29th August 2024

The list of artists you have worked for, and had the opportunity to shoot, is quite amazing.
How did this all start for you?

I have been around the music industry for over 20 years, from 16 years old I was in and out of metal/punk bands as a drummer on the Gold Coast. Through this I really loved seeing the content from these shows and always had a love for film and cinema, specifically the horror and sci-fi genres, so I decided to get into photography. I began shooting on film first, mainly scenic, candid and portrait work on a Contax T2, then added the Mamiya RZ67 Proii to the kit shortly after, mainly for portrait work. Eventually, as I drifted back towards music photography, I sold off that gear and invested back into digital and started shooting locally for a publication, which has since been sunsetted, BestBeforeCo. From there it was just about growing and hustling and making contacts.

Why heavy music? What is it about this style and sound that attracts you to it?

The first CD I ever purchased was Rage Against The Machine’s Evil Empire, from memory. As a drummer who liked to hit things very hard, the progression into metal / hardcore was easy – I like loud shit, but also am an emo at heart. There’s a certain energy that this genre brings that I suppose appeals to me in some way. I probably need therapy to figure out why, but either way, I love it.

Specifically, what gear and software do you use when shooting, filming, and editing your work?

Currently, I am using 2 x Sony A74, Insta 360×3. Lenses, I currently use Sony GMii 14mm, Sony GMii 24-70, Sony GMii 70-200mm and Samyang 8mm wide. Editing I use Davinci on Mac.

How did you learn your skills – courses, online, etc…?

Starting by shooting film was really helpful for me. It helped me understand the fundamentals of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, as every single shot needed to be thought about. After this, during covid times in lockdown my mate, Cale, and I just got out and about, took shots, wrote down our settings, failed, learned, and grew in our knowledge together. I also took myself through a lighting and advanced course for Davinci Resolve. Post this, it was just about getting out there, shooting as much as I could. Shooting shows isn’t easy; the lighting is always all over the place depending on the show size/budget, you have people moving all over the place all the time, and if you are only shooting one show you don’t know the cues for pyro, confetti/production, etc… so worth doing research and watching a recent set to write down these cues to enable you to be in the best location for those “hero” shots if you are just shooting with a photo pass.

Have you come up with any unique methods to take your shots that are outside the standard practice?

Trial an error. I find my “style” to be ever evolving to be honest. I draw a lot of inspiration from film, well shot horror film, etc… so I try to take some inspiration from these alongside other photographers. I always say try something new, get creative, it might work it might not, who cares, just give it a crack.

Any tips for someone wanting to get into, or just starting out in this line of work, and looking to build a career in this field?

This is a question that comes up a lot and through my experience there’s a few things I learnt. Firstly, do your own thing, don’t worry about what other people think, obviously learn the fundamentals but just do you. Secondly, its rare that bands will hit you up, you need to hustle, DM bands, opening bands, managers, record labels, venues, and be prepared to hear nothing back a lot of the time, etc… Be open to shooting shows and genres you don’t necessarily like, to build your confidence. Get as much time in camera and editing as you can – look for a publication to shoot for, ask for photo passes and you’ll most likely be doing this for free while you learn. Build your portfolio through Instagram and a website. Lastly, don’t hit a ceiling, don’t get complacent in your work keep learning new things trying new methods and always push yourself. Don’t be afraid to fail, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get uncomfortable. Be easy to work with, work on fast turnaround times where you can, ask the bands if they have anything specifically they want from the night and collaborate.

How did you start working with the artists? Was it word of mouth from working the scene, or had you met them previously?

It varies. Over the years I have established many friendships, both personally and professionally, so through these I have had opportunities to shoot, which can then spread your work through word of mouth. Outside of this, I try to make myself familiar with which bands have full time content people and which ones don’t, be it international touring bands or local, so reaching out to them, their management or tour managers to seek opportunities.

What photographers/ videographers in the scene do you admire?

Some of my favourite photographers come from a wide range of genres – James Hartley, Henry Hwu, Josiah Van Dien, Matt Vogel, Michelle Hunder, Tomise Jordan Munns, Third Eye Visuals (Ben) just to name a few, all outstanding at their craft.

Who’s your bucket list artist to work for?

I like the idea of working with an artist such as Billie Eilish – I find her visuals and content to align with what I like – re that slightly horror/edgy style. Billie’s current tour photographer, Matty Vogel, is outstanding.
One of my favourite bands is Alexisonfire, so selfishly I would love to tour with them just to hear their set 1000 times and never get sick of it.

What’s the last show you saw that you weren’t working at?

My buddies. the mighty Alpha Wolf. on their sold out Australian headline run

Do you have any hobbies outside of photography and videography?

Discovering and watching more horror movies, traveling the world and food – I enjoy finding new food places here in Melbourne to check out. Hanging out with my fiancé, Jo, and our Pug, Taco.

Favourite holiday destination, and why?

USA / Italy – USA as I have close friends that live there, so its always nice to see and spend some time with them. However, my fiancé, Jo, and I did 4 weeks in Italy in 2023, and it was amazing; the food, the scenery and beaches were other worldly.

What artists, old or new, are you listening to currently?

Ocean Sleeper, always have Alexisonfire on the playlist, Kingdom of Giants, Post Malone, Action Bronson, and Alpha Wolf. I also have Big Fish Theory, by Vince Staples, on repeat atm.

What new bands should people check out that deserve some recognition?

These two aren’t necessarily new bands at all, but Kingdom of Giants for me are one the most underrated bands in the world, go listen to them immediately. Ocean Sleeper, who are familiar to a lot of people already but also a must.

What does the rest of 2024 have in store for Scott Kaufman?

There has been a bit on this year which has been exciting. I am working with In Hearts Wake on their Melbourne Forum show, and hoping to confirm a band I am in touch with for Good Things Festival. I am stoked to be on the media crew for the Parkway Drive’s 20th anniversary Sydney show in September, run by the legend, ThirdEyeVisuals, alongside some passion projects and portrait sessions in the works as well.

Scott Kaufman : @scottk_photo