Today we’d like to introduce you to Raine Kaye.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi there! My name is Raine, and I’m a freelance touring photographer/videographer and merch manager.
Music and art have always been an integral part of my life. I grew up going to my dad’s rock shows while my mother photographed them as well as other local gigs around San Diego. My dad taught me how to play several instruments, and both of my parents supported my interests in several mediums of art. By the time I was 18, I moved all the way to Orlando, FL for college to pursue art and music.
Florida was actually where I found my place in the music scene. I went to countless local shows, made a ton of friends, and even joined a metal band doing vocals. I started taking photos on my phone of some of my friends’ bands, and then decided that I wanted to start using a more professional camera to better capture the production. I spent months learning from seasoned concert photographer friends, slowly upgraded my gear, and turned this amateur hobby into a fulfilling career.
I worked in Orlando taking small local gigs, until getting my very first tour in 2023. This opportunity only came to be because a friend of mine was in a touring band and the tour manager asked if I wanted to come out for the last few shows after Orlando. I learned so much from this experience, realized I loved traveling, and enjoyed the thrill of capturing memories with my friends every night.
Several tours later and a big move back to San Diego led me to where I am now. I’ve had the privilege of getting to photograph and work with some of my favorite bands, and share the road with incredible people that I now consider family.
I have so many memories from these years, and it’s all thanks to my camera.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but it wouldn’t be fulfilling if it were easy.
I actually didn’t even move to Florida to pursue my current career. My original dream was to be a 3D artist and work in video games! I graduated from Full Sail with a bachelor’s in Game Art, and only a couple months later got my first job as a junior 3D artist. I worked my way up to be a special projects lead artist, and then switched jobs to work for another software company. While I enjoyed 3D art, it was an immense struggle juggling this passion as well as music and photography.
In November of 2025, I got news that no one in the games industry ever wants to hear. The company had to lay off a ton of artists, and it would be effective immediately. I was disappointed, but the entire 5 years I was doing 3D I was also shooting shows and doing small tours. I believe everything happens for a reason, so that was when I decided to focus entirely on touring.
Touring itself is an extremely challenging career both mentally and physically. It certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you have the drive and resilience to persevere you will succeed. I’ve had many opportunities fall through, struggles with my own self worth, and burned bridges from bad business decisions. Many of my touring friends have had similar experiences, and for some it was just too much so they quit.
If I learned anything from college, it’s that no one ever succeeds without failure and making mistakes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer and videographer that specializes in concerts and tour content. I also do press photos for band/artists, tik tok/reel content, and BTS content for music videos.
I am most known for my vintage/hardcore editing style and ability to capture action shots. I always use a dual camera set-up with a fisheye lens and flash on one camera, and a telephoto lens on the other. This allows me to be ready for any moment as it comes.
I am most proud of the work that I’ve done for some of my favorite bands like Mayday Parade, Yellowcard, and Pierce the Veil. Those shows and the finished photos that came after really made me feel like I’m doing what I love for a living.
I think my easy-going attitude and drive to create beautiful art in my work sets me apart from others. I always put an immense amount of effort into editing and delivery, even if it doesn’t seem like that much work to me personally. Sometimes a band or crew member will watch me edit and be shocked that I would go through so much effort to perfect or fix small things that most people don’t notice. When it comes to doing something I love, the amount of effort it takes is an afterthought.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Yes, and I always tell new concert photographers they are always welcome to come to me with any questions, because that’s exactly what the veteran photographers did for me.
You will make mistakes, you will get discouraged, but do not let it stop you. Never be afraid of asking for help—even if some people refuse to help you. There are those of us that want to see you succeed just as much as those that want to see you fail.
Be friendly. Offer to shoot your friends’ bands for free until you’re comfortable charging, and use that money to invest in better gear as you go. Keep trying new things until you find your own style, and never give up.
Never. Stop. Learning. The moment you become complacent—the moment you grow an ego—is the moment you’ve lost. There will always be someone 10 steps ahead of you, so let that be an inspiration and not a discouragement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raine-media.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainemedia?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenlorainemedia?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Raine Kaye
