For the fourth edition of our Shooting Stars series, we’re turning the focus on James Field – a man committed to capturing the – œdysfunctional splendour’ of Adelaide’s musical milieu. Having contributed some truly memorable images to FasterLouder (check out his gallery from the Live At The Zoo festival for proof), we cornered James – aka Jame – for a chat.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
In a nutshell, I’m James.

Oh right, you wanted a longer answer. Uh, I’ve got degrees in economics, engineering, and industrial design, and am failing to use any of them as I work full-time as a commercial photographer. I have a website and everything. I had a photo of me making out with myself on it but had to take it down because girls kept asking to meet my non-existent twin when they decided they didn’t like my personality.

The rest of it is still somewhat entertaining: www.jame.com.au I partnered up with FL in late 2006. I’d never appreciated the beauty of the – œdysfunctional splendour’ of the Adelaide music scene before. Now I’m totally hooked.

When and why did you first pick up a camera?
The first photo I remember taking was of a boa-constrictor in the Adelaide Zoo. I was eight at the time and was so excited about getting the photo developed. When I got it back, it broke my lil’ heart. I still have that photo of the blurry yellow blob.

Fast forward 20 odd years and I’ve learned not to cry when my photos don’t work out. Mostly. My most influential camera was my first DSLR – my Canon 20d. I fantasised about it for 18 months before I could finally buy it. That camera was so well-loved that I wore most of the paint off.

What is it that drew you to the world of music photography?
I love shooting people, usually with a camera, and I love music. FL was just the natural progression of that. Because I get to observe, rather than direct like I would in a fashion shoot, it’s a great opportunity to capture genuine expressions.

What is the best gig you have ever shot?
It’s a hard call. Every time I shoot Mammal it’s an incredible experience. They’re always tight, have more energy then a stick of dynamite in a shoebox, and even have a decent message for the kiddies.

Paul Dempsey, at Jive a few months ago, was also a sight to behold. I’ve never seen an audience connect so well with an artist. What started as jovial heckling from the crowd, turned into serious questions about the upcoming release. You could tell Dempsey hadn’t experienced anything like it before. It’s nice to know Adelaide crowds are good for something.

What is the worst gig you have ever shot?
I took a French exchange student to see Magic Dirt (it was her first week in Adelaide and a mate and I were trying to show her a good time). Peterhead supported – a bunch of rough old guys from down at the port. They played the most incomprehensible jazz/punk thing I’ve ever heard.

None of us enjoyed it and I was so incredibly embarrassed. It might have been okay if Magic Dirt were any good, but there was nothing redeeming about their performance either. To add insult to injury, the shutter mechanism on my camera broke that night. The experience cost me $400 and a potential, cute, French friend.

What would be you number one tip for aspiring photographers?
I’m afraid I’m going to have to say the – œp’ word. No, not that one, it’s worse than that…Practice. Practice, practice, practice.

People are not born with ‘the eye’ for photography. Natural talent is a myth. Think of photography as playing an instrument. The people who play professionally spend thousands of hours practicing. Do the same with your photography.

In 2007 I spent about an hour behind the camera every day for 13 months. It was painful and frustrating, especially when I ended up sleeping at uni for a week due to some huge assignments, but the corresponding increase in skill was amazing. Go here to steal my ideas and get awesome: www.jame.com.au

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