Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Heritage Month! In honor of this month and my passion for concert photography, I wanted to highlight Asian Pacific American (APA) music photographers making waves in the music scene.
These photographers have not only inspired me with their incredible work, but they are powerful role models to me as I finally can see myself represented in the music industry. I attribute my continued pursuit of concert photography to seeing them breaking barriers and continuing to achieve major milestones in the space. Without further ado, here is the list!
Deanie Chen
Deanie Chen is a music and fashion photographer based in NYC. Her unique style is marked by her use of long exposure and dreamy hues. Remarkably, Chen built her music photography career while completing her law degree at NYU and passing the Bar exam. She's had an illustrious career touring with artists such as MAX, Holly Humberstone, and Lawrence, and capturing popular music festivals including Coachella, Governors Ball, and Lollapalooza.
The young photographer's self-described style is "rooted in motion, movement, and energy in a single photo". Her photos transport you to pivotal moments, from artists jumping to convey the vibrancy and chaos of the crowd, to quieter moments of artists swaying soulfully to their melodies.
Chen is an impressive testament to someone who has found success in balancing disparate careers in photography and law, demonstrating that following one's dreams is possible with a large degree of determination.
Website: deaniechen.com | Instagram: @deaniechen | Twitter: @deaniechen
Faith Nguyen
Faith Nguyen is a photographer based in Northern Virginia and Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in documenting people, concerts, weddings, and events. She has worked with high-profile clients such as Northeastern University, Live Nation, and Jiffy Lube Live. Her work has received wide recognition, including being awarded the Boston Music Awards 2023 Photographer of the Year, and she has been published in the Southern Bride Magazine.
Nguyen's primary focus is putting subjects and their stories front and center. She excels at expressing an individual's personality and capturing moments candidly. Her strong grasp of color grading shines through her concert photos, each depicting a colorful and striking scene.
Website: faithwinphotos.com | Instagram: @faithwinphotos
Todd Owyoung
Todd Owyoung is a photographer specializing in music lifestyle photography and celebrity portraiture, and has worked in the industry since 2006. The NYC-based photographer has worked with diverse clients including bands, festivals, magazines, lifestyle brands, and ad agencies. Owyoung is a Nikon Ambassador for Nikon USA, and a staff photographer for the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
With a star-studded portfolio and experience working with major brands, Owyoung has a long and rich career. The multi-faceted photographer is also an educator, offering advice and tips on concert photography techniques, gear, and how to break into concert photography on their website, ishootshows.com.
No matter your level of experience, from beginners to professionals, Owyoung provides valuable insights and guidance.
Website: ishootshows.com | Instagram: @toddowyoung | Twitter: @toddowyoung
Elaine Tantra
Tantra is a 22-year-old photographer, videographer, and colorist based in LA. Originally from Indonesia, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in photography and videography. Her extensive client resume features names like The Jonas Brothers, Joshua Bassett, MAX, Dylan Conrique, Sadie Jean, EAJ, and Grentperez.
The multi-talented artist's standout photography is impactful, vivid, and dreamy. Tantra states that she gained inspiration from photographers Derrick Freske and Jerry Maestas while developing her style (Saulsky). Tantra's long-term goal is to work on music videos with artists.
Website: elainetantra.com | Instagram: @elainetrantra
Christian Waite
Waite is a concert and portrait photographer and freelance filmmaker from Oregon. The young photographer began concert photography in April 2022 and has made significant strides in his career. Despite being relatively new to touring, he has already toured with major acts such as Jeremy Zucker and Grentperez.
His photography evokes a sense of nostalgia with its grainy, film-like appearance. Moreover, the photos exude warmth and youthfulness, often featuring his joyful friends as the main subjects. The white handwritten text on some of his photos adds a personal and endearing touch.
Instagram: @chrwaited
