The role of the modern photographer is evolving. What was once viewed as a journalistic medium is now an artistic forum and just about everything in the game has changed. Modern technology enables photographers to put their fingerprints on their images through various lighting techniques and editing practices – ask five different photographers to shoot the same scene and you will undoubtedly end up with five distinctly different shots. But it has also given them more control over how they shape and present themselves and as creators. With the advent of digital cameras and internet-ready mobile devices, photography is more immediate than ever. Photographers like Atlanta-based Zack Arias can shoot, edit, and post images to their blogs in a matter of hours (read about his GOYA challenges). Similarly, musicians can make the most of digital recording and mastering technology. Urban artists can take a song from the recording studio to mastering and then to radio in a single afternoon – we’ve seen it done with Akon’s “Smack That.” Perhaps this is why we at Affix feel such a kinship with our photographer friends – both music and photography capture the immediacy of a moment in a way that other mediums like film or theater are logistically unable to. So as these artists move forward in their careers, consistently developing and evolving their individual brands, we are proud to help them do so.
John Keatley recently licensed Nappy Roots’ “Come Back Home” for a behind the scenes video from his Men’s Health photo shoot with University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker (above). We love how John goes beyond photography, embracing music and video, to give fans of his work a deeper look into his creative process and we are committed to joining artists like John as they continue to push the envelope. Our customizable usage agreements make it easier than ever for photographers to license music. And our constantly updated, personally curated catalogue ensures that the music from which they choose will always be on the cutting edge – just like their work.
So, to all the creators out there: keep looking forward; we’ve got your back.
(Photo credit: John Keatley)