Behind the Camera: Bridget Craig

Bridget Craig is a Dallas based music photographer and videographer. She recently went on tour with Oh, Weatherly, who were supporting Mayday Parade on the "Welcome to... Sunnyland" tour. She has also shot many other artists' shows, a few being LANY, Taylor Swift and Quiet, Please.

Her followers seem to really admire her work, so we wanted to get more insight into how she started out as a photographer and what it was like being a touring photographer, especially as she started to gain more of a following from it.

AU: What made you get into photography, more specifically what made you get into concert photography?

Bridget: I’ve always loved photography and would always take some sort of camera to shows when I was younger. There was one show in particular that I saw photographers pile into the photo pit that made me have a “Woah, that’s actually something I could do with my life.” kind of moment.

AU: Who was your biggest inspiration when you were starting out, and who’s your biggest inspiration at the moment?

Bridget: Adam Elmakias was definitely a big inspiration when I first started. Reading his blogs and watching his youtube videos years ago really inspired me to pursue music photography and reach out to bands. I always stay inspired by my friends. I’ve made so many great friends in the photography community who are all so talented and I always look to them for inspiration.

AU: What was the first concert you shot?

Bridget: Technically it was some local bands in my hometown, but my first actual photo pass was for The Neighbourhood in 2014.

AU: When you first started out did you think you’d make it to where you are today?

Bridget: I definitely have a ways to go, but I think my younger self would be so proud of what I’m doing today.

AU: Are there any moments that you're working towards that'll make you truly believe you've made it as a photographer?

Bridget: I don’t know if I’ll have that “Wow I really made it.” moment because there’s always something to keep working towards. I do really want to have my photo be a magazine cover, that would be dope.

AU: Was it hard for you starting out? Were you ever discouraged and wanted to give up?

Bridget: It was hard finding my first publication to shoot for. There were a lot of no’s and no responses for a lot of the first shows I wanted to shoot which was discouraging, but I never quit! I still get shot down for shoots these days, that’s just part of it.

AU: You recently went on tour with Oh, Weatherly, what was it like living in a van with 6 boys for that long?

Bridget: It was really fun honestly. Those guys are some of my best friends now, they’re so great. The only thing is, I wish I could describe the smell of the van after living in there for 8 weeks.

AU: After touring with them their fans seemed to have become fans of you as well, was that weird for you? Have you gotten used to it?

Bridget: It was kinda weird at first, but it’s so cool! They’re all so sweet and supportive. It’s awesome to see my photos and videos bring such joy to other people.

AU: Do you have any shows lined up that you’ll be shooting? 

Bridget: I’ll be out with Oh, Weatherly again this spring and I’ll for sure be catching so many artists that come through Dallas these next few months!

AU: And lastly, if you could give any advice to your past self what would it be?

Bridget: KEEP GOING!! THERE’S SO MUCH GOOD AHEAD!!!

---

Check out Bridget's social media and website at the links below! Catch her on the road with Oh, Weatherly this spring!

Joe Taylor of Knuckle Puck. September 2017. Chicago, IL. Shot by Bridget Craig

Bridget's links:

Website: http://www.bridgetcraig.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetncraig/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bridgetncraig YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsk6bL23tTBbXmk0hIX1jPA?reload=9 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgetcraigphoto