Abigail Harris: AN EYE FOR SOUND
Photographer Abigail Harris has let the live music scene in Kent be her muse as the Tonbridge shutterbug adjusts the lenses to the beat
© Abigail Harris
It was a few sharp words over an uncredited image of Tunbridge Wells indie rockers Suncharmer that led us to Abigail Harris.
Suffice to say, we were in the wrong on this occasion and one full credit later we were discussing the passion Abigail has had since childhood. Well, two passions actually.
Having started on her professional route in early 2016 – and currently studying an extended diploma in photography – Abigail has a penchant for the live and the loud.
The snapper has been cooking her creative juices (and possibly her ears) in and around Kent’s best bands. The soundwave assault and the T-shirt tango that follows have become close friends with Abigail, who has photographed the likes of Slaves, Sea Girls, Lady Bird, The Gallerys and Suncharmer, as well as international superstars like Wolf Alice, Feeder and Example. Abigail has worked up a portfolio that any good music magazine should take note of, and so we wanted to find out more.
© Abigail Harris
Hi Abigail, shall we start with the obligatory question for the nerds… what camera do you use?
My two main cameras that I take to gigs are a Canon EOS 700D and a Canon 5D MKIV. I also either use my Canon 50mm 1.8 lens or my Tamron 24-70mm 2.8 lens.
Do you remember the first time you picked up a camera?
The first time I picked up a camera would have been when I was quite young, so maybe six or seven? And it was a disposable camera I was given to take on holiday with me – I remember coming back with a lot of over-exposed images, but I’ve come a long way since then!
Do you remember the first picture you took at a professional standard?
Indeed. It was back in November 2017 when I was given the chance to photograph a band called Otherkin in The Forum Basement (Tunbridge Wells) and the first photo I took was a close-up of their lead singer Luke with his microphone.
If you could explain the style of picture you like to take, how would you describe it?
I’d say my style is quite gritty, in the sense that I like to capture the energy of a moment but while also retaining the clarity.
© Abigail Harris
© Abigail Harris
© Abigail Harris
You specialise in music and festivals? Why?
I grew up loving music and attending concerts since the age of 10. So, when I started photography, I decided to combine my love for both music and photography by starting to photograph at gigs. Since then I’ve made so many lifelong friends and connections, and now there really is no better thrill than getting to photograph all these amazing artists at both gigs and festivals.
What has been your biggest live gig buzz?
You’ll always get that buzz at a gig or festival when you suddenly get that ‘one’ shot, but the one that stood out for me so far was when I was photographing Don Broco (one of my favourite bands) at Truck Festival last year. I captured the lead singer Rob just stood on stage taking in the screams of the crowd with the biggest grin on his face.
Do you have any favourite bands you like to shoot?
Although I photograph Suncharmer all the time, they’ve still got to be one of my favourite bands to shoot as they have so much energy on stage and you just never know what to expect or what shots you’re going to capture – and I love that. Lady Bird are another great band to photograph live due to their energy.
And finally, what is your pet peeve about photography?
My main pet peeve with photography is usually trying to shoot in terrible venue lighting, and then trying to edit it all out post-processing. It’s definitely not easy.