Meet Emmalee Sullivan | Concert Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emmalee Sullivan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emmalee, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
When doing concert photography, it is easy to procrastinate editing, but in the long term, editing as soon as possible is the key to success. When editing early, one gives themselves more time to dissect different lighting, colors, clarity, etc., so that they are in their best form when the photos are finished. Submitting well-edited photos early allows your company to correct you on any mistake, which in turn allows you more time to fix the minor issues rather than a whole set of photos. Although the feeling of not procrastinating is calming, the most rewarding part of editing photos early is the positive feedback from bands and co-workers. When a band hires me, and I return well-edited images the next day, the bands are grateful and excited to post photos that are still relevant to their last show. Editing photos early takes the weight off of your future self while also allowing those involved with live music to see and appreciate the art that was produced through concerts!

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is for concert photography where bands can hire me when they need/want publication from their show or even just some fun photos to highlight their stage presence! I started my business by reaching out to smaller local bands to experiment with different lenses and cameras to then build a name for myself and create my own publication. Then, eventually, when I had gained a following and some level of skill, I began applying to magazines and publications to put me more into the mainstream of media and music, which then allowed me to work with some of my favorite bands! The journey was far from easy; I remember the earlier days, I would have to drive about an hour to a venue, take photos for about 3 hours, and then spend all of the next day editing them and making sure they were just right. Doing concert photography has exposed me to such a cool version of art but it has also exposed me to the hard work that comes with working in the music industry. When getting paid very little from shows it is hard to maintain the gas for such long drives and the expensive equipment that comes with owning a camera. Also, going into this business portrays how important patience is. Some nights, you will be photographing anywhere from 1 to 6 hours a night, which can be exhausting, but in the end, the art and the excitement of the show overpower the long nights. One thing I have had to learn is good communication skills! Being an introvert is not an option in this field because you have to talk to bands, managers, booth people, security, etc., which can be very intimidating but, in the end, inevitable. My business has brought me out of my shell and taught me lessons through communication and confidence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver is such a hot spot for some good food and some fantastic live music! Being a concert Fein, I would take my best friend to a show at the Gothic Theatre and Mission Ballroom to see the amazing buildings and, even better, the amazing music scene in Denver! For food, I would for sure take my friends to Illegal Pete’s to have the best burritos while also supporting our local music scene! Illegal Pete’s will always be playing the best music while also making the best food you’ve ever eaten. Then, only a few blocks down from Illegal Pete’s on Broadway is Wax Trax, with some of the best record finds and vintage clothes. I found “Trick” by Alex G at Wax Trax, which I had searched for years before. Then, I would visit my second home, Angelos CD & More, to find more amazing records while also being in a super funky and cool store. The downstairs of Angelos is full of decorations and thousands of records. Finally, the classic Denver Art Museum is a must-see because of its fantastic architecture and the rare paintings displayed throughout the museum!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When starting my business, I went to little Denver venues such as Globe Hall, Gothic Theatre, and Fox Theatre. Through those venues, I gained perspective on how each venue differs through the photo pass process. My shoutout and thankfulness goes out to Gothic Theatre for having excellent security outside and making the photo pass process so smooth. Gothics security always makes me feel safe in and outside the venue, allowing me to produce my best work. Photo pits are especially important for us concert photographers, and Gothic Theater always ensures I have enough room and the ability to move around and take pictures. Also, Gothic is so beautiful with its multiple levels and unique colors that I feel my best work comes from my shows at the Gothic. I love Gothic in Denver with my whole heart and the venue I get so excited when I have a show there.

Website: https://www.emmaleesullivanphotos.com

Instagram: @emmaleesullivanphotos

Image Credits
Emmalee Sullivan