Project Description

Amnplify Profile
“The Photographer Series”

Interview with
TAM SCHILLING
from
Queensland

Interviewer – Dave Bruce

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Let’s start with a few discovery questions. Have you always wanted to be a photographer? When did you start taking photos?
I never really thought it was something I wanted to do, in saying that I was always the one growing up with a shoot and point camera everywhere I went. I lost count of the number of gigs I would sneak it into.

How would you describe your style? What makes it unique, and why do you think people resonate with your photos?
I have been told by friends of mine that my passion for music & photography shines through my shots and that is why they love following me.

What live music events, or artists, or photographers for that matter, originally drove you to feel the calling to buy a camera and join the fun?
Motley Crue’s final tour in 2015. I had been told numerous times before this by friends that I should be doing Music Photography professionally, but it was the photos I got from this particular gig that made me think “hey maybe I should be doing this properly?”. I didn’t purchase a professional DSLR until 2017.

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Now a couple of questions on the present. How often do you shoot, which shows do you prefer – small, intimate shows or do the bells and whistles of the big shows get the juices flowing?
At the current moment none as It’s all been shut down.
Before all live music was shut down I was set to photograph 2 different festivals along with four separate gigs in the one week. Sometimes I could be out shooting 4-5 gigs a week depending on what tours are around at the time. I do love the smaller shows in smaller venues a lot. There seems to be something special about trying to scram to the front of a mosh pit to get that photo you are after.

Please describe the creative process you employ (don’t give away too many secrets), and the photography challenges you overcame to get to here?
This all depends on what I am editing. If I am editing a metal band for instance I want my pictures to look dark and moody where as if I am photographing a pop band I want my photos to look fun. Metal bands are always fun as quite often the lights are really dark or full or dark red and dark blue and that is when your creative side comes in to play in editing.

You are an Amnplify shooter. How did that come about and what have you found out about yourself while you have been here?
I approached Amnplify as one of my first outlets to shoot for when I started. They were willing to give me a chance and put me on their probationary team. I had to go out and source gigs to shoot and then submit them to Amnplify for reviewing on if they were up to the standards of an Amnplify shooter. Amnplify has got great leaders who not only encourage you but guide you on ways to improve yourself. Man, I didn’t think I would be where I am today but Amnplify was one of the websites who believed it me. We have a great network of a team.

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Being a male, I cannot understand what being a woman is like in any experience. How has being a female in the music photography world you have navigated affected you personally? Do you think the opportunities are the same for both sexes? What’s it like being a female in the pit?
Ha ha oh boy, great question! I don’t believe being male or female leads you to a better place. I believe it is your work that shines through and gets you places. I personally have come across both male and female people in the industry who have been quite rude/mean to me. One even harassing me. My way to work through that is to ignore them and let my photos speak for themselves. I am not out there doing this to be better than anybody. I am out there doing this as it is something I love and enjoy. If someone tries to take that away from you, PLEASE DON’T LET THEM! Ignore them and keep excelling on your own photography adventure. I have only been doing music photography properly since the beginning of 2018 and I have come along way. Thanks to those people who guided me and believed in me and never put me down. I have made many friends in the industry along with enemies. If you have enemies you must be doing something right? Ha ha.

We live in a number dominated world. So many likes, albums going platinum, millions of streams. How do you deal with that from a motivation perspective? Do you need the artist or public acknowledgement, or have you developed a strong mental attitude with feedback?
I try to keep up daily posts to my photography social media just to keep the momentum going. It doesn’t really phase me if 1 person likes it or 100 people like it. As for an artist liking something of yours on social media, its hell cool! It gives you the boost to keep succeeding and having fun. Their acknowledgement may only be small, but to us photographers taking the photos of them it’s a huge deal.

What future goals do you have? What is still on the bucket list?
I am still dying to photograph Marilyn Manson, he’s one of my all-time favourite artists and has been for a very long time. I’ve seen him live 9 times, but he hasn’t toured to Australia since I have become a band photographer. I’m also dying to photograph Nikkii Sixx, whether that be with Motley Crue or Sixx AM, he is one person I would kill to shoot! Photographing Nikkii Sixx would be a huge challenge as he is an exceptional photographer himself.

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Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Cradle Of Filth – Midian
Artist – Cradle Of Filth
Movie – Rock Of Ages
Place to visit – Sydney – I have a few friends in Sydney so it’s always a good time
Venue to shoot – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Food – Pizza
Drink – Red Fanta
Person in History –  Dani Filth
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) – My Dani Filth Signature.

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Want to see more of Tam’s
Amnplify live photography?
Thousands of photos
are waiting for you
HERE

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Plus you can check out TAM’s
online presence below
OneBigLink

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AMNPLIFY – DB

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