Photographer showcase: Andrew Bromley
First up, introduce yourself. Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Andrew (@andybromm), a Melbourne-based photographer and videographer with 12 years of experience creating photo and video content, primarily within the music scene.
Which artist did you receive your first photo pass for?
My first photo pass was for In Hearts Wake's Skydancer tour in 2015, supported by We Came As Romans, Beartooth, and Storm The Sky, also Beartooth's first tour of Australia. As a huge fan at the time, capturing their raw, frenetic energy on stage was an incredible experience. It's been amazing watching how far they've come since.
Which artist is your white whale, the one you'd love to photograph?
Linkin Park, without question. They were the first live band I ever saw, back in 2007, and the experience was life-changing, they've been my ultimate goal to photograph ever since I picked up a camera. I would have loved to capture them during the Chester Bennington era, but I'd jump at the chance to shoot them now with Emily Armstrong fronting the band. I saw them in Melbourne earlier this year and they didn't miss a beat, I'd do anything for the opportunity to photograph them.
What is one thing about the accreditation process that you find frustrating?
The lack of communication during the waiting period. A request gets submitted, then there's silence, sometimes for weeks, until approval comes through just an hour before the show and if we're lucky, a day before the show. A more streamlined process, or at least clearer status updates (request sent, received by the next contact, etc.), would make a real difference.
Who are some of the media outlets you’ve contributed to here in Australia? How do they handle photography requests?
I've contributed to Savetonight in the past, and currently contribute to The Alternative Journal, and The Hot & Heavy Show. All three make the process straightforward: I submit a request, they keep me updated on its status, and once approved, they provide full correspondence as backup, which has proven valuable more than once, since box office issues come up more often than you'd expect.
What’s your favourite photo you’ve ever taken? What’s the story behind it?
It's difficult to pick just one, but a standout is my shot of Alpha Wolf vocalist Lochie, taken at Pelly Bar in Frankston, my hometown, and a small, packed club venue. I was shooting on a fully manual 7.5mm fisheye lens from 7Artisans, so it came down to firing off high-speed shots and hoping something landed in focus. Checking the shot mid-show and seeing it had worked was one of the most satisfying moments I've had behind the camera
Name three photographers whose work you admire
Too many to name, but three who come to mind immediately:
James Coffman (Dallas, Texas) - currently touring with Mötley Crüe. His work ethic is inspiring, and he generously shares insight into video editing and touring life.
Ashley Osborn - (Los Angeles, California) got her start in the Warped Tour scene and has continued to excel ever since, now shooting major events like the Emmys. Her work speaks for itself.
Jack Fontes (Sydney) - a genuine talent I discovered through his music video work. His live photography is immaculate, aesthetically striking and instantly recognizable.
