How I Became - a Music Photographer.
How I Became - a Music Photographer w/ Samantha Davies.
Welcome to the ‘How I Became’ series where Billie talks to girls across New Zealand who are killing it in their chosen career and see how they got there!
Trying to decide what you ‘want to be when you grow up’ is hard enough as it is and your careers counsellor probably won’t have all the answers you need.
HIB aims to give you a bit of insight into different career paths and what it takes to get there.
Name: Samantha Davies
Age: 23
Job title: Music Photographer
Current job: Freelance music photographer specialising in live shows and promotional content for artists
Firstly, what drew you to photography?
I started as a total fangirl! Going to shows, taking photos on my phone, and wanting to be as close to the action as possible. I followed a lot of photographers who worked for some of my favourite bands and decided that I wanted to do the same- going to live shows and having access to take and share photos was the dream. I loved capturing moments and sharing them with other fans, and now I get to create the kind of content I used to obsess over as a fan.
What subjects did you take in high school that you think helped?
I didn't take any subjects directly related to photography, but I did take painting, which helped me understand composition, colour, and how to express ideas visually. Even though it wasn't technical, it taught me to see creatively and that there's no “correct” way to do things in creative industries- it's all about experimenting and exploring.
What did your pathway towards starting your career look like?
I honestly just dove straight in without much experience - I barely even knew how to use a camera. I had a few people telling me to choose a different career path as I was “unlikely to be successful” in this industry, but I told myself that someone has to make it, so why can't that be me? In my final year of high school, I started shooting for a local publication in small, dimly lit venues where everything is fast and unpredictable, and I slowly taught myself how to work the camera as I went. The publication was my foot in the door, and over time, I built enough of a network and portfolio to start working independently and working directly with a bunch of different artists under my own name!
What did you study/where/how long did it take?
I studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College and majored in Photo Media. It was a 3 year degree that helped me build confidence, be open to critique, and experiment with media I wouldn't have otherwise tried!
What’s the best thing about your job?
Definitely just being a part of the music scene! I started out as a fangirl in the crowd, and now I get to be up close, documenting shows in my own way and sharing that with other fans - it’s such a full-circle feeling. I get to work with so many incredible and inspiring people as well, and that in itself is so rewarding. I still go to shows as a fan, and being able to work behind the scenes has given me a whole new appreciation for everything that goes into making a show happen - it makes the experience even more special.
What’s the hardest part?
Imposter syndrome is pretty hard to deal with sometimes - it's so easy to feel like a fraud or like I'm not good enough, even when things are going well. Access can also be a challenge. There’s no clear path in this kind of work, so it’s a constant hustle to find new opportunities, stay visible, and keep progressing.
What surprised you most about your job once you started working?
I don’t think anything really surprised me too much as I’d followed the scene pretty closely as a fan, but I did have a big realisation that everyone - even the people I have always looked up to - is just figuring it out as they go, grinding, and trying to make it. Once I started working with artists, I saw that we’re all on the same ride, trying to create and share our work with the world. It made everything feel more real and way more human.
What does an average day look like for you?
Every day looks a little different, depending on whether I have a shoot or not. On non-shoot days, I’m usually doing a lot of research into upcoming gigs, booking new work, planning for future jobs, and networking as much as possible. On shoot days, I always check over all my gear to make sure everything’s ready to go, and after I’ve finished shooting, I get straight to exporting and editing so I can turn things around as soon as possible! My schedule is super flexible since I don't have a set roster, so I also get the freedom to spend time on other aspects of my life outside of work, which I really value.
What advice would you give to those looking to follow a similar career path?
First of all, just do it. I know it sounds super cliche, but honestly, you’re not going to lose anything by just trying. You don’t need an incredible portfolio or the best gear to get started, being passionate and having the right intentions get you a long way- there are so many people in this industry who remember what it was like to be new and genuinely want to help! Reach out to local publications, artists, and venues, and just give it a go!
Also, just keep shooting as much as you can. Stay inspired, open to new ideas, and don’t be too picky about the early opportunities- they all help you grow. Most importantly, don’t let people push you down or make you doubt yourself- remember that someone has to make it, and that can be you.
What are the biggest challenges in your opinion to getting into photography?
It can be challenging in the beginning when you don’t know anyone in the industry and you’re not sure where to start. That uncertainty can feel intimidating at first, but once you start putting yourself out there and building connections, doors begin to open, and a lot of people in the industry are really welcoming. It’s important to remember that there’s not one set path to get started. Once I realised that, it felt much easier.
Personally, my biggest challenge has been internal - things like self-doubt and imposter syndrome, or worrying that I’m not doing enough- learning how to deal with this and keep going despite feeling uncertain has been one of the hardest but most important parts.
What kind of skills does your job require?
Having an open mind and a creative eye is so important, especially when you’re working in fast-paced, unpredictable environments like live shows. People skills are also huge- a lot of this job is about building relationships and knowing how to work with all sorts of different people and teams. Organisation and time management are essential too, since you often have to juggle multiple shoots, deadlines, and communication all at once - it’s important to have a good system. Over time, you naturally develop more technical skills like understanding lighting, editing, and how to use the gear properly. Being dedicated and willing to learn as you go makes a huge difference.
What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
Definitely getting the shot! Especially when I go into a shoot with a vision in mind and manage to capture exactly what I’d imagined. Sometimes, it turns out even better than I had hoped. There’s something really rewarding and satisfying to see it all come together! It’s also pretty incredible when the artist is just as excited about the work as I am - that’s the best feeling.
What has been an absolute highlight of your career?
A massive highlight of my career so far has been shooting for the Jonas Brothers - it was honestly surreal. I grew up obsessing over them and had a bunch of Camp Rock merch; younger me could’ve never imagined that I would end up being hired by them. It was such a full-circle moment to be trusted to photograph their show, and even crazier to be up on stage with them. They were one of the top artists on my personal “hit-list,” so getting to tick them off so early on was an actual dream come true!
What’s an unexpected element to your job that people don’t realise you have to do?
I think a lot of people don’t realise how much time is spent behind the scenes- I spend a lot of time on things like planning, researching upcoming gigs, networking, sending emails, backing up files, editing, and delivering galleries. The actual time spent on site shooting is such a small portion of the job! There’s often a lot of pressure to deliver quickly, so staying organised is a big part of the process, especially when you’re juggling multiple different jobs.
Describe your job in three words
Passionate, Rewarding, Thrilling.
Follow Samantha and her photography here on Instagram.
