Creative Chat: Bethan Miller.

Welcome to the Art & Culture part of Crowdsurf & Turf. Amongst other things, we intend to fill this section with badass creators that deserve some recognition. To start with we caught up with one of our favourite photographers, the award-winning Bethan Miller.

All the photography in this article is by Bethan Miller.

First of all, Congratulations! You recently won Best Music Photographer at the Cardiff Music Awards! How did you feel when you found that out?

Oh wow, thank you so much! Yeah that was pretty mad. I actually found out after the last date of the Holding Absence tour in London. All the crew were already in a huge high because of how well the show went, and then I found out I won the award - it was a crazy night! I was so happy when I found out and honestly, I was shocked I won as I was up against some incredible photographers in the Cardiff Scene. I have been shooting and going to shows in Cardiff since I was like 14, so it’s awesome to get some recognition and kinda realise that people do give a shit about what I do, I guess.

Did school/education help or hinder your photography? How did you start?

I wouldn’t really say either to be honest. School was a weird one for me. I’m a red headed female and because of that I kinda got picked on in school, so kept to myself and my small group of friends. I met one of my best friends in high school and she expanded my music taste massively and we started going to a bunch of shows together which sparked my love for live music. I had always been interested in photography, and was quite creative in school but we didn’t have any photography facilities. I was really pushed by my media studies teachers and ended up creating magazines and fake music documentaries for projects. I guess that’s where it all started for me. I’ve always been self-taught with photography; even when it came to university I opted for a Music Business degree rather than a photography one. I learnt a bunch of things from that course though, and that’s how I guess I manage to keep on top of the business side of things with my job.

You’ve toured with bands as their photographer in the past, how do you find that? Are there any struggles?

Yeah, I’ve been touring on and off since I was 17/18 with a couple of different bands whilst I was in university and now doing this full time for the past year and a half. Honestly touring was something I always wanted to do but it seemed like the paths didn’t quite align until now. Now I have an awesome team around me, I am my own boss so get to keep my own schedule and I’m working with a band I have been friends with for a while. It all just seems to click at the moment. Touring has its ups and downs, and I’ve definitely experienced some incredible highs, but also the lowest lows whilst on the road. Sometimes the biggest struggle can be being the only female in a crew, or even on the whole tour. I can’t even count the amount of times I’ve experience sexism and misogyny whilst on tour - not necessarily by bands I toured with, but even by other crew members, venue staff etc. That can be real tough, but women touring is becoming more of a norm in this male dominated industry and I’m so stoked on that.

Do you prefer working in intimate shows or larger venues?

I guess both, but for different reasons. Larger shows can be amazing for me, because there’s actually some good lighting, space to move, a photo pit and all the other good parts to larger venues. However, sometimes the band can feel a bit far away from the crowd, and not feel that connection with them. I find smaller shows are usually that little bit more special and you can really capture the energy and intimacy in the venue.

What do you believe makes a great live music photo?

I think that’s down to the photographer and the way they shoot. For me personally, it’s capturing emotion, something that makes the viewer feel something. I don’t think that a great photo necessarily needs to have good lighting, be perfectly in focus etc to capture something special. Some of my best work is grainy as anything with no lighting but it makes you feel something, and that’s the most important thing in my opinion - that’s what I want it to do.

What highlight stands out most over your photography career so far?

There’s been a lot of awesome highlights of my career, from winning the Cardiff Music Awards a few weeks ago, to working on a Qatar Airlines campaign for Wales, to shooting some of my favourite bands that I’ve grown up admiring like The Maine & The 1975. I’d also say that this whole album cycle so far with Holding Absence has been a huge stand out in my career. I haven’t worked with a band for this long during my career - so it’s amazing to progress with them, watch them grow and help shape their brand with my images. From shooting the album artwork, to the promotional images & creating a music video for them. It’s been a whirlwind, and I can’t believe it’s coming up to a year working with them!

Which photographers do you look up to, that inspire you?

There’s a bunch of photographers that inspired me when I started out, and continue to inspire me daily. Just to name a few - Jenny McCord, Matty Vogel, Ashley Osborn, Beth Sarvo and Doug Elliott…just to name a few. They’re all working primarily in the music sector of photography and are killing it big time. What I love about these guys is that they’re really paving the way for young photographers & have their own unique style that they have worked hard at for years. I’d definitely urge you to check them all out!

Who would you most like to work with in the future?

I’m sure everyone says this, but I’d love top work with Paramore. They all have so much energy on stage and look so fun to shoot - so they’re definitely up there on the list. Maybe The 1975, they look fun to work with, a lot of character on stage and incredible production. Obviously aside from Paramore I’d love to work with a female artist or band, just to see what it’s like as I’ve always toured with a heavily male dominated crew.

Of course, you’re not just limited to gig photography, what other jobs have you done and do you enjoy doing?

I literally do all types of photography, but I guess I’m most well known for my work in music? I love doing quirky / rock n roll style weddings. It’s so awesome to actually capture a couple that are totally in love with each other, for many it’s one of the most important days of their lives and is always filled with love, laughter and funny drunk people ahah. I really enjoy doing portrait work, and more artistic work where I get to be a little more creative about things. I recently shot the artwork and all the inserts for Holding Absence’s debut album; I was able to take the reins on this and just shoot a bunch of my ideas. I would love to do more of this in the future for sure!

Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

I’m currently on day 1 of tour with Holding Absence. We’re doing a bunch of the Impericon Festival shows in Europe, and then in-between we’re doing shows with Being As An Ocean and Counterparts. We’re over here for like 19 days total I think? Should be a lot of fun! I also have a live video from their headline show in London coming out with Holding Absence in the next few days, and a bunch of personal projects too that I’m super excited for. I’m hoping to expand my business this year, so there’s lots on the go, haha!

Lastly, how can we follow you/support you online?

I’m usually on Instagram the most, but you can find me on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook via @bethanmillerco.

Bethan's instagram