Anna Lee

Bio:

Anna Lee is a Los Angeles-based music and portrait photographer and esteemed BlackRapid Ambassador celebrated for her dynamic work in touring photography. Since 2013, she has toured with artists across the alt, rock, and pop genres, capturing performances from intimate clubs to massive stadiums. Currently serving as Coldplay’s full-time tour photographer, Anna’s candid and artful imagery brings fans closer to the concert experience. Her work has earned her a nomination for iHeart Radio’s “Favorite Tour Photographer” award.

Canadian photographers—from Toronto’s vibrant music scenes to Vancouver’s dynamic event landscapes, and Winnipeg’s burgeoning arts community—can draw inspiration from Anna’s energetic approach to photography. Her use of BlackRapid’s Double Breathe Harness enhances her mobility and comfort during extensive shoots, reflecting her commitment to quality gear. Anna’s work exemplifies the fusion of technical skill and storytelling, offering valuable insights for Canada’s photography community.

Q&A

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Reside in: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Photography Genre: Music & Touring

Career Highlight #1: Going on my first proper tour with a band in 2014

Career Highlight #2: Being hired as Coldplay’s full-time tour photographer, starting in 2023

Career Highlight #3: Being nominated in iHeart Radio Award’s “Favorite Tour Photographer” category

BlackRapid product of choice: BlackRapid Double Breathe Harness

Age you took your first photo and what camera did you use: I’ve had at least a fascination with camera and photography since such an early age, I truly can’t remember my first photo. Likely with a parents’ disposable film camera on vacation. The earliest camera I can remember being mine was an old, plastic Vivitar PS25 point-and-shoot film camera. A toy really! I still have it to this day.

My first proper manual camera was an original series Canon Rebel Ti film SLR. I still have that as well, and shoot with it for fun.

First realization that you wanted to be a professional photographer: This moment must have been in college. While my interest in pro photography long preceded this moment, college would have been the time I first realized pro photography might be accessible to me as a full-time source of income.

Who inspires you?: My industry peers in music photography, as well as photographers creating unique work in all other genres. And finally, my clients and their ideas!

Camera of choice used to capture most of your work: Canon R5

Dream photo-shoot: I’d love the opportunity to shoot album cover photos for a personal favorite band or artist. To have that creative work be a permanent piece of their music catalog would be really special.

What do you do when not taking photos?: I love spending time with friends, checking out new music/concerts around LA, and being outside for a nice walk or hike.

Favorite place on earth: If I can only pick one, it’s have to be Los Angeles, and Southern California in general! It has just about everything I could need or want, and so many unique places to explore. New Zealand is a close second!

One piece of advice for someone at the beginning stages of their photography career: You create your own career, there’s no formula to follow. So explore, get creative, make mistakes and generally just go for things! Pitch yourself to the clients you want to work with, and carve out time for your own creative shoots, so that you can shot the type of projects you want to work on. You only need one “yes” to get the ball rolling!

How do you “Live the Moment”?: To live in the moment, I’m grateful for the opportunities I have to actually put my camera down. Since I take photos for a living, I’ve embraced this as much as possible in my personal life, so I can fully relax and enjoy the moment I’m in.