Today we’d like to introduce you to Talia Wheeler.
Hi Talia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
As much as photography has been a staple point throughout my life, my passion for being behind the camera sparked once I attended my first concert. In June of 2021, I had the opportunity to travel from Michigan to Utah to see my favorite band, “I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME”, who happened to be headlining a music festival for the first time since the Covid lockdown.
Finally being able to surround myself with those who shared the same love for music as I did, I instantly felt at home while I connected with my fellow concert-goers and learned their stories. While we were still dealing with the uncertainty of how the pandemic would impact live performances, I couldn’t help but notice the effort being put into the production.
Seeing the dynamic of the performers interacting with a live audience again, fans eagerly awaiting the thrill of hearing their favorite artists, all while the technicians and crew rushed to make sure everything was in working order, I knew immediately that this was the environment I needed to be in. And for me, my start in this industry was as simple as pulling out my phone to capture that very first show.
Realizing that I could tie my lifelong love for photography to my newfound appreciation for live music, I began my research into concert photography. Just like many other aspects of live entertainment, this field is one you truly have to dive into and make a name for yourself. As apprehensive as I was at the time due to my limited experience, I knew that this interest wasn’t something that I could ignore, so I started saving for equipment and got to work building my business.
As life would have it, I later ended up moving out to Salt Lake City, Utah for school and have since been immersed in the culture that locals have cultivated around the fine arts. The downtown scene is such a welcoming environment for those interested in performing and the endless opportunities that SLC offers have been a large contributor to my success as a photographer.
The emphasis they’ve placed on the freedom of expression, and encouragement to take an unconventional path has changed the view of the local music scene from one aspiring for a “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” legacy to one that fully captures the dedication and creativity required to achieve an entertainer’s dream.
Since my start, I’ve had the opportunity to showcase and connect with a wide variety of bands, from those who fly under the radar to those on a nationwide tour. Each performance allows me to share the unique experience a band brings to their fans and the love for their work that my camera and I can capture while they perform. While I am still relatively new to this field, I always look forward to seeing who I can shoot for next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the early stages, it’s a lot about building the courage to start booking shows and exploring to identify a personal style that makes your photos unique. With the unconventionality of this field, there isn’t ever going to be a set route that you can follow to get your start. Instead, it’s a lot of trial & error and independent research while you find equipment/editing software that works for you.
Thankfully, I’ve been fortunate enough to have had support from my friends and family throughout these steps to help me focus on my long-term goals. However, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the open-ended nature of photography, I’d recommend reaching out to those who have already established their career for advice. Building a community of photographers can help not to only make connections in your field but also to gain guidance toward the artist you want to become.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer that specializes in music and live entertainment! I love being able to connect with bands who the masses may not be familiar with and help to give them the recognition they deserve. This played a large factor in choosing the name “Local Hour” for my business. Being surrounded by a seemingly overshadowed and underappreciated music scene, I wanted to dedicate time to showcasing the amazing talent that can come from your community.
Although I hopefully will continue to expand my portfolio toward larger acts, I feel that this sentiment will be a warm reminder of the music industry’s roots. While I am still very early on in my career, I am most proud of the initiative I’ve shown to make my dream work for me. As I’ve mentioned before, I very eagerly jumped headfirst into concert photography, with my only experience coming from the casual photos I had taken on a day-to-day basis. Yet instead of letting my anxieties hold me back from what I wanted to achieve, I was able to build the confidence to book my first show.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.localhourphotos.com
- Instagram: @localhour
- Twitter: @localhourphotos
