FL Shooting Star: CaroleWhitehead

Mon 24th May, 2010 in Features

For this edition of FL Shooting Stars, we’re turning the focus on Melbourne photographer Carole Whitehead – CazTheTurtle. Caz is one of FL’s most unique photographers possessing an instinctual ability to capture the atmosphere and ambience of a gig – whether it be at her local pub or a huge outdoor festival. We threw a few questions her way to get to know a bit more about CazTheTurtle.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My proper name is Carole, but everyone in this world knows me as Caz. I’m twenty-two, and at twenty years of age, relocated from the clean air of Tasmania to the bustling streets of Melbourne. Photography is my passion, my way of seeing the world and showing others my view of life.

When and why did you first pick up a camera?

My Dad was always into photography, and handed on one of his old cameras to me when I was no older than five. From then onwards, I’ve always been the one who records events – moments in time – when no-one else seems to be thinking about snapping photos. I’ve gone through a few cameras in my lifetime, and have now settled on the lovely number of nine in my current possession. Each have their own purpose, and I like each for different reasons. For most of my digital work, I use the D700, and prefer prime lenses – for their fantastic low light ability, and unrivaled sharpness.

What is it that drew you to the world of music photography?

At the age of fourteen, I found myself at my very first concert, The Dissociatives. Even sitting many rows back in the audience, I’d managed to smuggle a small camera into the theatre, and snapped away all night. My love for shooting musicians and performance only continued to grow from there, and I quickly found my work being requested by the local street-presses of Tassie. With the lack of photo passes I was experiencing at the time, my love for the ‘sport’ often found me squished into a barrier at the front of a mosh-pit at festivals, sometimes for up to thirteen hours at a time. I’ve endured many a bruise for this wonderful addiction, and even now sometimes miss the closeness of a crowd, when standing comfortably in the photo pit.

What is the best gig you have ever shot?

Light is my friend. But when the bands are performing entertainingly as well, everything is perfect. The Polyphonic Spree and the Flaming Lips were both memorable, with balloons, streamers, and adoring, singing crowds. Melbourne band Red Ink are also one of my favourites to shoot – frontman John is ever entertaining, not a dull moment in their concerts. But nothing goes past Blueprint festival. I know it ended in chaos, but there was something about that space, that atmosphere, that was breathtaking. The people were happy, the food was amazing, the weather was perfect. It’ll never happen again, but the one that did will stay with me.

What is the worst gig you have ever shot?

Occasionally I’ll stumble into a room where I’m expected to take photos of a band that I can barely see, let alone photograph. If a band is shrouded in a heavy, low red light, I’ll be in a dark mood. A note to lighting staff: please look after the photographers. They just want to be friends.

What would be you number one tip for aspiring photographers?

First and foremost: Know your gear. Inside out. Know your lenses, which ones to use and when, in what lighting conditions. Know their weak spots, and their strengths. Know your camera, its settings, every way it can help you, or hinder. Spend money on good glass. Don’t trust sales people in camera shops. Do your research. Be nice to the venue security. DON’T USE FLASH at performers. Enjoy the music. Meet the crowd. Look at things differently. Look up. Don’t frame in boring ways. Please, please, be original. Don’t take too many photos – only take the ones that count. And finally – only show people your best work, and they’ll think it’s all that good. (That was more than one tip, sorry…)

YOU CAN CHECK OUT CAZ’S FAVOURITE SHOTS HERE.