December 2007 Featured Member: Art Meripol

Art Meripol is a photographer living in the US southeast. He has been a working professional for over 30 years now. His images have appeared in many newspapers and national magazines. He is the Senior Travel Photographer for Southern Living Magazine, which he describes as his "dream job". I'm sure that many of us would feel the same way.

While all of his photography is impressive and reflects his high level of skill and knowledge, it was Art's excellent concert photography that is the reason he was chosen to be this month's "featured member". Perhaps because the same sort of artistic mind that enjoys photography is also drawn to music, concert photography is something that many photographers try to do at one time or another. A concert photographer has many challenges to overcome; difficult lighting, limited locations, indifferent subjects to name just a few. Art deals with these issues and still manages to create images that reflect the soul and style of the musicians he is photographing.

"Access is everything. Having access by working for a newspaper made it much easier for me. There are so many small publications in towns that focus on culture today. I would first approach them to see if they would let you use their name for access in return for some photos for publication. Also, to get started, try approaching local music clubs and offer free copies of whatever you shoot in return for access. As skills inprove, your 'name' in the scene will too. Never come across less than professional. It's ok to be a fan but don't act like one. Nobody is a bigger music fan than me but when working, only work." - Art

Read More: December 2007 Featured Member


Image by photo.net member Art Meripol