Amy Muir, 23.

So how did it all begin?

I’ve always loved photography. I took a greater interest in it when I turned 14 and started working part time on weekends as a dish washer at a local restaurant to save up and buy my first film SLR. I photographed EVERYTHING. Friends, family, pets, landscapes & flowers. I was going through 4 or 5 film spools a week! I knew then that it was what I wanted to do professionally.

What made you give it a bash?

My mum was always taking photos of the family and I took over being the family photographer. I don’t remember what triggered it suddenly, I just remember thinking, “I want a professional camera” and that I wanted to buy it with my own money, I didn’t want any help.

How did you get started?

• Training/Education?

I taught myself everything I know, then wanted to further my knowledge so after I finished 6^th year at school, I went to Aberdeen College for two years and graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Professional Photography and Imaging in 2007.

• Work experience?

I assisted a few photographers now and again to learn tips and just watched them during photo shoots but I mostly picked things up myself and learnt from my mistakes.

• Direction?

Obviously I started with the basics teaching myself, learning how to photograph certain things certain ways etc. It wasn’t until I was 16 that I knew I wanted to get into music photography.

Who/what inspired you?

I started attending gigs when I was 16, local ones in Aberdeen and really started to feel passionate about music. I was first inspired by three British music photographers that I came across on the internet, Scarlet Page, Iona Bateman & Andrew Kendall (Andrew actually built my current website). I was amazed at their photos and knew then that it was exactly what I wanted to do.

What was your first single you bought?

NSYNC, “Bye Bye Bye” I was their biggest fan! The first single my dad bought me was Aqua, “Barbie Girl” on cassette.

What’s the best concert/gig/festival you have ever attended and why?

That’s tough. I have been to so many good shows, it’s hard to choose! But what sticks out in my mind is probably most recently, between Massive Attack at Glasgow 02 Academy in 2007 or Arcade Fire in 2010 on Toronto Island, Canada. Both shows were equally amazing, both bands were incredible and I was really happy with my photographs from both too.

Where was your first related job?

My first photography job was a local magazine, I remember being so excited that I actually got paid for taking photographs! Although my first music photography job, I got my first proper photo pass for Panic! At the Disco in 2006, sent the photos to their tour manager and he ended up publishing them in the US magazine, Alternative Press. That was a huge deal for me. I was 18.

What does your job actually entail?

I’m freelance, so I work for myself. I go to shows of bands that I love then sell those photographs to a selection of Magazines and building up my portfolio. I’m constantly emailing Bands, Record Labels, Magazines & Newspapers asking if they need photos taken. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Being freelance, the work doesn’t come to you, you have to go and get it yourself.

How would you describe the style of your photography?

I would describe my style as black and white reportage / candid images. I love my photos to look natural and spontaneous. I personally don’t like photographs that look too Photoshopped and fake.

Key elements to a photograph?

I’m very particular about subject placement in my images; I would say that is important. And of course your subject is very important; it has to be eye-catching and interesting for the viewer to take notice.

Film or digital?

I use mostly digital just now as it’s easier. But my heart lies with film, the quality and effects that you get with film are incredible. That is definitely my goal this year to use a lot more film, I collect film cameras!

Colour or black and white?

Black and white. Mostly everything looks better in black and white, but you know when a photo needs to be in colour or in black and white, you can tell straight away. I would say about 85% of my work is black and white.

What skills are most important in your role?

Your timing needs to be accurate; you could miss the perfect photo at any opportunity, a laugh, a smile, a jump etc. I’m quite a shy person but I quickly learnt that I had to be sociable to talk to people, direct them, to gain their trust in capturing their photograph.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing is, it’s exactly what I want to do. I’m my own boss, I’m inspired by everything and everyone around me and there’s no limit to where photography can take you, there are so many options.

Who have you most enjoyed photographing and why?

I really enjoy photographing bands like Alexisonfire, Every Time I Die, Cancer Bats, The Chariot, Underoath, The Used, Billy Talent (and many more) because I’ve photographed them all a few times before, so I know what to expect from them. They’re so energetic and fun to photograph. I like bands that keep me on my toes.

Ideal subjects?

I love photographing bands performing live because I don’t need to direct anyone, you never know what they’re going to do, you can move about and photograph from all angles and the best part is you’re getting to see your favourite bands up close and enjoying the music for free. It all becomes part of the experience.

Where do you aspire to be in 5 years?

I want a good few exhibitions under my belt; possibly publish a book or two. I have a “Band Bucket List” of bands that I have yet to photograph, so hopefully I will have worked my way through that. I also have a couple side-projects that I hope will be successful. I would love for someone to recognise my images somewhere and say, “Oh, that’s Amy Muir’s” (like I do with other photographers work!)

Challenges?

I like challenges, although I never think I can achieve them until I actually do it and see that I can! It’s always good to challenge yourself to do something new.

Top Tips for young people looking to get into photography and subsequently the music industry in the professional capacity you have?

It’s a really tough market (although it seems to be getting easier now compared to what it was like for me starting out) but you have to stay strong, don’t give up, if it’s in your heart, you’ll get there in the end. I am still nowhere near where I want to be, I have so much more I want to do, so much planned, but it’s exciting to not know what’s around the corner.