We recently connected with Rachel Craig and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I grew up loving the arts, especially music. I listened to a lot of rock and metal bands as a kid and always dreamed of going on the road in some way – whether that’s on stage or in the crew. In high school, I always loved collecting photographs of my favorite bands and even took a small point-and-shoot camera to local shows without even thinking I could make it a career.

In college, I majored in Journalism & Electronic Media since my other love has always been writing. I was in reporting classes at the time, and needed a DSLR to do a few video projects. I got a Nikon D3200 with a basic kit lens, and began learning videography. I loved going to shows at the time, so I wanted to combine my skills with my favorite pastime. I covered a story on local music in April 2015, which granted me my first photo pass at my favorite venue, the Concourse in Knoxville, TN. I instantly fell in love with it and began shooting shows as a regular hobby.

I decided early on that my biggest goal is to capture what the show feels like, not just what it looks like. I want to convey action, moments, feelings, and energy. I also want to encourage other women to have a bigger presence in the music industry and concert photography, especially when it comes to touring.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a content creator for mainly metal bands. To break it down, my main services are concert photography and videography, but I also provide promotional photoshoots, music videos, behind the scenes content, and I’m available to travel. I started off with getting photo passes through publications and venues, and then began working with local bands to build a portfolio and practice. Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of bands and shows, and began touring with some of my frequent clients in 2019. I found my home in deathcore and other types of heavy music, and added Whitechapel as my most successful client. In 2022, I landed my first big U.S. tour with Fit For An Autopsy. That was a huge success for me, since Fit was already one of my favorite bands and that tour introduced me to people and took me to places I thought I would never experience.

I’m also one of the founders of Keynote Music Collective, where I’m currently the Senior Assistant Editor and a Senior Photographer. I am also a photojournalist at 100% Rock Magazine – and the Sony nerd selling camera gear at F/32 Photo in Knoxville, TN.

The biggest thing I want to draw attention to is that more women need to be taken seriously in the music industry, especially in heavy music. I also want to encourage other photographers to take a leap out of their comfort zone, whether that’s traveling more, trying a new style, getting to know other creators, or simply just creating for the fun of it. Being a content creator becomes so fulfilling when you work with the bands that inspire you the most.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Covid definitely threw off everything. I spent 2019 doing some small tours and really working hard in photography, so when shows suddenly got canceled in March 2020, I panicked. Things weren’t looking good. Every tour was cancelled. Even my day job at a pet boarding facility screeched to a halt.

I used that time as an opportunity to save money, get a new camera (Sony A7III), and begin working harder in videography. That’s the biggest skill needed in the touring world nowadays, so if I wanted to reach my goals – I had to do it. I began to love it, and filmed a few music videos and even a few full livestream sets that year. When shows started to get booked again, I was ready to start practicing more with highlight reels and other content that I’d been seeing from other touring content creators.

If I hadn’t been able to get that camera and take the time to polish my videography, I would not be where I am today.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think the results of my work speak for themselves, if that makes sense. If people like your work, your professionalism, and your personality, it all helps you. Being transparent, authentic, and genuine is the best thing you can do. Avoid causing drama, but don’t let people push you around or tell you what you need to do if you feel like it’s not right for your journey. Building a solid reputation can take time, but it’s essential.

Contact Info:

• Website: rachelcraigmedia.com
• Instagram: @rachelcraigmedia
• Facebook: facebook.com/rachelc1993
• Twitter: @rachelc_media
• Other: TikTok: @rachelcraigmedia