FL Shooting Star: PatrickHerve

Wed 17th Jun, 2009 in Features

Following on from our first edition with Brisbane’s Kylie Keene, the FasterLouder Shooting Stars series heads south this week. We’re turning the focus to Melbourne man-about-town Patrick Herve, otherwise known as herve photographic photographic.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Knowing the time was right (I was totally broke and couldn’t afford a cover charge), I started approaching bands in January 2008 to build up a bit of a portfolio. Through that, I heard about FasterLouder and jumped on-board in February 2008. It gave me everything I could wish for and more. I started with a club called Next and made it a regular, along with another called Bang. On and off, I did the two for about a year until everything became a little too familiar.

When and why did you first pick up a camera?
It all started when I was fifteen, a mere 20 years ago. I picked up a second hand 35mm Ricoh and took photos of anything. I tried to pursue it academically but that was thwarted with peril. In Year 12, my major project was a montage of sorts, which I received an E for because the teacher didn’t think I did it.

At first I took photos of graffiti along train-lines to get inspired for my own art work and started to concentrate the framing of the shot on the finer details. From that, I started developing a slightly abstract style in picture taking which has turned into an absolute obsession now. It was kind of like getting a present when I got my photos developed at the lab. You didn’t really know what to expect and the feeling that I got from getting a good shot was totally addictive.

I tried cracking the photojournalism caper, but found that was much akin to repeatedly slamming my head against a brick wall. I published work with an independent news website. My last crack came at the G20 protest in Melbourne, where I became disillusioned. All the major newspapers ran the same aggressive stories about the protest but neglected to mention the peaceful side. I did work for a couple of magazines, wineries and retail outlets.

What is it that drew you to the world of music photography?
More than anything it was the inspiration that a great photographer, Jesse Marlow, gave me. He had worked for one of the free street press mags and eventually started work for one of Melbourne’s leading newspapers amongst many other accomplishments.

I loved the ideal, you know: documentary style, no second chances. It just seemed so pure to me. Getting to cover the Stereophonics at the Forum was the sealer for me. A barrier, light and the sound – I was like a kid in that shop that kids like. You couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. Actually, that’s not entirely true. A PR person came down to pull me out of the pit during the support act. “I’m really sorry, but what just happened there?” “Three songs only,” I was told. Yep, the rule I will never forget: – œThree songs, no flash’. I was hooked and couldn’t get enough.

What is the best gig you have ever shot?
The best gig would have to be the most recent – Datarock at the Hi Fi Bar. Art vs. Science supported and took the whole crowd with them. It was incredible to be a part of that. Everybody was moving and shiny happy faces were everywhere. It was simply one of those nights where everything comes together; where the support compliments the headline and whips the crowd into frenzy. The energy is totally palpable. Then Datarock hit the stage and everyone went nuts. Wicked fun.

What is the worst gig you have ever shot?
It’s a tie with one night at Next and De La Soul. At Next I got smacked in the head by a foot and got hit in the personals by a fist. It was okay though, because the guy who did it came up to me a little later and apologised and offered to buy me a drink. The night took a turn for the worse when I saw my girlfriend getting rather friendly with some guy and upon seeing me, bolted to the bathroom.

At De La Soul, I was taking pictures of one of the support acts and some guy came dancing up with beer in hand and decided that the best possible spot to dance with a loaded beer was directly behind me. He spilt beer all over my camera and lens. The lens seized up when I got home, so now I shoot with a kit lens and 70-200mm F4.

What would be you number one tip for aspiring photographers?
Have faith in yourself and your abilities and just go for it. Snap like crazy, develop a style and love what you do. Above all else, respect the people that put you in the place you want to be. The number one tip is to hit the contribute link at the bottom of this page.

CHECK OUT A FEATURED GALLERY OF SOME OF PATRICK’S FAVOURITE SHOTS RIGHT HERE.