Thorn Cross

How did you first get into photography, and what drew you to concerts as your main focus?

I was fortunate to go to  a high school where I had access to both a darkroom and digital photography classes. During high school I discovered my love for portraits, there is something so lovely about capturing time. In college I found the local music scene, I witnessed a community forming and knew I had to capture the energy.

What is it about the Hudson Valley DIY music scene that inspires you most?

The community bond for sure. It’s really refreshing to see musicians and artists view each other as peers rather than competition. It’s a very welcoming environment, we always encourage people to join the scene.

Can you describe the energy and challenges of photographing live shows, especially in small venues or basement gigs?

It can be extremely difficult to photograph some shows, sometimes the stage is awkwardly shaped or crowded with equipment. I am also 5 feet tall so getting the higher angles on a crowded stage is a bit difficult. When I am on stage, half the job is making sure I’m not knocking anything over and trying not to trip on wires.

You mentioned that your love for portraits comes from the idea of remembering people “like this.” How do you bring that philosophy into your concert work?

I don’t only photograph concerts, it’s really important to me that I document my everyday life as well. I try to take at least one picture a day and if my camera isn’t in your face, my phone camera is. We are so lucky to live in a time that you can freeze time and hold on to it forever. We aren’t going to be able to mosh like this forever, eventually we will be old and frail; and I need photos to show my grandchildren how cool my friends and I were.

Do you find differences between shooting analog (film) and digital photography when it comes to capturing concerts?

It’s actually super similar! I shoot on a fish eye lens,I manually change my settings to adapt to the light and there is no zoom. I started analog photography well before getting into digital which I feel gave me a massive leg up on mastering my camera and my fish eye which I’ve been told is my “signature style”.

What’s the most memorable or meaningful photo you’ve taken at a concert, and why does it stand out?

Tunnel Vision is the photo that changed it all for me. I was shooting for John Newhall’s show at The Roosevelt in Beacon.I don’t know what prompted me to, but mid-shot I flicked my wrist almost in a turning-a- doorknob like fashion. Since then, I have used this technique at every live show and I am recognized in the Hudson Valley DIY scene as “the girl who’s photos kinda look like records.”

How do you balance being part of the community while also documenting it through your lens?

It’s definitely an interesting balance of work and play. Sometimes it is hard not to feel like I’m just a camera. But over time I’ve found my people, now I have friends that support and respect my work, time and friendship.