Pretty Loc’d Out

Photography By First Class

Los Angeles music and portrait photographer First Class opens up about how photography is a way to express a band’s music, capturing energy, and making homies with all the photographers.

Los Angeles, USA

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

Growing up, my sister, who's two years older, used to take concert photos. But she changed her plans and stopped doing it. Meanwhile, I was finishing high school early. After graduation, my brother gave me a MacBook for graphic design, something I wanted to do instead of going into medicine.

I had that MacBook for a year, and sometimes I let my sister use it for work. In return, she let me borrow her car. One time, when she took the MacBook to work, it got stolen from her car. She promised to pay me back but never did. One day, while she was cleaning out stuff, I found her old camera, and she told me to take it as payment for the lost laptop.

Around that time, a friend in a band asked me to take pics at a backyard show. There, I ran into Bert from Wayword, an old friend. We caught up, and he asked if I wanted to shoot his band. I agreed, even though I had no clue how to use a camera (still don't, lol).

So, I started shooting Wayword a lot and got into it. That led me to other cool bands like Bed and The High Curbs. I let my creativity flow, combining graphic design and photography into one thing.

What have you learned along the way?

Make Homies with all photographers!

Some photographers tend to think it’s a competition but at the end of the day we all have our different styles. And no matter what we all getting the same thing.

Describe your work in three words.

First Class Studios (jk)

Pretty Loc’d Out

Your photography focuses primarily on live music and band portraits. Why does this subject matter inspire you?

One of my biggest inspirations is Estevan Oriol, who’s also music and street photography based out of LA. Growing up and seeing his work with Blink-182, Beastie Boys, and other hip-hop artists, I was always mesmerized by his style and the way he incorporate his lifestyle into his art. Most importantly, being able to do it, mostly in black-and-white. Following that I’ve always thought shooting bands is such a sick and fun way to express a band's music or the way I like to see them.

Growing up, I watched a lot of music documentaries. I was interested in what the behind the scenes and what preparation needs to be done before a show.

I feel like it gives a whole Nother perspective for the viewer to see other than being on stage

Tell the story behind one of your favorite images.

Bed in Palmdale

He looks like Luke Skywalker and I just thought it was cool. I think the coloring and the way his logo is in the back just suits the mood I mean it’s a pretty cool picture.🤪

What have been some memorable shows you’ve shot?

Mexican Slum Rats/ The High Curbs at Teragram Ballroom

Happy Daps 2023 /2024 cause I already know it’s gonna be sick!

Do you prefer photographing bands live on stage or off stage through portraits? Is your approach different for each?

Photographing bands live on stage is about capturing the energy/action and making them look like badasses on stage, even though the lighting can be tricky.

Off stage, I can control the lighting and setting for more intimate portraits. So, my approach is different for each: live shots are spontaneous, while portraits are more planned. And I can choose my locations.

Along with photography, you also film shows. How is filming shows different from photographing them?

I feel like filming is super fun to do! I was always inspired by these guys from earlier years called Mustyboyz and they would always video bands playing, and I wanted to do the same. I hit up my friend Skeletondanceparty (David, check out his work!) and we basically team up together to do videos and it’s probably the best experience I’ve had with the coolest person to work with. We have plans in the future like music videos, and promos.

So stayed tuned!

In your opinion, what is special about the Southern California indie rock scene?

I grew up in it! From 2013 to now I feel like I’ve seen many bands come and go but the good ones are still playing and still making the best and keeping the scene alive I feel like it’s been growing a lot more in recent years and I wish nothing but success for future bands and bands I’m homies with!