Conversations with Harmony Gerber

Today we’d like to introduce you to Harmony Gerber.

Hi Harmony, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My very first concert was at the Hollywood Palladium in 1996. I was thirteen. I remember waiting in line with my crappy, little disposable camera and being super excited about my evening. It was after that night that I made a connection. Falling in love with live music and photography, my life as a photographer officially began.

The anticipation of returning to the photo lab to see if my prints “came out” was always a thrill. Being pretty young, I had a few good photos under my belt. I needed to find a way to “publicize” myself. That’s where I met Sheri from All-Ages Magazine (a total DIY zine in Orange County) and my journey began. I began photographing concerts, anywhere I could squeeze in, I was slowly establishing a name for myself. I made connections with club owners, managers, musicians, etc. I was eventually asked to cover a few shows on my own; everything was falling into place…
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I was 16 years old when I stumbled upon my first professional photo “gig.” I was asked to cover the 1999 Vans’ Warped Tour at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for SLAMM Magazine. I had met Kevin Hellman (SLAMM’s editor) at a concert prior to this. We exchanged information and my photos ended up in print about a month later for the first time. I was hooked.

Fast forward to present moment… I’ve always had a “go for it” mentality. The worst that can happen is that people can say ‘no,’ but on one particular summer day of 2013, I received an e-mail to attend an interview for Getty Images. I was floored. This was my dream job, and I’ve been working there since June 2013. It’s been one wild ride, and I wouldn’t change it for anything on this planet. They always say, “Find a job you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life….”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As an artist, versatility and change are inevitable. There’s always going to be some new gear that you feel obligated to have to get… I jumped onto the mirrorless bandwagon recently and it’s changed a lot of my workflow (in a great way).

I also started teaching myself video and editing. It’s been quite a learning curve… I started out working with close friends on music videos and working pro bono, so I could grow and learn from the process… it definitely wasn’t easy; for my bank account or mental well-being! Editing video is no joke. I have a small handful of friends that do it for a living, and I’ve asked for their guidance. With their help, the time I’ve put in to learn and try new things, I can now finally put that on my resume… with conviction!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I photograph people. Whether they are on a stage performing music, in a studio for a portrait session or on a red carpet for a tv/film premiere.

I believe my music photography has truly been my passion project from the day I first shot my first concert in 1996 with a dinky, little disposable camera.

I’m proud of what I do and the photos I’ve taken. Some, more than others… I’ve dealt with a lot of egos, personality types & enchanting characters in my line of work, but it all comes down to humility.

If you can have fun with a client, laugh and share emotions in a pure honest way, they will eventually break down and pull out that personality that makes them so unique and it will inevitably shine a light on your work… That’s the moment you yearn for as a photographer. I feel like I’ve found quite a few of those sweet, emotional, raw moments on stage, in a recording studio, or filming a music video. That’s what keeps me going.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Los Angeles is an animal. It’s constantly changing and evolving. Adapting is part of the game, LA is over-saturated with artists, musicians, actors & everyone else in between.

It’s where people come to “change their lives.” Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but that hope, that feeling of inspiration when you’re walking down the Sunset Strip for the first time, surfing at Zuma Beach, hiking to the top of the Observatory… whatever it is about this town; I’m addicted. It’s a blessing and a curse, but is home either way…

Contact Info:

• Website: www.photo-grafitti.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photo_grafitti/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PH0T0grafitti

Image Credits
Harmony Gerber