Adam Elmakias Photography

The photographer I chose to present about is music photographer and blogger, Adam Elmakias. He is known for his incredible stage photography as well as portrait photos of musicians. Adam tours with many bands and documents their travels with his camera, and his distinct black & white photos are almost always recognizable. Adam is based in San Diego, Ca. However he is from Madison, Wi. His claim to fame can be attributed to how much he made himself known among the music scene, because his style is so distinct, musicians recognized him and wanted photos done. He actually is friends with a lot of the musicians he shoots now due to his presence on their tours and larger shows. My favorite photo of his is the one below. I really love this photo because of how there is a lot going on, yet one subject of the picture. The point of view from behind the lead singer looking out into the crowd is really a dynamic image. Adam additionally has a clothing line and has merchandise for sale. In an interview with Alternative Press Magazine, Adam said "I started taking pictures for my basic assignments in my yearbook class. A self-portrait I took caught the attention of my school counselor was working with at the time. I was a pretty troubled kid all throughout high school, so I was always working with my school counselor." Adam got his start and worked his way into the music scene by shooting local bands, and eventually following them on tour. He has moved up to shooting for big name artists such as the Weeknd, Paramore, Drake and Jack U. One of his techniques that he says makes him stand out is how important it is to get to know the artists he’s shooting. He believes that once the subject becomes a person you know, you establish a connection that he believes makes a better photo.