Courtnie Hayes

Australia.

q: Your work focuses mostly on live music photography. What is the most crazy/memorable gig you’ve been to?
a: The most memorable show I’ve been to would be The Kills at V Festival in 2009, it was my first festival and they just blew me away. I had no idea music could sound like that or that people could perform like that on a stage. From that moment onwards I wanted to be on the other side of the barrier and a year later I was. Other than that there aren’t too many crazy shows I’ve been to, fortunately or unfortunately.

q: I feel that some artist sound better live while others sound better in a studio album. Which artist do you feel are more of a “live act”?
a: Hmm I think Miles Kane is better as a live act, his album is amazing but seeing him live is something else. He is a true performer and encapsulates the audience to the palm of his hand right until the last song.

q: Any tips for shooting live music?
a: A lot of ‘music photographers’ say that if you don’t use a 2.8 lens that you are a failure at life, you won’t get any shots and you’re going to die which is completely untrue, especially the last part. I only use a 3.5-4.5 lens for all of my photos, I recently got a 1.8 50mm and I hate it so other than not giving a crap about what gear you’re using I don’t really have any tips other than to do it because you enjoy it.

q: So what’s the next gig or festival you’re going to attend?
a: I was supposed to go see Jack White yesterday but I was ill and had to cancel my flight so I guess the next person I will be shooting is Sir Elton John!

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