#CreatorConversations is an AMA (Ask Me Anything) series hosted by @sonyalpha on Instagram. As part of the series, we were joined by talented concert photographer Greg Noire (@gregnoire) of the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective. See some of the highlights from his AMA below where he shares his concert photo gear, how he got into concert photography, how the music inspires his images and more. Visit the Instagram post for the full AMA and make sure you’re following @sonyalpha and #CreatorConversations to stay connected.

“Whether it’s an artist on stage or a subject in-studio, our jobs as photographers are to precisely tell stories perceived through the eyes of the individual wielding the camera.” – Greg Noire #CreatorConversations

Greg’s Gear

“In terms of gear, I’m currently rocking an α7R IV and α7R III. I dual wield my cameras in the photo pit so that I can switch to a different lens by picking up the other camera instead of clumsily fumbling around my lens belt and missing a crucial shot. Speaking of lenses, for live music, I typically use my 70-200mm f/2.8 GM and 24-70mm f/2.8 GM/16-35 2.8 GM, but I’ve recently purchased the 135mm f/1.8 GM, and I am smitten. This lens has already earned an eternal spot in my pelican case."

"Do you tend to shoot in volume or do you wait for ‘that’ moment. Especially in hip-hop concerts where I’m sure the artist is moving around a lot, what has been your philosophy on timing shots?" – @keeho_kang

Greg: “I used to be the volume shooter, but that dramatically changed when I gained more experience. Knowing the tells of what a performer will do at specific times will limit itchy trigger fingers. Once I get what I need (contextual elements, wide, tight), I wait for those amazing moments that complete the story of that set. For instance, when a rapper takes off his chains- he’s going into the crowd. when an artist picks up a water bottle mid-set, they’re throwing that thing into the crowd.”

“What makes you want to edit the pic in black and white as opposed to color?” – @j.aduako

Greg: “Whenever I connect with a photo on an emotional level, it’s got the black & white treatment. I can’t even really explain why some photos are more impactful to me than others but I recognize them immediately.”

"What inspires the pictures you take? What gives you the drive to come up with the perfect shots?" – @hanyani.msimeki

"With live music the inspiration comes from  the music. At the end of the day, I’m a fan with a camera. I try to translate that same energy into capturing everything with authenticity. Perfection isn’t the goal for me - honesty is.”

“What made you get into concert photography specifically?” – @pietros_photography

Greg: “My little brother. I was a struggling portrait photographer many years ago, and my brother, who was in a rap group at the time, asked me to come and shoot a show for him at the University of Houston (they were opening up for The Clipse, which is wild to think about now). Once I stepped in the photo pit, it was love at first shot.”

See the full AMA here.