Photographic Memory: Mason

3. How did you get in to shooting live music?
I honestly don’t really know - I was always into cameras and shooting since I was young, but it was always in the filmmaking and short stories realm. I went to my first show when I was 16 which was laneway which made me feel that hunger for live music. But covid hit and it wasn’t a few years till I went to my next show.

Further on - I went to uni, hated it, dropped out - didn’t know what to do with myself so I dusted off my camera and hit up a band - open house (R.I.P) and that was the first band I photographed and I was hooked ever since.

I believe I also kept shooting as I was at a point in time where it didn’t feel like I had a lot of friends/knew a lot of people. It was a crossroads in my life - however I was way too anxious and shy to go talk to strangers. Having a camera in my hand at shows made it way easier to start up conversations with randoms and build the strong relationships and community I have today.

4. What/who are some of your influences in photography?
John Angus Stewart - Amyl and the sniffers photographer
Jack ‘Ruddsy’ Rudder - SPEED everything man/GOAT
Trevor Roberts
Sam Brumby
Andrew Briggs
Pat O’Hara

I’d say everyone I come across is a massive influence on my photography - but these 6 in particular capture what I strive to capture behind my lens. Their photos aren’t always the prettiest or the most ‘technically good’ photographs but they have the most life in them. When I come across their photos it feels like I was at the show - I can feel the energy and the atmosphere. And that is something I wish to reflect through my own lens.

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 have so many - every gig feels like a dream to be honest. Main one that will never leave my mind even if I end up getting alzheimers (touch wood) was at bangalow bowlo.

I had gotten to do a weekender with Bad//Dreems, first gig was just north of the border - did a photoshoot early that morning in Newcastle with a different band - drove for about 9 hrs to get to the gig, shot the show, talked with the band and then slept in my car. Next day was the bangalow gig - drove into town ready to shoot the show and that’s when I finally saw the lineup. Mini Skirt who are one of my top artists was on the bill who at this time I thought I would never see live as I was under the misunderstanding that they had hung up their boots. This gig was all time - meeting and hanging with my hero’s - crowd was super off kilt - climbing up onto the beams along the roof and all types of mischief. Never forget that show.

Many more memories, but that is a proper standout for me.

6. What else do you like to photograph outside of live music?
I like doing photo shoots - It is still pretty much only bands, but it provides a space where you can be more creative with each shot. You can plan out outfits, plan out compositions, colour, everything. It also allows more time to make mistakes and be comfortable in those mistakes. It’s very nice to slow down in those moments, whereas in the live setting, when you miss a shot or aren’t prepared, you can’t just try again.

It can also be way more social - getting to know the people you are working with a lot more intimately is super nice, often times there isn’t a spare second to get to chat to the people you are shooting. Where as in photo shoots you can get to know someone as much as you like, and in turn they get to know you.

7. How can folks reach out to you if they'd like to get in touch?
Few ways people can reach me - DM’s are most common but all avenues are welcome!
Instagram: @mellis.zip
Email: melliszip@gmail.com
Website/Portfolio: melliszip.com