In Conversation with Sydney Jackson

Photography can capture moments that transport us back in time, and for Sydney Jackson, that power comes alive on stage. As a photographer embedded in the world of music and live performances, Sydney has documented the energy, emotion, and movement of concerts, from intimate shows to full-scale tours. We chatted with Sydney to learn more about their journey, life on the road, and what it takes to capture unforgettable moments on stage.

Tell us about yourself and how you got started with photography.

I went to Otis College of Art and Design for advertising, thinking I would be an art director. I started renting cameras for school projects, and one thing led to another. I built a website, and before I knew it, I got hired out of school to shoot for an agency. I haven’t put down a camera since.

Do you remember your first concert? What was the experience like? Was that the catalyst for your passion for concert photography?

I’m pretty sure my first real concert was Jingle Ball, and I saw Rihanna perform “Umbrella”—a major moment. I actually never envisioned myself doing concert photography, but over the years, I had opportunities to shoot concerts. When I got asked to go on my first tour, it just felt so right!

How did you end up on tour with Tinashe?

A friend asked if I wanted to shoot stills for one of Tinashe’s music videos. We met that day, and once I moved to New York, we really locked in and started shooting all summer. From there, things just took off.

What’s a realistic day in the life of a working photographer on a tour of that scale?

Every day was a new adventure in a new city. I’d start with coffee, walk around, and make sure my gear was charged. I’d finish edits from the previous night’s show, then head to soundcheck. After that, I’d plan how I wanted to shoot that night’s show compared to the last one and get my gear ready. Before I knew it, the day was over, and it was showtime.

Are there any aspects of tour life that you really love — or could do without?

I loved the tour so much — every part of it. I think it varies from person to person, but for me, it was all so new and exciting that I didn’t have many complaints. I was just happy to be on this journey.

What role has social media played in your career?

I built my entire business on Instagram. It’s how I created a portfolio, got hired, and built my network. I also like to think that a snake photoshoot I did went viral and put me into conversations I wasn’t in before.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for photographers looking to break into music and event photography?

You need great work and a solid workflow for all events — music, fashion, anything. But beyond that, you have to be social and, most importantly, good under pressure.

Can you share a memorable experience or lesson you learned while photographing on tour?

One technical lesson is to always have extra memory cards and charged batteries. Hopefully, that’s a no-brainer. Creatively, I learned how to shoot the same show differently each night, pushing myself to find new perspectives.

How do you adapt your shooting style to different venues or atmospheres?

Every stage setup was different, so I had to plan each venue’s angles and lens choices. I always adapt to the scale and lighting of the space I’m in.

How do you handle lighting challenges in concert venues?

Lighting was a huge factor. Most of the shows weren’t front-lit, so I had to time my shots perfectly when the light hit just right. I was also working against a giant LED screen, but having the Canon R5 helped a lot with that.

What’s the biggest challenge of balancing travel fatigue with staying creatively inspired?

I love traveling—I grew up traveling with my family, and now I can’t sit still for more than a couple of months without a trip. New locations inspire me. You just have to keep the mindset of being grateful and excited to be on the road.

What essential gear do you bring on tour?

Always digital and film. I brought the Canon R5 with a 24-105mm and 70-200mm as my main lenses. My backup was a Canon 5D Mark IV, which used to be my favorite, but I’m so happy I did after switching to mirrorless. My back doesn’t ache as much, which is a plus!

What was your favorite lens you brought on tour?

I talked to a lot of big tour photographers beforehand, and they all said the 70-200mm would change my life. And it did. It was so crisp and clear—I was blown away by some of the shots I captured with it.

How do you protect and manage your equipment during constant travel and live events?

I kept everything in a big padded case and always kept my gear together. I definitely lost a few chargers on tour, but I packed backups, which saved me!

About Sydney Jackson

Sydney Jackson is a New York-based photographer specializing in music, fashion, and events. With a background in advertising from Otis College of Art and Design, she discovered photography through school projects and never looked back. Her dynamic style and adaptability have led her to work with top artists and brands, capturing unforgettable moments on tour.

See more of Sydney’s work: 

Instagram 

Website