TFword In Conversation With India’s Concert Photographers and Videographers – Spotlighting Alric Fernandes
“Discipline, patience, observance, and consistency are some of the skills I have sharpened during my time working in the music scene.” Although Mumbai-based concert photographer and videographer Alric Fernandes is unable to pinpoint his first-ever project behind the lens, he traces for us his first live shoot to AntiSocial in 2022, featuring now defunct blues…
“Discipline, patience, observance, and consistency are some of the skills I have sharpened during my time working in the music scene.”
Although Mumbai-based concert photographer and videographer Alric Fernandes is unable to pinpoint his first-ever project behind the lens, he traces for us his first live shoot to AntiSocial in 2022, featuring now defunct blues rock outfit from Shillong, Soulmate. Recounting the thrill and experience as “the best time I ever had, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Continuing on this blues trajectory, Alric has stocked quite a stunning heap of images in his young career so far, notably from the Mahindra Blues Festival 2024, capturing images of singer-songwriter Dana Fuchs, blues guitarist of the year 2023 Laura Chavez (also the first female artist to win in the 44-year history of Blues Music Awards) and Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Sheryl Youngblood.
Alric sees the 2024 Mahindra Blues Festival as one of the special concerts he has worked at, remarking, “It is undeniably amongst the most sought-after and best festivals in the country. To have the opportunity to cover such a prestigious festival will be a memory I will cherish for a lifetime.”
TFword: While on duty, what sort of shot or photograph are you always on the hunt for and why?
Alric: I always love showcasing the quieter, imperfect, and ambiguous moments of the artists on stage during their performances. This stems from my belief in presenting experience over information within a photograph/video piece. In essence, I’m always on the lookout for moments that encapsulate the wholeness of the artist with the crowd, with themselves, the band members, and in chance encounters a oneness with universal power.
TFword: A trick or routine of yours to bring out the best photo during a shoot?
Alric: Time and patience are most essential to me when covering a live show, extremely contrary to the industry. However, part of my routine has always been to focus more on listening as opposed to seeing. This allows me to gauge the reception by the audience, anticipate the more energetic and somber phases of a concert, and most importantly allow me to observe better, with my inner senses working in harmony to help me get the photographs I desire.
TFword: What kind of footage would you say is a trademark of your style?
Alric: I always look to create a documentary video piece for the artists I work with, regardless of the scale of the concert. It could be a reel or an aftermovie, encapsulating the energy of the room, the idiosyncrasies of the artist/band and the unity of both is what I look to imprint in the videos.
TFword: What is your favorite part of this job?
Alric: My favorite part would always be meeting new folks and catching up with friends at live shows who I have made as a result of my work. The Bombay indie music scene has been a very close-knit community, hence, getting access to places one wouldn’t have thought of, getting the opportunity to work with artists from varied backgrounds, and being given the responsibility to cover various shows/festivals/concerts have been amongst the best things my work life has provided me with.
TFword: One standout show/concert or project you have been a part of in 2024 and why?
Alric: Could I name two? Heading the photography team for SpokenFest 2024 alongside being given the opportunity to cover the Mahindra Blues Festival 24′ have been the highlights of my year. SpokenFest 24′ simply because it’s amongst the most wholesome festivals in the country; providing space for artists from numerous backgrounds. Also, since the festival is super-inclusive, I had the opportunity to assemble a diverse team comprising people of different identities.
TFword: In your opinion, how significant are mentions and credits for photography and videography? And why is this important?
Alric: Not being credited for your work is the same as a feature article being published with the byline being deliberately omitted. Mainstream Western artists with huge followings continue to credit their photographers and videographers on social media and elsewhere, hence, this shouldn’t be an exception in the music scene we belong to unless it is somehow contractually agreed to by both parties. The importance of being credited is understated, which results in credits not being considered important at all. Since we work in an industry where time and attention are of the utmost demand, quick access to one’s body of work is vital, hence, providing credits and unconditionally recommending one’s work through word of mouth always go a long way in fostering a healthy environment.
TFword: How connected are the folks in your field? Is there a chat group or network you belong to where gigs or assignments are shared and picked up?
Alric: Some Good Gigs, Some Good Visual Artists, and Some Good Gear are WhatsApp groups where one can find like-minded folks part of the music scene. The best part of this initiative is that one can join the WhatsApp group based on the city they reside in, wherein they can get news about upcoming gigs within the city, head up on new music releases, and find a community to be a part of in the long run.
TFword: Considering photographers capture the best moments at an event, how rewarding would you say is this field of work and why?
Alric: The reward in our line of work is relative to the overall experience right from the time of initial contact to the delivery of the final output. It sure gets demanding and creative differences are not an uncommon occurrence when working as a photographer/videographer, however, once one finds a way to navigate these obstacles all whilst staying true to your style, the standard of work, and uncompromised personality, one is bound to find wonderful people to work with who align in values and with whom working and growing as an individual becomes easier.
Find Alric Fernandes on: Instagram | Website
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