Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie Bolger
Hi Connie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a young teenager my journey began taking pictures of any and everything with my Brownie Box camera. My mother and I traveled to Manhattan often. Then and now it is still a photographer’s paradise. For my 21st birthday my boyfriend Mike, later to be my husband, gave me a Pentax Spotmatic camera. It was a workhorse of a camera. I took it whenever I went. While I did like taking pictures of cityscapes, and landscapes, I really loved shooting portraits. I was a singer in my teens and thought why not take pictures of them. I began taking images of all genres of musicians in Los Angeles, Southern California and New York. I knew then I had a passion that would transcend time. At almost 75 years old I am undoubtably the old timer photographer in the concert photo pit today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In retrospect, I would say there have been a few struggles along the way although nothing that was a roadblock. Early on I think staying positive, not judging myself or others was key. I have been a photographer for over 50 years, specializing in concert/music/portrait. At times when I was told no, I moved forward anyway on my own. I always want to capture the soul of the musician, even if they are not animated.
After I got my Pentax DSLR I took a few photo classes in college and begin developing all my black and white negatives and pictures. It saved money and I then had control over how my images looked. The darkroom experience was a calming, creative and a magical process. Developing my own pictures gave me a clearer knowledge of my camera settings. In 1998 and 1999 I had the honor of having some of my photos on display in the New York Independent Film Festival exhibition. Then came digital and working for a local studio transitioning to one of the earliest digital cameras, the Fuji Finepix S1.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the new era of digital arrived I was working at several studios in San Diego, Northern California and Washington shooting thousands upon thousands of Elementary through High School students, Proms, and sporting events while shooting music and sports on the weekends. During this time some offers to do paid event photoshoots came my way. Not only did I get paid to shoot the events, but I also earned a percentage of the sales when my online posted images were sold. It was a new thing then but is pretty standard these days.
In the mid 2000’s I decided to start my own Blogazine named Music Mavericks. The Blogazine has enabled me to share not only my photos, and write some reviews, it has also allowed me to express my passion. I remember my 1st photo pass inquiry after starting the Blogazine was with Kyle Eastwood’s management. It was a yes. I made many new connections within the public relations firms. It is my platform to discover new artists and revisit the living legends.
Some of the artists I have photographed for Music Mavericks and other music platforms are Tool, The Struts, Willie Nelson, The Airborne Toxic Event, Spandau Ballet, Tony Bennett, Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Whitesnake, Bruce Springsteen, Dirty Honey, Sting, Styx, Foreigner, Sara Evens, Steve Vai, Incubus, Tom Petty, The Black Crowes, Lany and many more. It’s funny to think of going to a concert without my camera. I am most proud of the varied content of my concert photography. I try to see inside the musician and bring out their inner soul, more of a painterly style that distinguishes my images.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Anyone looking for a specialized photography book need not look any further than those of Alan Hess. This San Diego based photographer is a consummate professional. His books cover many areas including Concert, Low Light, Pet and more.
inPixio – An all in one photo editor.
YouTube – Can answer many questions that even the most experienced photographer can learn something new.
Coursera – It offers an extensive range of courses including, but not limited to photography, art, digital Marketing, music theory etc.
Tiny Buddha – A website that covers mindfulness, and how to negotiate life’s challenges and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sdphotogal.blogspot.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/music_mavericks_blogazine/
- Twitter: https://x.com/capturedlens
