Behind the Lens: Meet Justin and Jonah

PHILADELPHIA — Today, we are spotlighting staff members Jonah van Bemmelen and Justin Mayer , photographers who pursue their passion for live music beyond their work with Veracity Studios. Jonah discusses his evolution from mobile phone photos to professional gigs, while Justin recounts how a chance opportunity led to all-access shoots. Explore their experiences, what makes their approach to music photography unique and check out some of their work below!

Can you walk me through your journey into music photography? What initially drew you to this field?

Jonah: I’ve always had a deep passion for music, which began in my childhood. My parents played bands like The Beatles, Ace of Base, and The Rolling Stones, instilling in me an appreciation for music's impact. I started capturing photos and videos at concerts with my phone, and once I got a professional camera, it was clear that live music photography was my true calling.

Justin: It was really just a matter of chance, to be honest. A venue couldn't find a photographer for a show, and someone suggested me. I exceeded their expectations, and they added me to their regular rotation. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph numerous live performances.

What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your career as a music photographer?

Jonah: The most rewarding moments come from being in the pit or on stage with some of my favorite musicians. Whether it's through a portrait session or simply watching their performance up close, the experience of connecting with them is incredibly fulfilling.

Justin: When my pre-visualization pays off. Anticipating a moment before it happens and capturing it perfectly makes me feel like a superhero. It’s immensely satisfying when everything clicks into place and I get the shot I envisioned.

Could you share a particularly challenging or memorable experience you've had while photographing a band or musician? How did it impact you as a photographer?

Jonah: One challenge has been dealing with obstacles like other photographers or crowd interference. I’ve learned that I can't capture every moment, but by trusting my skills and focusing on the key moments, I can still produce images that others will cherish and remember.

Justin: Louis Thomlinson's tour manager reached out to me with all-access credentials for a show. It was my first experience with that level of access, and while it was intimidating, it was also incredibly liberating. Being able to move freely and shoot the entire show was an amazing experience. It taught me not to let fear hold me back.

How has your approach to music photography evolved over the years? Have there been any key lessons or turning points in your career?

Jonah: My approach has shifted from focusing solely on the obvious moments to capturing the in-between moments that make a show special. I’ve learned that these candid, fleeting instances often tell the most compelling stories.

Justin: Consistency is key: I show up and do my best. I believe my success is largely due to this. While my methods haven’t changed significantly, I’ve refined my technique and honed my ability to anticipate key moments.

What's your preferred lens for music photography, and why?

Jonah: I prefer the 28-75mm lens because it strikes the right balance between capturing the dynamic movement of a show and getting close enough to capture the artists' emotions. It allows me to document an artist’s stage presence, whether they're engaging with the crowd or performing intense movements.

Justin: It really depends on the situation and space. My current go-to is a 16-35 & 35-150, having that range is ideal for shows. For a while, I was using the Sony GM 135 1.8, and some of the “spiciest” images I've taken were with that lens.

What do you find most fulfilling about capturing live music performances?

Jonah: The greatest fulfillment comes from capturing a moment of pure euphoria. Knowing that I've captured something special and can treasure it forever is incredibly rewarding.

Justin: I find fulfillment in abandoning all planning and caution once the show begins and simply immersing myself in the moment. It’s incredibly rewarding to combine my passions for live music and photography and to experience the freedom of capturing unplanned, authentic moments.

Have you been able to build a strong rapport with musicians through your photography? If so, how has this connection influenced your work?

Jonah: Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with musicians, whether they are local talents or long-time idols. These connections create a level of comfort that allows artists to express themselves more freely, and this authenticity shines through in my work.

Justin: I’ve developed a good rapport with tour managers, often leading to additional opportunities like shooting the entire show or capturing unique moments with the crowd. These relationships have helped me gain more access and create more dynamic images.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers who want to start photographing live music events or musicians?

Jonah: Pursue music photography out of a genuine love for the art rather than financial gain. The path to profitability is long and challenging, so a passion for music should be your primary motivator.

Justin: Building connections and embracing every opportunity is crucial. Networking with industry professionals and being open to various assignments to grow your portfolio can significantly advance your career in music photography, no matter what the budget is for a photographer. If you’re just starting out don’t say no to any opportunity.

Can you describe a photograph that you are particularly proud of? What makes this image special to you?

Jonah: I’m particularly proud of a shot of Stephen Sanchez kicking his leg up in the air. This image is special because I anticipated this moment based on his previous shows, positioning myself perfectly to capture it just as I had envisioned.

Justin: A photo I’m proud of is one of Charlie Day singing and playing piano, captured mid-spit. This moment made the image stand out and added an element of spontaneity that I find particularly memorable.

Are there any music-industry-related brands, bands, or musicians you'd love to work with, and why? Or looking ahead, what are your aspirations or goals for your career in music photography?

Jonah: I’d love to work with bands like Korn, known for their iconic and engaging performances, and The Wallows, due to my deep appreciation for their music. My goals include doing a short tour with a band (though I can’t be away from my dog for too long) and connecting with more inspiring artists.

Justin: I don’t have a specific brand in mind; I’m here for the experience and have found no matter the genre of music, I've had a good time. However, I’d love to cover bands like Metallica, The Killers, and Kendrick Lamar at some point in my career.

Ready to capture the energy and passion of your next live event? Reach out to [email protected]