Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Silva
Hi Jess, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for photography began during my freshman year of high school in 2010/2011. It all started when my grandma got a digital point-and- shoot camera, which I eagerly used to take pictures for my social media. At the time, many of my friends were in local bands, and I began capturing their shows.
Without the funds for a professional camera, I made do with whatever could get my hands on, including an iPhone 4s, disposable camera, or whatever metro PCs phone I had at that moment. I photographed everything from concerts and skateboarding to street photography. By 2012, was attending shows at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, California. This small venue hosted some wild performances, and I still have old footage on my YouTube channel.
Fast forward to 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I finally got my first real camera. I purchased a Nikon D5600 with an 18-55mm lens from a friend’s coworker for $120. This camera marked a significant milestone in my photography journey, allowing me to further hone my skills and capture even more memorable moments.
I’ve been attending shows and shooting at venues like 1720, The Whisky a Go Go, and The Wiltern Theater. This has given me the opportunity to shoot bands such as Attila, The Bunny The Bear, and A Skylit Drive. For shows where couldn’t bring my camera, I used my Pixel 7 Pro to capture the moments.
Currently, I work at various venues in Los Angeles, and my boss allows me to bring my camera to work. This has enabled me to photograph main acts, including groups like Wave to Earth, CY Fest 2024, Glass Beams, and Naked Aggression. I am continually striving to improve my skills and hope to one day use photography as a means to travel, meet new people, try new things, and create lasting memories.
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?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. Here are some of the struggles I’ve faced along the way:
Limited Editing Tools: Initially, I had to work with whatever tools were available at the moment. Unlike today’s easily accessible apps, proper editing tools were hard to come by.
Phone Issues: My phones were often stolen or broken during stage diving and moshing at concerts. This was a recurring challenge.
Financial Constraints: Money was always an obstacle. I couldn’t afford the latest phones with the best cameras, so I had to make do with whatever phones MetroPCS offered. But despite these challenges, I’ve learned to work with what I have and create the best content possible. These experiences have taught me resilience and resourcefulness
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My professional life and career as a photographer, I specialize in capturing the raw energy and emotion of live concerts. My work primarily focuses on concert photography, where aim to freeze those electrifying moments on stage and the vibrant atmosphere of the crowd.
What Do: attend various concerts, often diving into the mosh pits and getting up close to the stage to capture the best shots. My gear includes Nikon D5600, my pixel 7 Pro, and my GoPro for POV videos. I’ve become quite adept at using these over the years learning as I go.
Specialization: My niche is definitely concert photography. I thrive in the chaotic, fast-paced environment of live music events, where every second counts, and the lighting is constantly changing.
Known For: I’m known for my ability to capture the essence of a live performance. Whether it’s the intensity of a guitarist’s solo or the crowd’s reaction, my photos aim to tell a story and convey the atmosphere of the event.
Proud Moments: One of my proudest moments was when a photo I took of naked aggression at a local bar. The band used my photo in their promotional for punk in the park for the San Francisco show bringing mea some attention and helping to boost my career. It’s moments like these that make all the challenges worth it.
What Sets Me Apart: Despite facing numerous obstacles, such as limited editing tools and financial constraints, I’ve learned to make the best of what I have. My experiences have taught me to be adaptable and creative, ensuring that I can produce high-quality content regardless of the circumstances. I’m passionate about my work and always strive to improve my skills and capture the best moments possible.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that might surprise people who know me or my work is that I’m currently in school, working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education. My goal is to work with youth and make a positive impact on their lives. Balancing my passion for concert photography with my studies has been a unique journey. It’s a blend of capturing the energy of live music and nurturing the potential of young minds. Both pursuits require patience, creativity, and a genuine love for what do.
This dual path not only enriches my life but also brings a fresh perspective to my work. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera or in a classroom, I’m dedicated to making a difference and sharing my passions with others.
Another surprising fact is my passion for building anime models, specifically robots from the anime series Gundam. This hobby allows me to unwind and tap into a different kind of creativity. While my professional life revolves around capturing dynamic moments at concerts, building Gundam models offers a contrasting, yet equally fulfilling, experience. It’s a meticulous and rewarding process that requires patience and attention to detail, much like photography.
This hobby not only provides a creative outlet but also helps me stay focused and sharp, which ultimately benefits my work as a photographer. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share a common interest outside of the concert Scene.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watershipdown66?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@watershipdown66?si=0pOFCV9eGdv-VVbZ
Image Credits
Image credits go to me Jess Silva.
