Today’s guest, Richard Bland, has been photographing rock stars for over 30 years, both on stage and behind the scenes. He has worked as an in-house photographer for Falls View Casino and serves as the program coordinator for the photography program at Lambton College in Sarnia.
Richard’s passion for concert photography started on July 4th, over 30 years ago, at a Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty concert in Buffalo. He took photos from the crowd, and after seeing the results, he realized he wanted to pursue it professionally.
He emphasizes that aspiring photographers need formal education, motivation, and a relentless pursuit of their goals. While modern technology makes photography more accessible, learning the craft properly is essential.
Richard’s love for rock music led him to photograph over 2,000 concerts, possibly close to 4,000. His portfolio includes live shows, behind-the-scenes shoots, and album covers for major artists. He shares a humorous story about unknowingly singing Coldplay’s “Yellow” in a restroom, only to realize Chris Martin was in a stall nearby.
He has worked extensively with Nickelback, photographing their album covers, including the multi-platinum “All the Right Reasons,” which sold 19 million copies. He acknowledges the band’s criticism but highlights their massive success and excellent working relationship.
Richard has also photographed The Tragically Hip since 1993, capturing around 150 of their shows. He documented their final tour and recalls the emotional experience of witnessing Gord Downie’s farewell performances. He describes the challenge of staying focused while photographing such impactful moments.
