Photographer of the Week
Rubi Rodiguez
Not only does Rubi’s work capture my attention, but so did her promo cards that said “What The F**k is VP,” from a while back. Check out her interview below!
- What’s in your bag/what gear do you own? What would you like to purchase next?
I currently own a Canon Rebel XS (been shooting with it for the past 3 years), battery grip, 18-55mm lens. I just upgraded to
a Canon 7D though. I also have a 50 mm f/1.8 lens, and a 28-135 mm. In my bag you will find my business cards, my Vonnubi Photography flyers,
my phone, most of my camera gear! What I want to purchase next….either a 24mm f/1.4 or a 35 mm f/1.4 and a battery grip for my 7D.
- How long have you been involved with photography? What inspired you to do concert photography?
I became interested in photography when I was about 12 years old. My dad used to show me all the photos he used to take when he was younger,
his old film cameras and used to explain to me what it was like to work in a photo studio back in the late 60’s. I remember him buying me my first
digital camera, a tiny 4 mega pixel one.
What inspired me to become a concert photographer…I’ve been involved in the music scene for a while. I started going to a lot of concerts at Soma, where I used to be extremely
scared to even bring in my camera. When I was in the crowd watching Panic! At the Disco perform in 2007 I think, I saw all the photographers and right then it hit me,
I knew i didn’t want to be part of a sweaty crowd anymore. I wanted to photograph these bands! And also, believe it or not Jac Vanek inspired me to become a
concert photographer. I used to see all the live band shots she used to post on myspace, she is part of the reason why I am doing what I love.
- Who was the first band/artist you shot?
The first artist I photographed was Andrew W.K at San Diego Warped 2010.
- What did your first time in the pit feel like?
I was clueless. I felt scared, awkward, and nervous, especially because of the craziness of Warped, but just to throw it out there I also felt extremely happy
and excited and I have to admit it I felt cool in a way.
- What is your dream band/artist to shoot and/or tour with?
Dream artist to photograph Justin Bieber hands down! just because he’s one of today’s biggest artists and it would be an amazing opportunity. A band I would want to tour with… Versaemerge.
They are extremely talented and fun to shoot. Great people, I have so much respect for them because I’ve seen how much they’ve grown as musicians.
Do you edit your photos? If so, what software do you use and how much time and effort do you put into your editing?
Yes, I do edit my photos. I use both Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5, but mostly Photoshop. I spend a lot of time editing to make my photos look perfect, but it also depends on how much work a photo needs.
I probably spend 10-15 minutes on each. Before starting the actual editing process though, I go through every single photo (from over 3,000) and pick out the best ones to edit. That probably takes me like 45-60 min.
- Do you think you have a particular quality about your photography that sets you apart from other photographers?
Well when I shoot, my main goal is to capture the band’s energy that they give on stage in order for the viewers/fans of those bands to connect with the artist.
I definitely think that most of my photos read that, but I honestly don’t know if that sets my photos apart or not. What I do think sets me apart is the fact that I do
promo for my photography. At every show I go to I have friends help me pass out my flyers/stickers etc. and that has honestly helped get my name out there.
- How do you feel your photography has changed since you first began? Do you expect it to change in the future?
I have definitely seen improvement. I now have more knowledge about photography ( photo school has helped me a lot). I go back and look at the first photos I took and
laugh at myself, although I do feel that I need way more practice and even until today I need to improve my skills.
