New York City-based concert and band photographer Spencer Katz generally prefers to let his images convey their own messages, but he took a moment to set aside his reliable film camera to discuss his techniques and the parallels between visual art and music.
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Photography and music may appear to be fundamentally distinct with little opportunity for overlap. On one hand, a photograph is a flat artwork meant solely for viewing, while music engages the listener in a multi-dimensional experience that unfolds over time. The notion of stripping sound away from music seems unfeasible, yet a single photograph can evoke sounds that may feel just as vivid as actually hearing them. A skilled photographer captures the essence of a moment and transforms silence into music, which is precisely what Spencer “Bodega” Katz aims to achieve each time he peers through the viewfinder of his collection of vintage film cameras.
Katz, who grew up in Manhattan, deeply immersed himself in the vibrant culture of New York City through his passions for basketball, fashion, pizza, and hip-hop. If you happen to spot Katz in the Lower East Side, you’re likely to notice two things: a film camera hanging around his neck and a pair of sneakers so impeccably clean that they might prompt a double take, considering the grime of the city streets. As a native New Yorker, Katz has no desire to capture the city from a distance; instead, his photographic practice emerges from his personal experiences and a commitment to documenting the array of fascinating scenes found in New York, from its captivating chaos to its quietly beautiful moments. His work with musicians serves as perhaps the best outlet for his artistic expression.
While video might seem ideal for recording a performance, in reality, unless employing multiple cameras and microphones, videos often fail to capture the full intricacy of a performance. Consequently, music videos tend to involve extensive creative interpretation beyond straightforward performance footage. Conversely, photography, despite its apparent singular focus, can encapsulate the vibrant atmosphere of a venue, the dramatic peak of a set, and the overall richness and complexity of a performance. Within a still image, stories unfold, requiring viewers to engage their imagination to fill in the blanks, resulting in a multitude of iconic photos that depict everything from global superstars performing in stadiums to local musicians entertaining commuters in subway cars.
The artistry involved in capturing these images hinges on a variety of practical skills, including timing, setting, focus, and establishing a connection with a performer that enables a photographer to almost predict upcoming moments in a split second before pressing the shutter. There is also an intangible quality in creating depth beyond the frame of an image that invites the viewer to explore an unseen world, allowing certain photographs to capture mere moments while others depict entire alternative realities.
To delve into how photography transcends time and the senses, I sat down with Spencer Katz to explore his artistic process and the intersection of photography and music.
**A CONVERSATION WITH SPENCER KATZ**
**Atwood Magazine:** How did you get started in photographing bands and concerts?
**Spencer Katz:** I love supporting my friends who make music. I admire their bravery in putting themselves out there, and capturing their performances is incredibly meaningful and special.
**How do you approach collaborating with artists during a photoshoot?**
**Katz:** I usually start by trying to understand the artists’ vibes and their vision for the shoot. Once I have a grasp on what they’re looking for, I think of various ways to express their message through images while staying true to their identity.
**Do you believe there are similarities between music and photography?**
**Katz:** Absolutely, I see many similarities. Both a photo and a song communicate to people in unique ways. When a moment is captured beautifully in a photo, it's almost possible to imagine or hear the sounds from that instant. Likewise, a powerful song can evoke imagery in your mind, making it fascinating when a music video combines visuals with the music.
**What’s the favorite concert you’ve ever attended?**
**Katz:** It's tough to pick just one, but recently seeing Kaytranda in Queens at Forest Hills Park was fantastic.
**If you could be the tour photographer for any band or artist, who would it be and why?**
**Katz:** Kaytramine, because they seem like a blast to be around and photograph, and maybe Amine would even give me a pair of his New Balance collaborations.
**What do you prefer about film photography over digital?**
**Katz:** Film offers a genuine quality that digital photography sometimes lacks. When done right, it captures the emotions and raw energy of the moment.
**How does living in New York City influence your artistry?**
**Katz:** The city is always evolving, so I feel compelled to document and capture what’s happening to preserve our history for future generations.
**Top five rappers of all time?**
**Katz:** Kanye, Kendrick, Nas, Biggie, and Tupac
Spencer Katz, a concert and band photographer based in New York City, usually allows his images to convey their own message. However, he briefly set aside his reliable film camera to discuss his creative process and the parallels between visual art and music.
