DON'T UNDERESTIMATE UNDERDOGS - THEY CAN BEAT THE WORLD...
A conversation with photographer Linda Aronow
LINDA ARONOW
One of my favorite things about Instagram is stumbling across previously unknown to me photographers from another era. Moreover, realizing and meeting the people behind iconic punk photos - learning about what makes them tick, what their process is, and what they were thinking in the moment they made the image. Linda is one of those people - documenting the early LA hardcore punk scene, her images really encapsulate the feeling in being in the moment. I can’t thank her enough for taking the time to answer my questions about her work.
How did you get into punk/hardcore?
I think I was the typical misfit who was miserable in school and didn’t fit in. I’m not sure exactly where I heard my first Clash song, but the music really affected me in a way that nothing else had and the first 45s I bought were the Clash and 999 at a tiny local record store in the neighborhood. Around the same time, I met two sisters who lived around the block from me. Sharon and Suzi were already going to punk shows and were so much cooler than I was. They took me to my first big punk show at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and it was terrifying and exhilarating; Black Flag, Adolescents, D.O.A and the Minutemen. Not a bad first line up! I was hooked after that and there was no turning back, I finally felt like I found my place.
How did you get into photography?
I started getting interested in junior high school I took a photography class during a summer session at the park near my house and I loved not only taking the photos but the whole process of printing in the darkroom. I had a great teacher that really made the whole experience fun. My dad was always into photography, and he purchased a Canon AE1 which he finally gave to me after I borrowed it constantly and used it so much more than he ever did. I still have the same camera today and just had the light seals replaced and shot a few shows with it recently. It’s built like a tank and survived a lot after all these years.
Do you should film, digital or a mix? Do you have a preference and why?
I’ve always shot film exclusively. I love the grain; I love the unpredictability and the excitement of not knowing exactly what you have until you develop it. I know I’ll always keep shooting film in many instances, but things have changed a lot. In the past I always shot with a flash which isn’t allowed most places now, so it makes it a lot more difficult not being able to control the lighting or know what sort of light you’ll have to work with. I’m looking into adding a digital camera into the mix because I want to start shooting more shows again and to give myself some more options and tools. I’ve seen some brilliant digital photography but it’s still such a foreign medium to me. I know I’m a dinosaur, but it just seems like a different beast to take hundreds of shots and edit them on a computer. On the other hand, shooting a 36 exposure roll of film and having to change it in the middle of a set can be quite a challenge all by itself! It’s definitely a lost art but some of films limitations are also what make it so special to me.
Why did you start shooting shows?
I wanted to be involved in some way with the scene and the music that I loved so much. I have zero musical talent so there was no chance I was ever going to be in a band. By taking photos I could contribute in some small way. It gave me a chance to give some photos to some of the bands that I loved and interact with them to some extent. It was also a way to combine two of the things that I loved the most
Are you interested in photography beyond music?
Yes! I love photography in all of its forms. I enjoy taking photos when I travel and used to love shooting portraits. Live music is still one of my favorite things to shoot but definitely not the only one.
What do you look for when you are taking photographs?
I look for strong composition and the small moments like capturing an interesting expression on someone’s face. Trying to freeze a moment in time and hopefully make the viewer feel like they’re also at the show with me
What are you trying to convey? What is your edit process like?
I’m hoping to draw the viewer in and make them feel like they’re experiencing the show as well. I also try to convey a little bit of the musician’s personality into my shots. My editing is pretty minimal I’m mostly trying to clean up my old negatives a little or adjust the contrast. I prefer a high contrast black and white shot and may do a little cropping to make the final image stronger.
Do you prefer your final images to be in black & white or color or a mix and why? If a mix, how do you decide if an image should be in one or the other?
I shoot almost exclusively in black and white when shooting shows. I love the intensity of black and white: especially for this subject matter. I’ve always preferred it over color. One of my favorite places to be is in the darkroom printing some of my old negatives and making black and white enlargements.
Which image of yours is your favorite and why? What makes it a successful image?
I don’t have one favorite image but there are definitely images that stand out for me and are personal favorites of mine. The photo of Colin from GBH is one of my favorites. I love the movement in the shot and also the expression on his face really captures the intensity of their show and GBH is one of my favorite bands, so it all works together for me. What makes a successful image for me are ones that have a strong composition and draw you in and that could be for a variety of reasons; whether it’s telling you a story or giving you a glimpse into someone’s personality or freezing an action.
What photographers do you admire the most (not just music photographers)? What is it about their work that appeals to you?
One of all-time favorite photographer is Edward Colver. His images are so powerful and iconic,anyone who loves punk rock knows his amazing work. He’s been my biggest influence as well asa personal hero. I was so lucky to meet Ed when I was a teenager, he was so kind and gave me some much-needed guidance including a lesson in darkroom printing. I learned so much from that experience and my printing improved tenfold from gray and drab to bolder high contrast. It made such an impression on me that I still shoot and print like that to this day. When I was a teenager, my brother-in-law gave me this beautiful coffee table book of photography by Henri Cartier-Bresson his work is amazing, and he talks about capturing “the decisive moment” and I think that’s what every photographer strives to capture is that split second in time that makes an image special. I also love the portraits shot by Annie Leibovitz and the old school glamour and lighting of George Hurrell. That gives you a small sampling of some favorites that come to mind.
Have you had your work published (self or by others)? A photoshow?
I’m in the process of working on a book of my punk photography. I’ve had photos published in print publications including Generation Magazine and the L.A. Reader, more recently I had two photos included in Corporate Rock Sucks, used as the cover photo of Rozz Williams In His Own Words and licensed for several documentaries in process. My photographs have also been used by various independent record labels including Cleopatra Records, Dionysus, and Mystic Records. I’ve had three solo exhibitions at Gallery 30 South. I recently participated in a group art show at Exhibit A Gallery called Assemble and Revolt and was really blown away to show with Alison Braun, Kevin Salk, Jennifer Finch, Lisa Johnson, Joe Altmann and Oginee Viamontes (I’m so sorry if I’m forgetting someone here) I was really honored and excited to be included in their company!
What would be your top three goals with your work?
My first goal is to actually publish this labor of love that I’ve been working on which is a book of my punk photography. I’d love to continue to get my name out there and have my photographs be included as a small part of our punk history
I’d love to do another solo show possibly out of town/state
Continue to grow and improve as a photographer and continue to learn new skills
Anything to add?
Thank so much for including me! If anyone is interested in my work, please follow me on Instagram which is also the best way to contact me for any questions or further information