BlackRapid Spotlight Stories

Meet Raven Divito, a dedicated concert photographer hailing from San Francisco, CA. Since 1999, Raven has been immersing herself in the vibrant world of live music, capturing the electrifying moments that define performances. Her work not only showcases the artists on stage but also the fervent energy of the fans, creating a holistic portrayal of the concert experience.

Raven Divito is a music photographer based in San Francisco, CA. In 1998 she experienced her first underground show in a dive bar, and was immediately captivated by the energy of the bands and fans. From that moment she knew she wanted to become a part of the local music scene as a photographer, and in 1999 she picked up a camera and began her musical journey through the lens.

Raven’s photos have been published in multiple magazines, in CDs and album art, posters, and flyers, and Cherie Currie of The Runaways used one of Raven’s images on a poster for the promotion of her book “Neon Angel,” and in promoting The Runaways movie featuring Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart.

Raven also published a photography book and had a gallery exhibit in 2015 in San Pedro, CA. Raven’s passion for photography grows stronger with every show, and she will always be a giant supporter of local bands, top artists, and every musician in between.

Staying Alert Creates Possibilities

When I began shooting punk shows, I kept both eyes open while looking through the viewfinder for safety. This technique improved my peripheral awareness and helped me avoid tunnel vision. It allowed me to capture this photo perfectly, as I noticed the lead singer swinging his light while focused on the guitar player.

While Raven operates from San Francisco, her experiences and insights resonate with Canadian photographers navigating the vibrant music scenes in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Her emphasis on preparedness and adaptability offers valuable lessons for photographers aiming to excel in concert photography across Canada.