Turnstile, the hardcore punk band from Baltimore, have been transcending their genre and igniting previously unexplored worlds. I photographed them six years ago, in a small room packed with less than 300 people, and just recently, in front of a crowd of over 2500. Yet, both times, their energy and intensity remained the same.
I spent my formative years - from the age of 14 until about 24 - capturing images of punk, hardcore, metal, hip-hop, and every combination of genres in between.
It was a life of constant movement, always anticipating moments and capturing the rawest, truest essence of the music. That experience, that love, still guides me today. Whether I'm photographing sports, running, or any other form of activity, I seek to let it reveal itself in its purest form before my eyes, never pausing to find a better angle, never dwelling on what was missed.
The same is true when I photograph portraits or editorial profiles. I have only a small window of time to hold the space, maintain attention and slow down the present moment before it fades away before people start to feel uncomfortable. And so, the other night in Melbourne, semi-unintentionally, I photographed Turnstile once again. With my super-zoom-canon-point-and-shoot in hand, I hoped to capture something special. And afterwards, as I reflected on the experience, I realized just how much I still love photographing music and how much it has shaped me into the photographer I am today.
Here are some pictures.
I love discovering more photographers using substack. I know we’re all trying to relive the days of Tumblr. Who are you following/reading? I’d love some recommendations.
Great article and stunning photos Ben!
I loved the way you described your approach to taking photographs. When I read that you “…never paused to find a better angle and never dwell for what was missed” I thought “wow, it sounds like BC let himself have fun and play when he’s out there taking photos” and I do too aim to do the same, but I don’t always achieve that (perhaps neither do you), so reading your words served me as a reminder to keep striving to as you said “let the images reveal before my eyes” and try to not forget to keep photography fun.
Also, Turnstile is such an incredible band, my older brother recommended them to my during my last visit to México, but it was only after seeing them playing live at Laneway that I developed a genuine curiosity to hear their music, now their newest album is part of my current daily soundtrack 👌
You asked for Substack recommendations and I have one for you. https://open.substack.com/pub/ava?r=r9h96&utm_medium=ios
She’s not a photographer but I really like her ideas and the way she writes.
And lastly, I’m curious to know, what’s the point and shot you used to take this photographs? Is it the Canon g7x ii? I have my eyes on one of those and this might be the sign I needed to get it haha.
Thanks BC.
Love it!! I still have your Yasiin Bey/Mos Def print