BEHIND THE LENS
WITH
IANA DOMINGOS
~~~
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL
IANA DOMINGOS
~~~
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL
METAL PULP AND PAPER: Hello Iana. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Metal Pulp And Paper’s feature called Behind The Lens. We appreciate it.
Before we go any further, let’s first tell everyone what Behind The Lens is all about. This feature is about the person that’s behind the camera lens. All about that individual that captures that perfect fiery orange of the setting sun, finds a child jumping in a mud puddle in the pouring rain, or catches the moons glow in the water next to some snowcapped mountains. Or captures the rock guitarist jumping in the air during mid solo. It’s about finding that beauty in something that some might not take notice of in their everyday busy lifestyles. Behind The Lens will be a way to get to know a little more about the photographer and the work that they bring to everyone. A full 360 degrees around the camera.
So, let’s take off the lens cap, and go behind the click of the shutter and get to know more about you and your photography, shall we?
IANA DOMINGOS: Let’s go! haha.
MPAP: How long have you been a photographer and taking pictures?
IANA: It has been 5 years since I first started taking some pics for a music website and right after that I have started to work with some local producers. This opportunity made me to be noticed as a photographer in my state (Minas Gerais) what consequently opened a lot more doors to my work. I might mention these two concert promoters, they are EV7 and MSBHZ. I am very thankful for the opportunities they gave me.
MPAP: What first drew you to it? Was there an inspiration for picking up the camera and beginning that journey into the art of photography?
IANA: Since I was a child, I always loved music. I always liked to listen to old bands and try transcribing songs or make a new version, but I couldn’t start to learn how to play an instrument before I was 14 years old, when I started to learn musical theory. After a while I had to stop, getting back to it only when I was 17, learning drums. Unfortunately, everything was very expensive (no difference regarding the photography haha). Furthermore, I didn’t have space in my house to mount a drum set, so I started to put my attention into photography. Back then I had the opportunity to work at an agency (nothing to do with music but a good job for someone that didn’t know anything about photos haha) where I could learn more. After that I bought my own camera and tried to contact producers to work with in music websites.
MPAP: Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what interests you the most about it? Is there a passion behind it for you at all?
IANA: Of course, I love my job! And when one does something with his or her soul and passion, people will realize. It’s different when you are trying to pass an emotion with your photos and when you take just many random photos.
MPAP: Can you describe that moment, the experience, or even the emotion you felt when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?
IANA: I don’t know exactly when it happened. I was just trying to do something new that has fortunately worked. when I started, back then it was just an experience. However, I know that when I am at the concerts and feel good about being there as a photographer it is kind of a signal that I am doing what I was meant for.
MPAP: What do you like to photograph the most of? Do you have a favorite setting, scene, landscape, or any items that you like to capture? Or do you like to just take pictures of people, or perhaps a live music concert now and then?
IANA: Concerts are the kind of work that I most do. And if I could I would love to do only that! I love to see the interaction between the band and fans, this makes all the difference in my work. So, I love taking pictures of those emotions that emerge from that kind of interaction.
MPAP: Is there anything out there that you try to avoid taking pictures of?
IANA: I like to make some portraits sometimes. Despite not having many practices on street photography nowadays, when on the streets I always avoid taking pictures of beggars. I think is disrespectful when you take pictures of someone that you have never tried to help. So, I don’t like this kind of pictures, if it doesn’t have a good purpose in that.
MPAP: When picking up the camera, it obviously took some time, along with some practice, to get the feel and hang of it of what you wanted to do or go with it? Maybe even a class or two was taken to learn more about it. Tell us what were some of the challenges you’ve encountered with taking pictures? What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced since first began, and maybe still happens to this day?
IANA: Well, I never had a teacher to say what I have to do, I just took some books and tried to make my work, so I had many difficulties and I still have, but I’m always trying to learn something new. When I started looking to the works of another music photographers, I started to improve my own ... because then I could realize what I liked and what I didn’t! So, I started working my eyes and perceptions for photography, looking at people who are really professional.
MPAP: On the other side of it having some difficulties, what are some of your favorite things about being a photographer you can tell us about? What have been some of your camera highlights so far that you can share with us also?
IANA: I love when someone come to me and say thank you for any pictures they consider special for them, or when some bands share my pics with the fans. Sometimes I am lucky to shoot some great musicians and they stop in front of me to make a pose! This is great. . . Like the pic of Richie Kotzen I shared with you, I almost had a heart attack taking the pic, because he stopped the show for some seconds and all the fans started to scream! It was insane to me, and very funny, of course.
MPAP: When someone sees the picture you’ve taken for the first time, whether it’s the new bride and groom, or a family member that just had a baby, what do you want someone to get out of it? Is there ever anything you’re trying to say within your pictures, a message deep in the pixels that makes it up?
IANA: In case of concerts, I want the people to remember how good that night was and for people that weren't there to see what they had lost or what they could wait for the next concert, I’m not so bad. Hahaha. But in portraits, I want to create a good memory from the families, or I want to make a good portrait of that person, something really beautiful with my skills, I’m not a photographer that use Photoshop a lot, so whenever I am making a photoshoot, I always try to think in everything that I want to show in those pics the day before I take them.
MPAP: Is there an artist or another photographer out there that you admire and might have influenced you at all? What about their work do you love the most?
IANA: Yes! Many. . .I always discover new photographers through Instagram and Facebook as well. But I might mention Neil Zlozower (he gave me some advice last year, and this helped me a lot), Ross Halfin, Mick Rock, are old photographers that I can remember now! These guy’s shot many classic pics of many great bands, like Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Motorhead, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Kiss. . .so we probably already saw something about them and other great ones! They had written the history of rock ‘n’ roll through their pics. Stephanie Cabral is another great old photographer of many Metal Bands, I discovered her work through the book Louder Than Hell, there are great pics of Pantera, Slayer, Anthrax there! And about current photographers, I like Tim Tronckoe, Robin Looy, Javier Bragado, Therés Stephansdotter, Mike Savoia, Igor Vidyashev, and others, they have their own style! I can’t forget to mention some of my favorite photographers in my country: Alessandra Tolc, Camila Cara, Renato Jacob, Marcos Hermes, Luringa. . .(It’s important to mention that Luringa was my first reference on Music Photography years before I started in my career).
MPAP: Before we move on to talking about the pictures that you shared with us, are there any tips or advice that you would want to give yourself if you had to pick up the camera and start photography all over again?
IANA: Study hard, see lots of photos, and have a critical sense to find out what can be good for your work or not! And never think that is already enough, there is always something to learn.
MPAP: Now on to the pictures that you took and have shared with us here? Take us into each one of the pictures and tell us what they are about, and which one is your most favorite and why?
IANA: Ok, you got me! This is very hard to do, because I love many pics!
Abbath-this was one of my favorite concerts to see and shoot and I love especially the colors of this pic.
Metallica-when they played here at Lollapalooza for 100,000 people. I waited 3 hours to see them, and had a crazy idea to shoot them from the audience. It was very dangerous because their fans are completely insane, and I thought that I would be losing my whole equipment on this show. I’ll never do this again, and this was a picture of the moment when James saw me there and maybe had the thought “Are you crazy, girrrrrrl?” hahaha! This is why I love this pic, although it is not technically correct.
I love Accept and I love to shoot Accept. I have many pics that I love from this guy. In their last dvd, you can find some pics of mine there. I choose this one, because this stage is beautiful, and I waited for a long time to see this show, was great as always, they are pure energy.
Max Cavalera! I know how people love Sepultura around the world and I couldn’t forget to mention him for this interview, also representing my country! Hahaha! This is from the tour with Iggor, playing Roots! Was insane, and I shot from the audience, because of the time limitation to photographers, and I wanted to make the most I could of this opportunity.
Richie Kotzen.
MPAP: Everyone has a different style or taste, whether it’s street photography, modeling, black & white, or nature, from your point of view what do you think makes a good picture?
IANA: In my case, being at the right place at the right time! Capture emotions and take an angle or situation different from what the artist already has and of course a good post production with the colors and etc.
MPAP: After the camera is put down for the moment, for the day, or for the night, whether it’s for a day or a week at a time, what else do you like to do in your free time?
IANA: I love listening to music or something that involves music! This is a major love in my life! So, sometimes it is good going to a good show without a camera and be part of the audience. Besides that, I like to pastime with my family, especially my nephews and go out with my friends.
MPAP: Before we bring Behind The Lens to a close, just one last question and we’ll wrap things up and put the lens cap back on. What would you want to say to someone that’s interested in taking pictures for the very first time?
IANA: Well, you don’t need the best camera of the market ok! Respect your limitations and going after what you want step by step. Find out what kind of photography is good for you, and study another professional, see what you like and how you can work with it. Improve the art inside of you before everything!
MPAP: On behalf of myself and Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you,Iana, for being a part of this Behind The Lens feature. It was great getting to know you and your photos. We look forward to seeing what you will capture in the future and beyond. Please tell us where we can find your work or your photo galleries on the internet, and any social media that the readers can follow you on?
IANA: Thanks for this opportunity! It was a pleasure to talk to your site about my work and I think this session is great for all of us, lovers of music! It’s great to share my experience! You can see more about my work on my website, Instagram and Facebook.
https://ianadomingos.46graus.com / Website
@ianadomingoss/ Instagram
Iana Domingos Fotografias / Facebook
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©metalpulpandpaper
Before we go any further, let’s first tell everyone what Behind The Lens is all about. This feature is about the person that’s behind the camera lens. All about that individual that captures that perfect fiery orange of the setting sun, finds a child jumping in a mud puddle in the pouring rain, or catches the moons glow in the water next to some snowcapped mountains. Or captures the rock guitarist jumping in the air during mid solo. It’s about finding that beauty in something that some might not take notice of in their everyday busy lifestyles. Behind The Lens will be a way to get to know a little more about the photographer and the work that they bring to everyone. A full 360 degrees around the camera.
So, let’s take off the lens cap, and go behind the click of the shutter and get to know more about you and your photography, shall we?
IANA DOMINGOS: Let’s go! haha.
MPAP: How long have you been a photographer and taking pictures?
IANA: It has been 5 years since I first started taking some pics for a music website and right after that I have started to work with some local producers. This opportunity made me to be noticed as a photographer in my state (Minas Gerais) what consequently opened a lot more doors to my work. I might mention these two concert promoters, they are EV7 and MSBHZ. I am very thankful for the opportunities they gave me.
MPAP: What first drew you to it? Was there an inspiration for picking up the camera and beginning that journey into the art of photography?
IANA: Since I was a child, I always loved music. I always liked to listen to old bands and try transcribing songs or make a new version, but I couldn’t start to learn how to play an instrument before I was 14 years old, when I started to learn musical theory. After a while I had to stop, getting back to it only when I was 17, learning drums. Unfortunately, everything was very expensive (no difference regarding the photography haha). Furthermore, I didn’t have space in my house to mount a drum set, so I started to put my attention into photography. Back then I had the opportunity to work at an agency (nothing to do with music but a good job for someone that didn’t know anything about photos haha) where I could learn more. After that I bought my own camera and tried to contact producers to work with in music websites.
MPAP: Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what interests you the most about it? Is there a passion behind it for you at all?
IANA: Of course, I love my job! And when one does something with his or her soul and passion, people will realize. It’s different when you are trying to pass an emotion with your photos and when you take just many random photos.
MPAP: Can you describe that moment, the experience, or even the emotion you felt when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?
IANA: I don’t know exactly when it happened. I was just trying to do something new that has fortunately worked. when I started, back then it was just an experience. However, I know that when I am at the concerts and feel good about being there as a photographer it is kind of a signal that I am doing what I was meant for.
MPAP: What do you like to photograph the most of? Do you have a favorite setting, scene, landscape, or any items that you like to capture? Or do you like to just take pictures of people, or perhaps a live music concert now and then?
IANA: Concerts are the kind of work that I most do. And if I could I would love to do only that! I love to see the interaction between the band and fans, this makes all the difference in my work. So, I love taking pictures of those emotions that emerge from that kind of interaction.
MPAP: Is there anything out there that you try to avoid taking pictures of?
IANA: I like to make some portraits sometimes. Despite not having many practices on street photography nowadays, when on the streets I always avoid taking pictures of beggars. I think is disrespectful when you take pictures of someone that you have never tried to help. So, I don’t like this kind of pictures, if it doesn’t have a good purpose in that.
MPAP: When picking up the camera, it obviously took some time, along with some practice, to get the feel and hang of it of what you wanted to do or go with it? Maybe even a class or two was taken to learn more about it. Tell us what were some of the challenges you’ve encountered with taking pictures? What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced since first began, and maybe still happens to this day?
IANA: Well, I never had a teacher to say what I have to do, I just took some books and tried to make my work, so I had many difficulties and I still have, but I’m always trying to learn something new. When I started looking to the works of another music photographers, I started to improve my own ... because then I could realize what I liked and what I didn’t! So, I started working my eyes and perceptions for photography, looking at people who are really professional.
MPAP: On the other side of it having some difficulties, what are some of your favorite things about being a photographer you can tell us about? What have been some of your camera highlights so far that you can share with us also?
IANA: I love when someone come to me and say thank you for any pictures they consider special for them, or when some bands share my pics with the fans. Sometimes I am lucky to shoot some great musicians and they stop in front of me to make a pose! This is great. . . Like the pic of Richie Kotzen I shared with you, I almost had a heart attack taking the pic, because he stopped the show for some seconds and all the fans started to scream! It was insane to me, and very funny, of course.
MPAP: When someone sees the picture you’ve taken for the first time, whether it’s the new bride and groom, or a family member that just had a baby, what do you want someone to get out of it? Is there ever anything you’re trying to say within your pictures, a message deep in the pixels that makes it up?
IANA: In case of concerts, I want the people to remember how good that night was and for people that weren't there to see what they had lost or what they could wait for the next concert, I’m not so bad. Hahaha. But in portraits, I want to create a good memory from the families, or I want to make a good portrait of that person, something really beautiful with my skills, I’m not a photographer that use Photoshop a lot, so whenever I am making a photoshoot, I always try to think in everything that I want to show in those pics the day before I take them.
MPAP: Is there an artist or another photographer out there that you admire and might have influenced you at all? What about their work do you love the most?
IANA: Yes! Many. . .I always discover new photographers through Instagram and Facebook as well. But I might mention Neil Zlozower (he gave me some advice last year, and this helped me a lot), Ross Halfin, Mick Rock, are old photographers that I can remember now! These guy’s shot many classic pics of many great bands, like Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Motorhead, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Kiss. . .so we probably already saw something about them and other great ones! They had written the history of rock ‘n’ roll through their pics. Stephanie Cabral is another great old photographer of many Metal Bands, I discovered her work through the book Louder Than Hell, there are great pics of Pantera, Slayer, Anthrax there! And about current photographers, I like Tim Tronckoe, Robin Looy, Javier Bragado, Therés Stephansdotter, Mike Savoia, Igor Vidyashev, and others, they have their own style! I can’t forget to mention some of my favorite photographers in my country: Alessandra Tolc, Camila Cara, Renato Jacob, Marcos Hermes, Luringa. . .(It’s important to mention that Luringa was my first reference on Music Photography years before I started in my career).
MPAP: Before we move on to talking about the pictures that you shared with us, are there any tips or advice that you would want to give yourself if you had to pick up the camera and start photography all over again?
IANA: Study hard, see lots of photos, and have a critical sense to find out what can be good for your work or not! And never think that is already enough, there is always something to learn.
MPAP: Now on to the pictures that you took and have shared with us here? Take us into each one of the pictures and tell us what they are about, and which one is your most favorite and why?
IANA: Ok, you got me! This is very hard to do, because I love many pics!
Abbath-this was one of my favorite concerts to see and shoot and I love especially the colors of this pic.
Metallica-when they played here at Lollapalooza for 100,000 people. I waited 3 hours to see them, and had a crazy idea to shoot them from the audience. It was very dangerous because their fans are completely insane, and I thought that I would be losing my whole equipment on this show. I’ll never do this again, and this was a picture of the moment when James saw me there and maybe had the thought “Are you crazy, girrrrrrl?” hahaha! This is why I love this pic, although it is not technically correct.
I love Accept and I love to shoot Accept. I have many pics that I love from this guy. In their last dvd, you can find some pics of mine there. I choose this one, because this stage is beautiful, and I waited for a long time to see this show, was great as always, they are pure energy.
Max Cavalera! I know how people love Sepultura around the world and I couldn’t forget to mention him for this interview, also representing my country! Hahaha! This is from the tour with Iggor, playing Roots! Was insane, and I shot from the audience, because of the time limitation to photographers, and I wanted to make the most I could of this opportunity.
Richie Kotzen.
MPAP: Everyone has a different style or taste, whether it’s street photography, modeling, black & white, or nature, from your point of view what do you think makes a good picture?
IANA: In my case, being at the right place at the right time! Capture emotions and take an angle or situation different from what the artist already has and of course a good post production with the colors and etc.
MPAP: After the camera is put down for the moment, for the day, or for the night, whether it’s for a day or a week at a time, what else do you like to do in your free time?
IANA: I love listening to music or something that involves music! This is a major love in my life! So, sometimes it is good going to a good show without a camera and be part of the audience. Besides that, I like to pastime with my family, especially my nephews and go out with my friends.
MPAP: Before we bring Behind The Lens to a close, just one last question and we’ll wrap things up and put the lens cap back on. What would you want to say to someone that’s interested in taking pictures for the very first time?
IANA: Well, you don’t need the best camera of the market ok! Respect your limitations and going after what you want step by step. Find out what kind of photography is good for you, and study another professional, see what you like and how you can work with it. Improve the art inside of you before everything!
MPAP: On behalf of myself and Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you,Iana, for being a part of this Behind The Lens feature. It was great getting to know you and your photos. We look forward to seeing what you will capture in the future and beyond. Please tell us where we can find your work or your photo galleries on the internet, and any social media that the readers can follow you on?
IANA: Thanks for this opportunity! It was a pleasure to talk to your site about my work and I think this session is great for all of us, lovers of music! It’s great to share my experience! You can see more about my work on my website, Instagram and Facebook.
https://ianadomingos.46graus.com / Website
@ianadomingoss/ Instagram
Iana Domingos Fotografias / Facebook
©metalpulpandpaper