cmj:

To photograph this year’s CMJ Music Marathon. Volunteer photographer applications are now open, head here for more info.

CMJ 2013 Aussie BBQ: Sheppard at the Delancey by Rachel Barrish

I’m going to be real for a minute here.

If the quality of this image is the kind of thing that CMJ gets back, and actually praises, then cmj is part of the problem.

What problem?

The problem of music photographers not being able to get a paying gig to save their lives. 

This photo, to me, says that any asshole with a DSLR can show up and be patted on the head for their “prowess” with a camera.

People, often, are actually signing up for these kinds of festivals not to photograph the bands, not to come away with great photos, but to gain access to the festival.  The bars, the people, the energy.  To attend without having to pay.

I know that I am a volunteer photographer for SXSW, and I agree, volunteer photographers may have their place.  But I’ve seen what the other SXSW Photo Crew puts out - and I have to say, we are all on a much higher level than this photograph which was apparently submitted to CMJ. 

I also count myself lucky to not get sucked into the idea of rubbing elbows with the almost-famous.  I’m there to capture the event, to photograph your band, to make you look good.  I’m not sure I could give fewer fucks about making myself look good or being seen or going to the bars or even having access to the festival.

A good eye and a good lens, indeed.