COVID-19 has made a huge impact on many people all across the world, and its put many people out of jobs and at some high risks etc. So here at The Vinyl we wanted to celebrate the insanely talented creators in the photography business. We are celebrating the Concert Photographers, the Lifestyle Photographers, the Wedding Photographers, the Wildlife Photographers and every other type of Photographer behind that camera that brings such joy to the eye.
Introducing Jenn Devereaux, a photographer from Hattiesburg, MS!
The Vinyl: Please introduce yourself and tell us your primary photo location(s)?
Jenn Devereaux: My name is Jenn Devereaux and I’ve been a music photographer for about 12 years now. I’m currently the house photographer for The Fillmore New Orleans. I live in Hattiesburg, MS but travel mainly to Nola for most shows.
TV: How did you know that being a photographer is something you truly wanted to do, and what/who are some inspirations you may have had/have?
JD: I knew that being a music photographer was what I wanted to do when I would sneak in my cameras to shows and festivals and all I cared about was getting the perfect image. One photographer that I looked to for inspiration when I first started was Todd Owyoung. His website iShootShows.com helped me so much when I was a fledgling photographer. I had the honor of meeting him in person a few years ago and Im proud to call him a friend and someone I still look up to. He does so much for the music photography community and is such a great mentor for so many people. I’m also obsessed with Katherine Tyler and Joey Cultice when it comes to artist portraits. They are so creative.
TV: What equipment is a must-have for you no matter where you are going to be working? What does your typical photographing setup look like?
JD: My 70-200 f/2.8 lens is probably my favorite piece of equipment because I love the depth of field it gives. It’s great for concerts and festivals. My usual set up is my Nikon D810 with the 70-200 f/2.8 and my D700 with a 50 f/1.8 or 14-24 f/2.8. I use a Black Rapid double breathe harness.
TV: What are some of your favorite techniques when it comes to editing styles/ways you present your work? Do you have different aesthetics for different types of work?
JD: My favorite editing style is bright vivid colors and I really try to stay consistent with that. I rarely edit in black and white. Also, I’m really particular about skin tones and I really want them to be super accurate so I use the dropper tool a lot with the Curves menu to achieve that
TV: COVID-19 has completely changed the lifestyle for soooo many different people, how has it effected you? Whether its work/photo related or just all together? How do you. keep yourself busy?
JD: COVID-19 has definitely disrupted the entire music industry and its heartbreaking to see all of my friends and colleagues without jobs right now. I’m lucky in the sense that I have a full-time day job beyond my photography. I work at a clinic so its considered an essential business. Unfortunately my job at my venue has been put on hold indefinitely and that’s a good chunk of income that I’m missing out on but it could be much worse. Since I’m at home more, Ive been going through old hard drives and re-editing photos. Its been really fun to see how much I’ve grown since I first started shooting shows in 2008.
TV: Now that Concerts/Festivals/Events/ Social Gatherings(weddings, reunions, family portraits etc) /Sports etc are being cancelled/postponed all over the world due to COVID-19, how are you finding ways to stay creative?
JD: Before this pandemic, I really wasn’t taking time for myself. I was burning the candle at both ends, so to speak. I would work at my day job from 8am to 5pm and then leave straight from work and drive 2 hours to New Orleans. I would get home sometimes at midnight and edit photos and then get up at 6:30 am to be be back at work at 8am. I would do this sometimes 3-4 times a week. When I wasn’t shooting shows I was shooting weddings or portraits. On top of that I have 3 kids so I’m just using this time just to relax, spend some time with family and teach myself some new skills. I actually started learning to use a Wacom tablet for the first time which has been interesting.
TV: Once all this (hopefully) goes away, what are some of your plans to get back to a somewhat “normal” schedule?
JD: I’m definitely ready to start shooting shows again. I’m not sure when that will be considering most things have been postponed until the fall. While I’ve enjoyed having some time off, I really miss shooting shows. I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself.
TV: What are some of your favorite creative pieces/photos/opportunities
JD: There were just a lot of festivals and shows coming up that I was looking forward to photographing that were either rescheduled or completely canceled like Welcome to Rockville, Hangout Fest, Buku Fest, and Shaky Knees.
Here are a few of Jenn’s favorite photos:
jenn
TV: Is there anything you would like to add as we end this interview?
JD: I just want to say that I’m so impressed by the entire music and photography industry. I have seen so much camaraderie during this really scary time. We are going to get through this !!
To Keep Up With Jenn Devereaux, Check Out the Links Below:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter