Lockdown with photographer Pro Joe

@projoe.photography (linktr.ee/projoe.photography)

Mini bio please

 Thanks for having me on the mini interview series.

I'm Joe Okpako, an Events and Live music photographer based in the leafy borough of Greenwich but working in and around London. My job takes me all over the UK and internationally on various assignments which is a blessing and I'm constantly looking forward to seeing where it takes me next.

The variety means I get to photograph a fair few corporate events from conferences to fun lively experiential activation's, while the live music work means I spend some of my evenings photographing live show visuals for various musicians, music magazines and production companies.

The growth and diversity of events put on and hosted by Carousel and Shuttlecock is inspiring especially having seen how far you have come over the years.

@projoe.photography (linktr.ee/projoe.photography) 

What sparked your passion for photography?

When I was little my dad was keen on taking family photos and taught us how to use a film camera, so every birthday I was given a disposable camera to run around and snap what I wanted.

On getting to University my housemates were all in a band so I decided to pickup photography again and followed them to various "battle of the bands" shows and practice my craft. Been hooked every since.

What's the key to getting the perfect event or live performance shot?

Patience and the ability to anticipate a shot or someones reaction. Although you want to capture everything and not miss a moment, it pays to slow down and wait for moments to organically happen so you can capture those jump shots, special music moments of the crowd or candid smiles and laughter during conversations especially at events or parties. It also helps to move objects/props around or politely asking people to follow you to a better position in order to get a more flattering angle and lighting, so don't be afraid to ask.

@projoe.photography (linktr.ee/projoe.photography) @remymartin

What's your favourite bit of kit?

Favourite bit of kit is my 50mm f1.4 lens which helps me capture candid shots of guests mingling without being too intrusive and giving that beautiful blured background while keeping the guest nice and sharp.

What's your favourite photograph that you've taken and why?

My favourite live music shot so far has to be the photo of this crowd surfer.

It was during the last song of the band Foals set and the crowd just went bonkers when the confetti cannons went off. This eager punter crowd surfed his way to the front and just as he got to the barrier I was able to capture this moment and I think the excitement in his face says it all.

@projoe.photography (linktr.ee/projoe.photography)

 Which photographer do you most admire?

This is a tough one as I pull various creative ideas from various people and sources. So there is not one person at the moment but really anyone that is experimental in their techniques, platforms like Instagram and pinterest are sources of inspiration to finding various creatives peers.

What are you photographing on lock down?

Lock down is a tricky one. Everything has slowed down and I am no longer able to shoot events or any

music show as the government has banned gatherings of more than two people. So during lock down I am taking care of some admin things which usually gets pushed to the background during busy months, adding and improving on new skills like videography and video editing which keeps me busy most days.

What are your top photography tips for budding amateurs out there?

We all have to start somewhere right, so tip 1, would be keep your camera on you and photograph at least one thing a day or set yourself a challenge. This will help you know your camera better, it will keep your mind creative and inquisitive allowing you to research or ask questions if you are struggling with a technique.

Tip 2 would be to try different types of photography in order to find something that you may not realise you enjoy doing, this will allow you find your niche. Finally tip 3, Look at other photographers as inspiration not competition, you will be surprised with how much you can learn from your peers by just chatting to them.

@projoe.photography (linktr.ee/projoe.photography)