Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Of York. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

It was the summer after my second year of college that I decided to really start my journey into becoming a Broadway Photographer.

I had been shooting for several years at that point. Starting in High School with general photo assignments, headshots for the school plays, and then trying out production stills for my senior year shows only for COVID to cut that opportunity short.

Fall of 2020, I began studying Musical Theatre in NYC shooting only causally with friends in parks. It wasn’t until 2021, the start of my second year, that I started shooting headshots again. By that point, I had also gotten into a rhythm of seeing Broadway shows and other NYC Theatre! Come the end of my second year, I knew in all certainty that I wanted to marry my two passions and work toward becoming a Broadway Photographer.

So that following summer, I dove into research about the Broadway Photographer community. I knew a bit already from causal discovery but I really wanted to know who are the legends, who are the up and coming, what shows work with who and all that jazz. Through that research I found photographers whose stories I connected with and work I resonated with. From there I started emailing! Nothing too fancy. I wasn’t looking for a job or handout. I was looking for a peer and some insight. All it took was one response. And thank goodness because that’s all I got.

Emailing became a coffee chat then number exchange then social media follow. And when the time came, I was able to raise my hand and say “I saw that you’re looking for a photographer. I’d love to help.” Thankfully, I was trusted enough to fulfill that need.

I worked my first Broadway Photo gig that fall.

From there it was a matter of staying engaged in the community. Learning names, exchanging stories, sharing my own images, but also celebrating the images of others. And of course, offering to help when I saw a need.

When it comes to making a name for yourself in a specific, and especially artistic niche, I believe a community-first mentality prevails.

Angela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Broadway Photographer.

I work freelance serving the theatre community through portraits, behind-the-scenes candids, production stills, and more!

I started in event coverage for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS and expanded into casual portrait work for their iconic Red Bucket fundraiser. In my spare time, I gave myself work through photo documentary projects, headshot offerings, and shooting every public performance I could find. By maintaining and sharing constant new work online, I attracted some eyes. This began a working relationship with Broadway Direct. A huge step in credibility and creativity!

My career quickly began to snowball in the best way. I joined The Jimmy Awards team as their rehearsal photographer. Easily the most challenging yet thrilling week of my career so far. And spent the summer supporting the Social Media Team behind Aladdin and The Lion King!

I’m ending 2024 having worked with BCEFA, Broadway Direct, The Broadway League, Disney Theatrical Group, with images published across Playbill, BroadwayWorld, and Broadway.com. Not to the mention the 15 Broadway shows I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

Grateful doesn’t even begin to express what I feel.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to be trusted with documenting the storytellers of our generation. Every image I take is a celebration of all the artistry that came together to create the moment. I want to capture not only the glamour of the moment, but also the humanity. After all, people are at the heart of theatre.

I aspire for a career similar to Joan Marcus and Sara Krulwich. As photographers they were recognized by The Tony Awards for Excellence in Theatre. They made such an impact with their photographs they were honored along side the composers, directors, actors, and all. Their contribution was just as artful and dedicated as the shows themselves.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s the theme I’ve been sticking to this whole time: People and Community!

Each shoot is an opportunity to make new friends, engage in meaningful exchanges, and makes the city a bit more like home.

Photo shoots can be quite a vulnerable thing, especially with the size of some of my photo lenses! So it’s important to be conscious of your subject and their needs. I know I’ve done it right when they’re happy to see me the next time around. I couldn’t name a better feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angelaofyork.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelaofyork/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaofyork/

Image Credits

Angela of York
Rebecca Michelson
Friends :)