With his photographing skills, fans could frame their favorite bands into some outstanding photos that capture the great moments every fan would die to see.
Known as, Rock Star Photographer, Greg Watermann could crave his name between one of the best photographers in the rock scene today with his exclusive and
creative shoots of different bands like Mudvayne, System of a Down, Linkin Park and others.
We were honored that Greg took the time and consented to a very exclusive interview with SOADFans.com
How long have you been in the photography business? and how did it
start?
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Greg in the back with Daron Malakian.
check out more photos in
Greg's
myspace |
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Greg: I've been shooting professionally for 20 years, but I got my first camera
when I was 7.
It's the only thing I've ever done in my life. I started shooting fashion in New
York City.
Now I live in Hollywood, and only photograph Rock Stars.
How would you describe your overall style of photography?
Greg: I like to keep things as real as possible, I never use a flash except in
the studio,
and I don't manipulate anything. There's enough beautiful light in the world
already.
Who or what are your photographic influences?
Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz, Jim Marshall, Ross Halfin,
Neil Zlowzower.
What kind of equipments do you usually use?
After a lifetime of using film, I've just switched to digital photography
(and love it).
The quality is now higher than what film can accomplish - it's immediate and
it's free.
Equipment List:
Canon EOS-1 Ds MkII (16 mp)
Canon lenses:
35mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.0
85mm f/1.2
200mm f/2.8
I'm still learning how to use Photoshop.
Have you ever had an idea for a shoot that the band (any band, not
specifically System) didn't feel like doing 'cos they thought it didn't fit
them?
Yes, it happens. Sometimes I can convince them to do it anyways, and
sometimes the band
comes up with an even better idea on their own (like Serj often does). The most
important thing is to stay flexible and keep looking at all your options.
How can you define a 'good photograph' ?
Well, if you like it and are proud of it, then it's a 'good' photograph.
If everyone else likes it, then it's a 'great' one.
I love it when Shavo puts my photographs on his MySpace page...
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Shavo and Greg , The red mark on Shavo's
forehead is from slamming his head into the microphone! |
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You have toured with System of a Down many times in the past years,
tell us more about your experience with System, how do usually you deal with the
guys when taking photos, and how hard/easy is it taking photos while they are
performing infront of the crowed?
System is tough to photograph. They're not really into all the hype that a
lot of other bands are into, but they do want their fans to see the great
moments.
So it becomes a challenge for me to get powerful images, without getting in
their way, or distracting from the concert. Daron is of course the hardest,
because he plays with so much energy and moves around so much...
Tell us about some unforgotten live performance experience you have
had with system?
Some of my best moments with System ARE the ones I've forgotten (ha!)
Were you a fan of SOAD's music all along, or have you become a fan
of their music after spending some time on tour photographing them?
I've always appreciated their artistry... but yes, being on-stage with
them has brought the music to a new level in my mind. When you stand inches away
from them as they play those songs, they become even more powerful.
I mean - what do think it feels like to stand ON John's drum platform??
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Greg on action, shooting the photo below
(photo credit
Milena_KL) |
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Photo
taken at San Bernardino - July 8, 2006
[click on photos to
enlarge] |
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You've also done some videos; would you like to do more of them?
I love doing videos, but only if I can make them My way, which means me
and a video camera. No crew, no gear, no lights - just me and the band.
Do you have a favorite story you'd like to share with photographing
anyone, that we might enjoy?
Manson's always the best. He really cares about every photo he's in, and
likes to be part of the creative process. He really understands good photography
and is the perfect subject.
What are your current projects?
Actually, I'm still working on the pictures from System's last tour. The
presentation will be insane (I'll announce it on MySpace). Also, check their
2007 calendar (all my live photos).
Linkin Park is now in the studio and I've been working with them, documenting
the recording process. The new songs I've already heard are awesome! I'm also
working with Chester on a side project of his.
Mudvayne has started writing their 4 album... so I'll be with them soon, too.
Thanks Greg ~ :)
Check out official Greg Watermann's website:
www.gregwatermann.com
Check out Greg Watermann's myspace page:
www.myspace.com/gregwatermann
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