For Part Three of our FL’s Shooting Stars series, we’re taking a look at Canberra multi-tasker Simon Atkinson. A tireless contributor both with the camera and keyboard, the man otherwise known as saimagizzle boasts an ever-expanding portfolio. We took a minute to talk shop with Simon.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’ve been shooting ‘properly’ for about three years, two of those for FL. Occasionally I’ll throw photos up onto www.flickr.com/photos/saimagery, but usually it’s self-portraits spawned from boredom. The body of a hipster, yet the heart of an overweight 15-year-old goth.

When and why did you first pick up a camera?
I really got into photography when I travelled overseas. I ruined my Dad’s 30-year-old SLR due to a skateboard landing on it in Germany, so it meant a bit of an upgrade once I got back.

What is it that drew you to the world of music photography?
I was shooting pictures of trees and buildings like every kid does when they first get a camera, then a friend of mine who managed a local band needed a lift to get to their gig, so I bribed him by letting him shoot the gig in exchange. Turns out small bands don’t need to be bribed to do that, but they still need to be bribed for money.

What is the best gig you have ever shot?
Without a doubt, ATP Festival at Mt Buller. I was lucky to get the gig (shout-outs to the editors involved) but I had my ticket anyway with no intention of shooting. Met some cool people, and froze my arse off in the middle of summer whilst watching Nick Cave finish with The Ship Song for a second encore and trying not to cry like a baby in front of several cops who were next to me.

What is the worst gig you have ever shot?
Not so much ‘worst’, but most awkward was Operator Please about a year ago. It was just before the keyboardist left, and the whole gig she was bawling her eyes out whilst roadies were supplying her with beer after beer. Meanwhile, the rest of the band were going about things as if nothing was wrong, and it just made the whole thing really uncomfortable. I hear she’s getting her clothes off on the internet now, which is even more awkward.

What would be you number one tip for aspiring photographers?
Don’t steal my jobs. Also, every kid with a spare $1000 can shoot a gig, so work your arse off to make your photos something different. Experiment, find a different angle to everyone else, and make as many mistakes as you can. Oh, one more: be friendly and don’t think you’re Tony Mott or something – unless you’re actually Tony Mott, in which case, I hear that helps.

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