1. Hiya, what's your preferred name and pronouns, and whose country do you live on?
Hey there! I’m Austin, or just Aus. I go by He/him and live in the lands of the Wadawurrung and Bunorong people.
2. What's your rig rundown?
For 2 years, I’ve been rocking the big 24-105 f/2.8 Canon RF with 2 wide lenses, such as TTartisans fisheye on my R6mkii. However, I’ve just made the switch to the Sony a7v that just released late 2025. I’ve been looking forward to downsizing my zoom lens, as I found that Sony & Nikon offer a far better selection of lenses, especially wide lenses that have Autofocus, wheres canon seems to lack in this department, sadly.
So far for Sony, I’ve recently got the typical 24-70 & 70-200 f/2.8 GM IIs, while adding the wide, expensive 12-24mm GM f/2.8 to complete the holy zoom Trio. This was rather a big purchase for me, ever since moving towards videography, you really do need fast first-party glass for events.
Flash systems, I still stay on Godox, they’re reliable and quite easy to use. I usually rock the massive V1 Pro, but might get the smaller V860III, which isn’t too bulky.
If I were to give advice for anyone who's looking into gear, the two most important things I’d say is look into prices and weight. Lots of people may underestimate or overestimate the weight of the lens when adding a flash on top. If possible, go to a camera store and ask to test out a camera system for the feel and weight in your hand, and think if you can handle it for the number of hours you’ll be using it.
3. How did you get in to shooting live music?
The first camera I ever got was the Fujifilm x100v which is primarily a street photography camera, but I ended up taking it to my brother's gig at the Gasometer Hotel thats recently closed.
Ever since then, I’ve enjoyed going out and listening to many different music genres, but most importantly, having the perfect tool in my hands to capture the memories. When I started researching interchangeable cameras, I knew I had to buy one.
4. What/who are some of your influences in photography?
Boy this is a big one! I’m definitely a fan of Chris Roese, Robert Cuzens, Actfourphoto (Beth), Shadesofbluemedia (Samuel), Andy Bromm, Tysonswords, Tony Taylor and many more. There are so many good photographers out here in Melbourne who do such incredible work. I’m a major fan of exposure and shutter-drag shots, as they can be very complex to pull off.
5. Do you have a favourite show that you've photographed, or a favourite memory from a gig you've shot? Or maybe a particular favourite photograph that you've taken?
I’ve been to many gigs over the last 2 years its quite hard for me to pick one.
If I were to pick my favourite venues that I photographed, it would be the Revolver upstairs with Harms Way and Terminal Sleep. Boronia Hall with Ends in Tragedy and Blood on my Hands. Guilt Trip playing at the Bendigo Hotel was absolutely wild for me. I had to clean my lens a few times with a cloth due to how humid it got in the venue, with everyone moshing.
Boronia Hall holds a special place for me, while being so close to my home, it has hosted so many huge upcoming bands that have gotten so big in a short time in 2025 and now 2026.
6. What else do you like to photograph outside of live music?
As mentioned, I still do occasionally shoot street photography, but now moving into a bit of landscape with my widest lens. I have had several opportunities to shoot band promotional material as well, which is quite fun to do if a band decides to reach out to go out and shoot during the day.
7. How can folks reach out to you if they'd like to get in touch?
You can find me at these links: instagram / email
