Matt Adams is a pretty laid back guy. He's well spoken and knows what questions to ask. Matt currently hosts a college radio show called Phat Beats Vol. 1 at Point Park University in Pittsburgh (WPPJ). If you ever get a chance you should definitely check out his show as his playlist is quite good. (http://www.pointpark.edu/default.aspx?id=350)

Matt is on his way to doing some amazing photography and photojournalism. He definitely has the knack for capturing well defined moments as well as the emitting energy radiating from his subjects. I look forward to see what Mr. Adams will be doing in the future, but for now let's see what he has to say.

Do you look at photographing bands as your future career in photography?

Definitely. When I was a senior in high school, I discovered teh website of Tim Harmon, who is an awesome music photographer. I have a lot of respect for him. I had always gone to shows, but never thought about actually taking photos. Seeing Harmon's work made me think in a different way. I really started to like the idea of documenting the live experience of a band through photographs. I went to college as a film student, but didn't really enjoy it, so I decided to change my major to Photojournalism. I got a camera and started to take it to every show that I went to. I'm hoping that the more and more work I do for artists the more it will get me closer to achieving my goal of being a professional music photographer.

What band has been your favorite to shoot?

I really enjoyed shooting MeWithoutYou. They played the Charleroi VFW, which is the local venue in my hometown area, and I thought they were just really interesting. They have a very unique lead singer who makes for some awesome photos. Really cool guys to talk to also.

What band or subject would you most like to photograph and why?

I can't decide on just one band. I know that I would of really liked to have photographed The Police, but that can't happen now. I met Duane Michaels not too long ago and he photographed them for "The Synchronicity" cd. he was a really interesting guy. I hope to some day shoot press shots for Taking Back Sunday or Ryan Adams. Both artists have had an impact on my life with their music. If there was one person I wish I could have photographed it would be my grandfather who passed away 2 years ago. He was one of the biggest influences in my life and I wish I could of shot a portrait of him.

What do you do to motivate your subjects and set your shots up?

When I get a job shooting press shots for a band. I first take some time and listen to the band that I'm going to shoot. After I have an idea of what their sound is like it helps me start to visualize what kind of shots we can set up for the shoot.I think of some ideas and then I let the artist know what I'd like to do. I always like to hear what they think of my ideas and if they have any of their own. Usually on a shoot I'll brainstorm with the band so we can come up with shots that will make them happy with the results. During a shoot I'm always motivated when I'm working around with an idea that I really like and the artist is also getting into the idea. There is nothing worse than having an artist who isn't really caring about the photo shoot you are doing. Talking ot them is really helopful too, I'll always make conversation about other artists that we like. I usually try and find some common ground between us, once that happens they become more relaxed with the shoot. There have been a few times I've come up with an idea that a band has stared at me with the thought, "What is wrong with this kid?" But once they see how excited I am about it they'll start to get into it!

What photojournalistic piece have you done that you enjoyed most doing?

I once went behind the scenes during Kennywood's Phantom Fright Nights. Kennywood is a local Pittsburgh amusement park and every Fall they have Phantom Fright Nights in which they have haunted houses in teh park. I did a Fall feature story on the park for my photojournalism class. So, I got to go behind the scenes and photograph all the haunted houses and also photograph people getting made-up on for their costumes. I also took a lot of photos during the political race between Kerry and Bush. I really enjoyed shooting different rallies that I went to. Some people get really into politics.

If you had a style, how would you describe it?

For my style I'd say I take a documentary approach to my shooting. When shooting a live show I love to just document what is going on. For instance, shots of the crowd and certain moments that have the band break away from the show, such as a member turns away to tune his guitar or when a song has just finished. Shots like that really capture the essence of a show. I relaly enjoy shooting hardcore shows because there is nothing better than a huge crowd participating....dog piles on the stage or kids jumping up to sing at the mic. I have a lot of respect for hardcore bands because they just really love their fans and are always up for having them on stage with them.

Want to know about Matt Adams? Check out his website at: www.matthewadamslife.com

Also on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/themattadams