The WiMN’s Front and Center is a weekly column that showcases accomplished women who work in the music and audio industries. We spotlight successful female performers, manufacturers, retailers, educators, managers, publicists, and everyone else in between. Want to be featured? Learn how here.
Front and Center: Lifestyle Music Photographer, Ana Gibert
L.A.-based lifestyle music photographer Ana Gibert has captured some of the most electric moments in music through the lens of her camera.
With juggernaut clients like Rolling Stone and Guitar Player magazine, you may find her shooting musicians in an intimate setting, or in the country’s largest music festivals like Outside Lands or Bonaroo.
Gibert was born in Northern California and grew up in places as diverse as Barcelona. From the country and blues of Louisiana to the rock and soul of Austin, down to the rap and metal of New York and Hollywood, Gibert has seen and heard it all.
Now she’s brought her two passions – music and photography – together, and you can can enjoy the magic of these moments by visiting her website here. You can also enjoy a recent photo gallery of the Made in America Music Festival on Elmore magazine.
Below, our chat with the great Ana Gibert.
WiMN: What attracted you to photography, and how long have you been doing it?
AG: I began to see images all around me that I wanted to capture. A friend encouraged me to get a camera and I invested in the Canon Rebel film camera 15 years ago and have never looked back! Now I shoot with 5DMKII and MKIII.
WiMN: Are you a musician? If so, what do you play?
AG: I have been a singer for many years and was in and out of bands in the ’90s.
WiMN: How did you get your foot into the world of music photography?
AG: I saw a friend’s band play about eight years ago and I thought their energy and look reminded me of the Rolling Stones. I approached them and said, “Can I shoot you?” I ended up working with that band for a few years after that, and my shots of them on the Sunset Strip became my first contest win. Later I was a approached by an editor at a concert and they published my first pictures.
WiMN: How competitive and difficult is it for a woman to take photographs in music festivals/concerts?
AG: It is insanely competitive and extremely difficult! I carry about 30 lbs of gear on me, walk for miles with it and duke it out in the pit with very big strong guys :). Getting good shots in the first three songs with no flash is challenging, and I continue to push myself to improve and be creative all the time.
WiMN: What have been some of your most memorable music-related photo shoots?
AG: Working with Alice Cooper for the cover of Elmore Magazine was wonderful because it is always a collaboration and he was a blast! I also got to shoot Jason Mraz intimately during the recording process and that was very special.
WiMN: Who are some of the most famous musicians you’ve photographed, both men and women?
AG: I have photographed so many musicians over the years, especially live. Taylor Swift at the beginning of her career at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio was a huge one. She was 16 at the time.
Most recently I have shot Iggy Azalea and Kendrick Lamar at Made In America Festival. But over the years I have shot at some of the biggest festivals all over the U.S. (Bonnaroo Festival, Outside Lands, Coachella, Stagecoach), and also at many venues here in Los Angeles. Although I am now shooting more portraiture and intimate shoots.
WiMN: What advice would you give an aspiring music photographer?
AG: I would find a band to collaborate with and develop relationships. It allows you to get intimate pictures and develop your style. Having access is very important.
WiMN: Who have you not photographed yet that you would love to take photos of?
AG: I am a huge fan of U2 and my dream shoot would be to go on tour and cover them like Annie Leibovitz did with the Rolling Stones, or my favorite the late Jim Marshall did with all the greats including Janis Joplin. The amazing Anton Corbijn has gotten wonderful shots of them over the years.
WiMN: What are the top questions musicians should ask a potential photographer when seeking their business?
AG: The most important thing is to meet with the photographer and see if there could be creative collaboration.
I always try to capture the spirit and vibe of the band, and each band is different. The band should feel as though the photographer is working with them to create their unique vision and energy.
WiMN: Let’s close with your favorite quote.
AG: Yes! I can do that!
