbrella of photography. If I could use some words I hope people would use describing my work, I would say edgy, observant, clean, raw? That’s a hard question.

coverfilm07ed2

Macklemore

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

I can’t choose!! Usually the first ones you see on my website are my favs.

miley

Miley Cyrus

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?

It can help, especially in concert photography. Low light shooting requires fast lenses (f1.2 or f1.4) in order to get the crispness you need. But I think you can do amazing things with simple tools, including your iPhone!

gzy-2265

G-Eazy

You are now a full time photographer and videographer, what has been a highlight for you since beginning your career in photography?

Tour will always be the highlight. And seeing my work in print, especially on the cover of a magazine. It is hard to describe how incredible it feels to hold work in your hands. I made a magazine to sell on the Macklemore tour (http://macklemoremerch.com/products/photo-book) that took me so long and is a product of years and years of work and photography.

teela2

Teela

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

Shoot. Be present in the artistic and creation oriented community around you. Be smart about what work you show, and on what platform. Intern for someone. Shoot. Shoot. Shoot.

static1-squarespace

Stay connected with Zoe: Website // Instagram

Photo of Zoe by Dyllyn Greenwood

Interview by Rachael Dowd

Related Post

Leave a Reply

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