Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Free.
Scott, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a photographer who has been shooting the underground music punk /rock /queer punk /eastside drag scene drag kings and queens since 2017. I started out as a fashion designer here in la then started working as a stylist for the music industry working on artist styling and music videos and also as a commercial lifestyle stylist as well I am represented by the rex agency in Hollywood. Photography has given me a chance to meet so many amazing artists here in L.A. and attend so many amazing live shows. I love documenting the underground scene here in LA going out at night and being a part of this amazing community of music artist photographers and drag performers.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I chose this path as an artist I make money working as a wardrobe stylist and costume designer and I am represented by the rex agency in Hollywood. Shooting crowed live shows were your dodging crowd surfers and the surge of the crowd slamming you into the stage having people fall on you and making sure you don’t drop your camera I have been punched in the face while shooting in a circle pit numerous times, dodged stacked crashing amps, beer cans thrown by fans at other fans, artist who spit beer or water on the audience. Showing up late to shows having to make my way threw the pit and get thrown into the front of the stage to get the shot working all day coming home drinking coffee and going out to shoot after already going out five other late nights in a row. Begging bands you haven’t met for photo passes begging doormen for photo passes hitting up bands and managers for photo passes and guest list tickets. Not being let into shows cause you have a camera and forgot to get on the photo list, or the venue decides to change their policy at the last min.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in documenting the underground music mostly punk and rock and queer punk bands and the eastside L.A, drag scene here in L.A. I think what sets me apart is that I am not doing this because I am getting paid to do it or that I am trying to make money off of this or that I only want to shoot famous or popular music. But because I see these amazing shows and I want to document the people that are a part of this artistic community and the fans that come to the shows to support their music and in the future people will look back on this time and say it must have been an interesting time to live in L.A.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Creating friendships with other artists in my community and being a part of a music scene going out and supporting my friends and their projects and shows that they put on and documenting this LA underground music scene.
Contact Info:
- Website: scottfreestylist and music photographer @ therexagency.com
- Instagram: @ogscottfree my music doc of the LA under ground music scene punk rock and drag Queens and Kings
Image Credit:
All photos by Scott Free
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