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THE PHOTO PASS with MIHAELA PETRESCU



When did you first pick up a camera and what motivated you to start photography?

I picked up a camera at around 4 years old. My mom did some photography when i was young, so I grew up with a camera in my hands.

Did you study or are you self taught?

I studied in cinema/video/communications at Dawson College, then I went to Concordia University in the same field. I never actually studied photography but I had a lot of photo classes.

Do you remember the first show you ever shot and how it went?

My uncle played in bands since I was really young. The first show I shot was my uncle's first show with his new band. I was around 13 years old. The stress was real! I think I had one of those point and shoot cameras. I also remember my first show for a media; it was Septicflesh at Café Campus.


How did you know you wanted to do concert photography and what do you love the most about it?

The first concert I ever saw was of Cher. I was maybe 8 or 9 years old and I vividly remember watching the show and just knowing that it was my future. Cher's show is so visual; there is so much going on, costume changes, etc. 

What I love most about concert photography is the action! I love those jump shots, fire,etc. That's actually my trademark, I always try to take shots that have the most action as possible in them. I want people feel like they were with me at the show when they see my photos.

What do you find the most annoying about it?

The most annoying is probably the work that it takes to get a photo pass that nobody in the outside world sees. 

Flash or no flash?

NO FLASH! I am not a big fan of how photos look with a flash but I admit that sometimes, we have no choice. For example, a local show in a tiny venue that has no light is one place where we may need to bring one, though it is never my first choice to shoot with one. Thankfully for me we are never allowed to shoot with a flash at any big venue. 


What are your main cameras and go to lenses?

I switched to mirrorless last year, so I am now shooting with a Canon R6 and my 16-35mm. I have many lenses that have mostly become dust collectors since I got my 16-35mm years ago.

What is your photo editing process?

I use Lightroom and Photoshop. My main editing is always done in Lightroom and final touchups are done in Photoshop. 

I am also a freelance photo retoucher and I work on a lot of food products, fashion and outdoor equipment. So I often use my knowledge as a photo retoucher for my concert photography. That's how I get my vibrant colors!

Are there any photographers that you admire or inspire you?

Absolutely! In Montreal, I would say that I have always admired Pierre Bourgault's work (Iheart /Chom photographer) and Susan Moss who is Evenko's photographer. I learned so much from both of them! I am always so happy to shoot with them in the photo pit. Also Ema who's shooting for Les Insoumises is always taking the best pictures with a flash! As I was saying, I am not a fan of pictures with a flash (at a show) but Ema is definitely amazing at what he does! 

Worldwide, I love Jeremy Saffer's work. He does less concert photography and more band photoshoots in the studio. He worked with pretty much every band out there and his work is stunning!


Best shows you ever shot?

This is a hard one. I would say that my favorite thing to shoot is always festivals! Madonna and Coldplay were both amazing to shoot. But I will always remember the Imagine Dragons show at Festival d'été de Québec. It was pouring outside and they had to cancel the show but Imagine Dragons still played two songs I think? They were definitely impressive! I remember how stressed I was, shooting in the rain,and I had only a couple of minutes to get THE SHOT. It was the hardest and most fun show to shoot.

Top 5 bands on your bucket list?

I think I shot all the bands I ever wanted.I would say that my top 5 bands to tour with would be Lamb of God, Gojira, Simple Plan, Sabaton, Good Charlotte and any type of fun pop punk band. 

What's the best advice you ever got?

Don't assume it's a ''no'' if you didn't ask.

At the beginning of my concert photography career, I didn't want to ask for shows that I thought were unrealistic for me to shoot. But with time and experience I came to realize that we can be surprised by the answers we get sometimes, so it's best to always ask! 

And also be nice to everyone!


What advice can you give to someone wanting to start doing concertphotography?

Learn how to walk before you run. It's important to have some basic photography knowledge before starting to shoot shows. I also find it important to know your camera before getting in a photo pit. Everything happens so fast during the first 3 songs you are allowed to shoot, that you don't have time to look for your camera buttons while shooting.

Best ways to support you?

You can follow all my socials; facebook and instagram on ''Mihaontour'' I am actively working on new stuff so keep an eye out.







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