The last time I’ve been this hyped on a new band was when someone gave me a copy of Is This It - by The Strokes. We Were Promised Jetpacks, from Edinburgh, Scotland came to Phoenix, AZ on tour to support their album These Four Walls and killed it. Four guys with a indie sound and indie spirit that played their asses off for the sold out crowd at The Rhythm Room.

The Rhythm Room is a great old Phoenix Club that has hosted some legendary shows over the years. Since it is such a small venue taking photographs is a challenge. The lights are dim and there is not much of a spotlight during the sets. Another challenge is that when the club is at capacity moving around to get a good spot for photos is tough. The crowd stands up against the stage and there is no real photography access. Luckily last night the crowd was mellow enough that I could politely ask people to move for a minute and they were happy to oblige. In hindsight the tough shows to photograph are always the most rewarding and I am happy I had the chance to shoot ‘Jetpacks in such a small venue.

Most of the show was photographed  at ISO 800 with my 24-70 f2.8 lens at about 1/60 (with no flash.)

What new music are you hyped on? What was your toughest music photo shoot?

Let me clarify…how do you get your photos viewed? Do you care about it?

I take photographs because I like capturing an image or moments. I’ve never been concerned about art for commercial sake but I do like people viewing my work. I’ve never had an exhibit (though I do have one planned) and I’ve never been in any photography shows but I have had my photos seen by the public. How? Through the use of Social Media.

I am a bit of a Social Media nerd…there I said it. Through various Social Media efforts I have had people whom I admire and respect view, critique, hate and/or compliment my work. I post photos to Flickr, tweet about them and I have my Flickr stream automatically update my personal Facebook page. To me as someone who is making a name for myself these are very powerful tools.

I guess I could have taken a more conventional route – I could have called a curator for photo exhibits and submitted my work. But why? The power of social media allows me to interact with people who in many cases I don’t even know their real name – but  value their feedback. Social Media has allowed me to “push” out my photographs to people in my virtual network and have them tell their circles about my work. Real people and many times to people I haven’t even met. The power of Social Media is amazing when put to proper use...

My Question To You…

Is Social Media an important tool for you to get your work seen? Do you care if no one ever sees your work? Is this a topic worth exploring here – Social Media and The Photographer?

To view my complete photography portfolio please visit www.grtaylor2photo.com

Ever photograph a place so magnificent you never wanted to leave? You know, the spot that lives not only in your photography but also in your mind forever. I have been fortunate enough to photograph so many wonderful landscapes that I wanted to share my top 5 spots and the photos.

5. New York City : I love NYC! Growing up right outside of the city in NJ – I took NY for granted. I developed a true understanding and appreciation for New York after I moved to Arizona.

4. Magdalena Rd. / Flagstaff, AZ : If you head northwest on route 180 in Flagstaff towards Snowbowl you will come across a meadow. That is Magdalena Rd. (I am also partial to this spot because Kristina painted a picture of this photo for my studio.)

3. Sedona, AZ : There is something about Sedona. The majestic Red Rock in the high desert setting and the blue skies that are a photographer’s dream.

2. Yellowstone National Park, MT and WY : Doesn’t everyone have Yellowstone on their list? After our trip there this summer – I know that this is one of the greatest places in the world. We drove through the park and went from seeing geysers to wildlife to cowboys riding their horses on the plains. If you’ve never been – do yourself a favor and put it on your list to visit.

1. Mormon Row / Grand Teton National Park, WY : This is one of those famous spots that everyone has to take a picture of when in the Tetons. I was no different – only mine has Buffalo.

Do you have any favorite spots you’ve photographed over the years. Take a moment to tell us about them in the comment section and post links to the images. If you would like directions or exact locations of my top 5 spots – drop me a line and I’ll do my best to get you there. Contact GRT2 via Email

- Thanks!

The deafening silence of photography is powerful. When making photographs or viewing photos no sound is captured. The sound of the people, the music or the weather lays within our minds.

Has the creative bar been raised now that the point of entry into photography has been lowered?

My mind wonders sometimes and during an afternoon in traffic school I posed this question to myself. Now that almost anyone can afford a camera whether it’s an entry level DSLR or ‘Point and Shoot’ – what has happened to us creatively?

I’m sure there are plenty of arguments for both sides but I think that the creative bar has been raised. Professionals now are separating themselves exhibiting a higher level of expertise more than ever. If we took three photographers (professional, serious hobbyist and amateur) and shot 5 photos of 5 different objects – I’m sure the professional would take away the best pictures. No brainer…they have the most experience and the highest level of technical skill.

The new reality is that the professional has to be on their game so that they do not come back to the pack. No longer can a professional photographer show up and deliver mediocre photographs. My sister’s cousin’s brother could have delivered mediocrity – but a pro…no way. That’s why they are a professional and not someone who take photos occasionally.

Granted, there may be more professional photographers but creatively the hobbyist is pushing the professional to justify their title (and fees.)

What do you think – Has the creative bar been raised? I really want to hear what others have to say about this topic…drop me a line – GRT2