Last night, Thomas had the incredible opportunity to photograph Valley, a Canadian indie band known for their dreamy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. With hit songs like “Closer to the Picture” and “Like 1999,” they’ve been carving a name for themselves in the indie music scene.
The show took place at the Marquee ballroom, where the intimate atmosphere made for a perfect backdrop to their music. From the moment the band stepped on stage, the crowd's energy was electric, and it was clear how much their music resonates with fans. Capturing this energy was both exciting and challenging.
Photographing live music is always an adventure. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the lighting. As with many live performances, the colored stage lights created a visually stunning show for the audience but posed a significant challenge for my camera. The mix of red, blue, and purple hues often left skin tones looking unnatural, making it tricky to achieve the vibrant and clean look I typically aim for.
When faced with lighting challenges like these, I decided to embrace a different approach—editing the photos in black and white. Stripping away the color allowed me to focus on the raw emotion of the performance and the interplay of light and shadow.
Black-and-white photography has a timeless quality, and for Valley’s indie aesthetic, it felt like a natural fit. It also helped highlight the band members’ expressions and the intimate details of the show, creating images that feel more grounded and emotive.
Shooting Valley was an unforgettable experience that reminded me why I love live music photography. Every performance has its unique story, and I’m grateful to have captured this one in a way that feels authentic to both the band and my creative vision.
If you’re a music fan, I highly recommend catching Valley live—they’re every bit as captivating as their recordings. And if you’re looking to book a photographer for your next event, whether it’s a concert, wedding, or anything in between, check out our work here at Tall and Small Media. We’d love to help you tell your story!