Interview with: Jeremy Saffer, Photographer

I was first introduced to Jeremy Saffer's name in early 2008, by MickDeth of Dethless Clothing/former 18 Visions bassist. I remember going through his photos and thinking to myself, "Wow, what I wouldn't give to shoot with him, or even speak to him..." Little did I know, Jeremy and I had way more than 1 mutual friend, we had a good handful. He began seeing my name on other friend's social networking sites and started talking to me. When we started talking, I realized we are very similar in the way we shoot as well as what we like to shoot. I learned a few things from speaking to Jeremy, from how to shoot certain things that will work for me, what not to shoot, ect... He helped me develop my idea for my site on the basics, so we decided it would only be appropriate if I interviewed him, since I do look up to him on his photography skills.

Here is what Jeremy had to say.

1. When did you first get into photography?
Basically when I was younger like 14 - 16ish - I was in a bunch of bands - and I always brought a camera with me and took photos of the bands that we played with - which sometime were pretty big bands - and it caught the attention of this dude Scott Lee - who runs most of the concerts around this area - and that snowballed into me doing photos for Mass. concerts - which is the big promoter around here - and back then I was just doing it for fun. I really wanted to go to Berklee - that was my dream. I went - for music production and engineering... and I HATED IT! So I ended up shooting a TON of shows while I was at Berklee - and when I dropped out - I was so confused as to what to do. So Scott was like "You like taking photos, BE A PHOTOGRAPHER!" it never dawned on me that, "Oh - this isn't just for fun - it could be something more." Then I got serious about it - toured a bit - went to Hallmark Institute of Photography- and made a career of it.

2. So your original plans were to be an audio engineer?
Well that was sort of the back up to the original plan which was to be a "rock star/metal god/in Metallica", haha. But as I've said time and time again - a Berklee diploma is basically worth the same paper they use to print Mcdonalds apps. - but at least the Mcdonalds app. will get you a job/paid. Yeah - I was Mr. Metal. It's all I loved - and Berklee kinda ruined playing music for me. I played guitar 10 hours a day, I've played maybe 2 hours in the last 5 years, OOOOVER IT! But that’s the thing about what you like to do, certain dreams ya know? If you're told to do what you love a certain way - you may begin to hate it. With photography - I can shoot anything and LOVE it.

3. So you used to be in FRONT of the camera before you ever considered really being behind it as a career?
Naw - I mean... once...

4. When you were in a band, did it ever occur to you to do the band's photos? Or did others do photos of you guys?
Nawwww, back then I wasn't taking photos of bands for real- I was just bringing like a disposable camera to show- nothing legit.

5. Oh, so it was all fun and games until Scott noticed you? When did you buy your fair professional camera?
Uhhh, well here's the history- when I started legit shooting shows, getting photo passes- I was on disposable cameras! For maybe the first 6 months- I had no idea! I knew NOTHING of photography Then I got a Sony point and shoot- some $300 jammy for about 6 months. Then I got some Song F... something or rather- Like a $700 point and shoot- while I was at Berklee I had that thing. Then at some point in 2003, I jumped to a 10D- then a 20D+Mark 2 1D. Then a Mark21DS+40D, and that's where I'm at now.

6. In your opinion, what was the easiest to shoot off of?
My issue with the point and shoots was they weren't fast enough for me- it'd take FOREVER to focus- the quality was subpar- it sucked. As soon as I jumped to the 10D- again- I didn't really know photography- but it was FAST- and I could capture the shots I knew I wanted to get, and I was shooting mostly natural lighting back then- on auto/program. Then after like 3 shows of that, I started learning manual and how to use a flash properly.

7. Was there anything you referred to for information? Anyone who gave you tips?
Well no, I went to the Hallmark Institute, but they basically teach you the ground word you need to do anything. A VERY solid foundation for general work- but I kind of learned what I could- took what I wanted from there- and from there made it my own. They kind of disliked me for being a band photographer- which they said would never be anything- but I got 2 covers while I was there- I have bands rolling in and out of the schools to do shoots, it was fun. Toward the end of the year- they got it- they understood what I was doing, and backed me. But naw, you always learn. As a photographer- every shoot is kind of a learning experience- you learn from yourself- the seminars- workshops- dvds, ect...

8. What would you say is the easiest thing to shoot? From models to live shows, to sessions, to sports.
Well... everything is kind of it's own animal. Some bands- some models- and some shows I work are SUPER difficult, while others are SUPER easy. Shows, models, and shoots are never easier or more difficult then one another.

9. What would you say is your favorite shoot to this day?
Favorite shoot? I don't really have a favorite- and not so much because of the work- but because I have so much fun doing some shoots- that there really isn't a single one that really hits me as the best one- the most successful- or the most fun. There are some models, and bands, I LOVE working with, and get to work with often. So I'd say- my favorite thing is to work with people I love working with- and my favorite thing is to shoot a band that- to me- is legendary according to what I grew up on- like The Misfits- and stuff like that- where it's just, so surreal that I'm shoot photos of bands I've worshiped, ya know?

10. A lot of your stuff gets published on websites and magazines, which was your first?
My first thing I did was a webzine, that's how I got into it. I had a webzine called chaosmetal.com, and I ran a radio station on it back when Amp/Shockwave was not illegal. That was my start.

11. So you started your own zine and posted pictures there?
Exactly, and I got into most shows through that, but sometimes, now and again I got denied, bummmmeeeerrrr. My first print magazine- was the first time I had my 10D. I went to Ohio to shoot the LEGENDARY Candelmass (their first show in the US since the 80's with their Messiah on vocals, ahhh)- it was a metal fest, 2 days called the BWBK 6 pack weekend- and they ended up using my photos in the next issue of BWBK. I remember going to their music store when it came out- and i bought 6 copies of it. Then my next big print- for the cover of Metal Maniacs with a shoot I did with Mastadon. Then found a staff positions at Hardcore Ink- and after that, with outburn and a SLEW of others.

12. So your first bands really to be published, were metal bands. How did you really start this entire empire you have for yourself now?
Yeah, Candlemass, Nevermore, ect.- the bands I loved- you know, that's why I got into it- to shoot the bands I was really into- but things have changed since in terms of what I like to shoot and listen too, haha. At the time I shot ONLY metal shows- and would do SOME pop-punk, whatever else, if I needed or felt like it, ya know? But after a month or so- I shot anything I could.

13. So then your philosophy would be "shoot what you love and you'll never get bored of photography?"
It's not for everyone, some people can ONLY shoot concerts and won't do photo sessions, weddings, portraits, ect. Some people will ONLY shoot weddings. For me, I can shoot weddings, I can shoot senior portraits, I can shoot a Slayer cover band, I don't care. I love it all. I think if you start getting bored or bummed on what you're shooting- it's time to switch something up, because if this is your job and you get unhappy with it, you're fuckkkked, because that happened to me in music, and I had a midlife crisis, at like, 19.

14. Would you say this is your career, defined?
Are you asking if photography is my career? Yes- this is my only job and I couldn't imagine doing anything else for a LOT of reasons.

15. If it wasn't for photography, what do you think you'd be doing right now?
Pfft, who the hell knows? Maybe working at a concert venue- maybe working at my family's company- maybe guitar teching, being a rock star, recording bands, who knows, haha. All I know is I had a few paths in front of me- and this is the only one that made sense or worked, and I couldn't even fathom doing anything else.

16. Being a photographer of your stature, you've come to know a lot of people, bands, ect. Who made the biggest impact on your photography?
Well, there's a few for VERY different reasons. Scott Lee is the reason I'm a photographer. He's the one who pushed me to follow it- and kept me going during the really hard times, he really saw something more in me then even I did. So he was kind of the person who backed me- pushed me. He was like Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid- expect he didn't teach me photography- just pushed me to get into it. The bands like All that Remains, Eighteen Visions, The Acacia Strain, Lacuna Coil, Mick, Phil, Lisa, Jasta, ya know- my good friends who would come to me over and over for photos and for ideas I had, and would be patient and let me experiment and learn while shooting them. Mick has been a victim to many bad/awesome ideas, same with Lisa. They are seriously troopers for putting up with me and honing in on my vision.

17. Would you say, because of them, you're still going?
Naw, I mean- every artist says he has a muse, I have many. They don't keep me going, but they are always there when I transcend to the next step of what I'm doing. Them being in front of my lens helps me get to the next level of what I'm attempting- their patience, ect. It's like a nerdy game, when you're on Level 34... and need to be a Level 40... I'd say random whatever shoots don't really power me up as much as those long full day shoots with someone like Mick, or Lisa, ect.- it's more EXP POINTS! Haha, but those games, it's experience that really pushes you to the next level.

18. What would you say is the most important thing you walk away from a shoot with, minus the pictures, haha.
The experience for sure. You learn from every shoot, concert, session, model, whatever. You always learn from it, you see what works, you experiment a bit, you try different settings, that's always the best thing to take away from them, but, sometimes you end up molding very solid friendships from photo shoots, that to mean also means a lot. Some of my best friends on earth, I've met by photographing them.

19. Do bands usually go to you? Or do you go to them? Or is it both?
It's a bit of both. I have bands travel all over to come and shoot and I travel all over to shoot. Generally though, it's when a band is on tour, and I will go to where they are, or where they are recording. But if there's time they come to me- and either way works fine with me- I don't really like shooting in studios with bands so much, because it's SO limiting, so- on location- is much better for me in what I like to do.

20. So you would say you prefer live shots vs. sessions?
Well as with the previous question, they are VERY different- in generally I now prefer photo sessions with bands because it's so much more intimate and you get something that others don't in the shoot, you know? But I mean- if it's doing a photo shoot with some local band I've never heard of- or shoot A Day to Remember's entire set live, HAH! But yeah, in general- sessions have become more my focus.

21. If a band who's not well know come to you for pictures, would you accept?
Absolutely, small and local bands need shots too. As long as they are serious about what they do- I'm into it.

22. Is there anyone would turn down or away?
Yes- there are a lot of band who hit me up and think they are the best local band ever- have been around for 5 years- and offer me to shoot them for because of what it would do for my career... It would actually HURT my career to have my name on their photos. It's like, "oh THAT terrible local band won't give it up? Jeremy shot them? That sucks." I don't want to work with bands who won't be around next week either. You know- those band who have different singers, drummers, ect. every other week. Some bands are like, "We only have $100." It's like, "OK, you all have day jobs- drink at practice- drink as shows... and you're going to tell me the 5 of you, only have $20 each for a shoot?!?! You much not take your band or your image very seriously then- have a good week long career." I mean, the best advice I could ever give any photographer- DO NOT WORK FOR FREE. Or for photo credit- because that's FREE. Bottom line, it costs money to do shoots- it's offensive for a band to offer nothing for a shoot.

23. What other advice do you have for beginner photographers?
Hah, "go to my seminar/workshops!" Naw, umm, basically for every photographer is different. What amature photogs need to decide is if it's ging to be a hobby or a career, and if they want it to be a career- as most do- they need to take it seriously. One of the biggest mistakes I see in this industry is photographers who go by- MOSHHARD PHOTO! or like- DARKARTPHOTO. Who's gonna remember that shit?! NO ONE! After ditching Chaos Metal, I used Jeremy Saffer for everything. That's why people know my name, and what I have a great career. If I was Chaos-Metal-Photo, no one on earth would know who the hell I am. I mean I have HOURS of advice for new photogs, but those are just a few.

24. So you would advise them to go by their names instead of a pseudonym?
Yes or a company name, like Blood-Soaked photography dot com or some crap. Shit's dumb. It's like putting your career into a grave. Watch- ready?!? Name me 3 photographers who go by a company name. Name me 10 photographers who go by their real name. Case and point. Kids just need to not get discouraged.

25. Clearly understandable, what advice could you give starting out? Picking a camera that suits the person? Ideas? How to generate creativity?
Well - learn as much as one can from wherever you can. Your camera is only as good as the person behind it, so that isn't as important as knowledge and confidence. Just don't step on toes- don't fight with people, love what you do, and do all you can. Ya know?

26. Has anyone ever given you advice, that you, to this day, repeat to your self when times get hard and stressful?
Not really, haha. The only advice I got, was from a photographer named Ross Halfin- He's a LEGEND to me- and he said, "Stop shooting wide angle."- I did the exact opposite- and it worked really well for me.

27. If you could shoot a model on a famous piece of ancient history anywhere, where would it by and why?
Uhhh, I'd love to do a shoot with Jesus nailed to the cross, that's kinda fiction but whatever. Maybe a decent model surrounded by crucified dudes, could work. NO WAIT! YOU!- in MASS!! See? There we go, ANSWERED!


28. If you haven't already, who would be your ideal person to shoot with?

There's a lot of people I haven't done sessions with that I would LOVE to shoot. My all time would have been Michael Jackson. A few others would be Madonna (especially in the 90's) and there's so many I would love to work with but haven't gotten the opportunity yet. It was cool, one of my first ever shoots was SLAYER and that was just mind blowing.

29. What would be your ideal spot to shoot at? Or is it all spur of the moment ideas?

Umm- in terms of location- I can shoot anywhere and make it work for what I like. I have a lot of situations where there's literally NOTHING to work with, and I have to make something of it. Like a small dressing room, a bus, a parking lot, I'd really like to shoot a band like Behemoth in a swamp. Or learn more abut set design and shoot a creepy band in a Burtonesque type of set.

30. In your opinion, ideal photo shoot, band and location.
Umm, I think Behemoth in a swamp is pretty perfect, haha, the logistics of it are nearly impossible, but it would rule. I mean- a naked Gaga/Madonna in Mickey Mouse's lap in front of Magic Kingdom would be BALLIN too. There;s always limitations to what you can actually do, bummer right?!? Hah!

31. Anything else?
I do solo sminars/workshops and ones with other photographers as well. I have one coming up in June with Gage. I have a book coming out on Halloween (Corpse paint project). I currently have a book out already called, "Bring the Noise." Go check it out and pick up a copy!


Like what you heard and want to learn more? Stay in contact with Jeremy! Click the links below for his other sites:
JeremySaffer.com
JeremySaffer- Facebook
JeremySaffer- Myspace
JeremySaffer- DeviantArt
JeremySaffer- Model Mayhem
JeremySaffer- BlogSpot

Hugs&kisses, until next time kiddies, Hanna.