Dublin-based photographer Glen Bollard isn't afraid to get into the thick of it at a concert. Loud, heavy and sweaty shows is where he thrives, and his photographs truly capture his love for the industry.
A photographer with a unique eye for detail and a passion for live music, Glen has captured some electrifying moments; from his early days on tour with FANGCLUB to his current work with renowned bands, his journey is as dynamic as the shows he shoots.
We had the pleasure of getting to know a little more about Glen and his work, where he finds his inspiration, his go-to gear, and more.
To kick us off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started in music photography and what prompted you to pursue it as a career? What was the first concert you ever photographed and how did it shape your approach to shooting live music?
I got started with my school friends in FANGCLUB. I originally started out with them as a roadie / guitar tech. I would also always bring a GoPro with us and capture some of the shows. Another pal of ours also toured with us as a photographer, Alan McCarthy. It was an element I was always curious with, and during a tour I bought the same camera as him and learned from him. I did a couple of shadowing shows. The shows were intimate, sweaty and the only way to get the shots was to get in the middle of the crowds. And that is something I love to do even today. I kinda took the basics he showed me and ran with them.
Live concerts can be unpredictable. Can you share a memorable moment where you had to think on your feet to capture the perfect shot?
I work a lot with Irish bands. One in particular is Thumper. Thumper love small intimate rooms and getting into, or on top of the crowd. One particular show, the singer climbed onto the crowd. I quickly had to change lenses to a fisheye and attach a flash as I knew it was the only way I could grab the shot, and most people have told me it's their favourite shot of mine.
Also have flashbacks to photographing Metallica. I was using just one camera body, with a long lens and shooting from the designated area, the edge of the catwalk. I was told the band would be that distance away for the whole show. I’m taking a snap of the singer, and next thing the guitarist appears behind me. Quickly had to swap lenses to get the shot. Lesson was learnt that day to always carry 2 camera bodies when working a show.
In any creative field, it can be easy to let imposter syndrome sneak in, and many creatives struggle to feel like they’ve made it in their field, even when they’ve experienced success. Has there been any specific moment in your career where you’ve felt particularly proud and thought, “Okay, this is what I’m meant to be doing”?
Imposter syndrome is something that I struggle with constantly. You look at others on social media and wonder, "Why the hell can’t I do that?" Moments that stick out is getting to photo one of your favourite bands, or even work directly for them. I have been lucky to work shows featuring Green Day and Metallica, but also had the privilege of working directly for You Me at Six and Biffy Clyro. During these, some of my shots got used for album covers and magazine features. Real pinch-me moments. In the ebbs and flow of this, when I think I am done and want to quit (which happens almost weekly), I remember these moments and what I can get to do.
To get a little more technical: What are your go-to camera bodies and lenses for concert photography, and why do you prefer them? What are some other essentials you always carry with you when photographing live events?
I love the Canon R series. I started on Canon and have been using them ever since as it’s what I know and love. Currently, I am using a Canon R5, R6 and R as my bodies. Lenses I mainly use the RF70-200, 24-70 and 15-35. Also keep an EF8-15 Fisheye in my bag for quirky shots. Another thing I keep in the bag is an insta360 camera for quirky videos. Essentials for me include spare batteries, good comfortable straps (I use Peak Design) and plenty of Red Bull.
Where do you find inspiration and who are some of your favourite photographers/artists?
I have a very narrow field that most the people I love in the photo world are my friends. Matty Vogel, Ashley Osborn and Adam Elmakias were huge inspirations starting off, as they worked with all my favourite bands. Closer to home, I am a big fan of Ruth Medjber, Ciara McMullen, Christian Tierney, Tom Brooker and Ian Coulson. Harry Steel and Bridie Cummings are two snappers who I love, who I think are really pushing the boat with their edits and their colours in a way that I would love to try but I am not brave enough.
Artist-wise I love all things rock and metal, but pop-punk is where my heart is always. Grew up on Green Day, Blink 182, You Me at Six and Metallica. They are always never far from the rotation. Bands I have been loving lately are the Scratch and Turnstile. Biffy Clyro will always be my number one. Loud guitars in a sweaty room, and I am in.
The live music industry can be an incredibly exciting and fulfilling industry to be a part of, but can also be physically and mentally taxing with its long hours, tight deadlines, and lots of travel. What do you do to keep your health in check in the busier seasons, and what do you enjoy doing on your down time?
I love to run and do my best to keep in shape. On tours, I will always bring a pair of running shoes and try get a 5k in whenever I can. Nothing better than headphones on and a podcast or an album to lose yourself to while out in the fresh air. To add to this, I’ve gotten myself back in the gym. Touring can be tough on the health both mentally and physically. So, I am trying to establish a good routine for both which I can take into the next project.
I also am a failed guitar player, but still love playing along to songs, at home in front of a mirror. Would love to get playing live again but it’s been over 10 years.
With the rise of social media, mobile photography, and AI, how do you see the role of professional concert photographers changing in the future, if at all? Are there any trends you think will shape the industry?
I can currently see it, with plenty of restrictions on shows coming in, less and less photo passes being approved for press. But I think a music photographer will always capture the moment, understand the movements better than an iPhone crowd shot. My aim as a photographer is to create FOMO, to make someone who didn’t make the show wish they were there.
To that end, I don’t do a lot of post editing like removing mic stands or members from the shots. Can be messy, but I think that takes away from the realness from my own shots. Some people can use AI and photoshop to do that very well, and that works for them, and I wish I had their talent, but myself, any time I’ve tried it, I’ve preferred it as it was beforehand. But I can see AI making it easier to do these things.
I can see more bands going the way of content creators vs the photographer, but I think there is a world where both co-exist. I believe a still image is timeless. You can’t print a phone video and hang it on your wall.
Any future projects or collaborations you’re looking forward to this year?
I am normally very quiet about what is upcoming. Mainly because it might not happen. I never believe something is happening until I am in the arena with a pass in my hand. I have also had to take a step back from some things this year, which has turned a full calendar into a bit of an empty wasteland. Currently, trying my best to fill that gap with the right projects.
As for what is on the horizon, I have a few more shows lined up with Block Rockin Beats at home in Ireland. But aside from that, nothing is certain. I am sure I may pop my head into a few shows on the You Me At Six farewell tour, if I ask the guys nicely. I am trying my best to cover an upcoming Blink182 show to complete my list of all childhood bands covered. But aside from that, I just take things as they come. I am very much looking for a full-time exciting project to be part of so I can finally say goodbye to my 9-5 and focus on music.
You can view more of Glen's work here and on Instagram (@gbollardphoto)
To work with Glen, email glenbollardphoto@gmail.com