Artist Photos Archives - Michael Allen Photography - Memphis Film & Video - Commercial

Concert Photographer Nashville Memphis

Concert photographers Nashville Memphis. I've been in the music industry for many years, one of my first loves is live concert photography. I've been fortunate as a commercial photographer to be paid to shoot for some of the most celebrated performers in the world. I still have a bucket list of people that I want to shoot, but already having a portfolio with names like Dierks Bentley, Lauren Alaina, The Guess Who, Moon Taxi to name a few. I get calls from across the country to photograph both band photos, headshots, ad agency layouts, editorials for musicians, entertainers, live concerts and studio sessions. There are a lot of photographers out there, I don't want to sound egotistical, but my work sets me apart from most other typical concert photographers. Capturing the raw emotions of a song, waiting for just the right light, or creating just the right light is vital. Being versatile with the camera, and knowing what lens to use and when are vital. Using available light is key, but there are times with off camera flash mounted to truss 100 feet away supplements the mood of a critical shot during a song. Most photographers choke when it comes to breaking the rules. Here's one of my favorite artists and personal friend. Drew Holcomb and some of my Live Concert Photography recently in Memphis. You also can't be shy, and when the stage manager says no photography during or after a certain segment, well thats one rule I break often. When I explain that I'm being paid to get the shot, then the manager usually backs down, especially when the client or sponsor is paying the big bucks for a professional photographer. Backstage, during soundcheck, and portrait sessions one on one with the lead singer are vital to my shooting style. I've brought in full studio lighting kits just to shoot backstage for ad campaign photos. I only shoot concerts when I'm being paid or on assignment. Only a few times do I shoot for the fun of it, I use those times to experiment and push the limits of my style.

Walmart Soundcheck Sessions

Professional Photographer Michael Allen. Working in Nashville is always an amazing experience. For this shoot I photographed Dierks Bentley live at The Ryman in Nashville for Walmart Soundcheck's feature artist promotion. Walmart is one of the worlds top record sellers, way up on the list with itunes, Amazon and more. Here's a few of my favorite photographs from the session, working with Dierks Bentley was up close and personal, he gave me artistic freedom to do my thing. All Images Copyright Walmart Soundcheck.

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors have fast become one of the hottest groups in the country, with accolades that include their songs that were selected for use on the NBA season finale, and the final episode of "House" just to name a few! Drew and Ellie are a husband wife team that I've had the pleasure of knowing personally, they are the best people that you'd ever want to know, very genuine. Ellie made recent news with her amazing Kickstarter campaign that ranks as one of the biggest success stories on the history of Kickstarter, and beyond all that, they are amazing performing artists!

George Coleman - Jazz Legend - New York City

On a recent documentary shoot in Memphis with producer Ray Foley of Grain Pictures NYC, I had the opportunity to spend several days shooting both George Coleman and his son. George Coleman is a Jazz legend, now living in New York, he still plays tour dates even today. He was in Memphis to accept the induction nomination for the first annual Memphis Music Hall Of Fame. He's name is up there with BB King, Miles Davis and many more jazz greats. He has appeared in films and toured with notable celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Madonna, Max Roach, Chic Korea and many more. Here are a few portraits I shot while filming segments for the documentary for the Coleman Family legacy.

George Coleman - Jazz Legend - Music Hall of Fame Ceremony - Memphis Rock & Soul Museum

On a recent documentary shoot in Memphis with producer Ray Foley of Grain Pictures NYC, I had the opportunity to spend several days shooting both George Coleman and his son. George Coleman is a Jazz legend, now living in New York, he still plays tour dates even today. He was in Memphis to accept the induction nomination for the first annual Memphis Music Hall Of Fame. He's name is up there with BB King, Miles Davis and many more jazz greats. He has appeared in films and toured with notable celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Madonna, Max Roach, Chic Korea and many more. Here are a few portraits I shot in between filming segments for the documentary for the Coleman Family legacy.

George Coleman - Jazz Legend

On a recent documentary shoot in Memphis with producer Ray Foley of Grain Pictures NYC, I had the opportunity to spend several days shooting both George Coleman and his son. George Coleman is a Jazz legend, now living in New York, he still plays tour dates even today. He was in Memphis to accept the induction nomination for the first annual Memphis Music Hall Of Fame. He's name is up there with BB King, Miles Davis and many more jazz greats. He has appeared in films and toured with notable celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Madonna, Max Roach, Chic Korea and many more. Here are a few portraits I took while filming segments for the documentary for the Coleman Family legacy. The documentary film trailer was recently nominated for a JJA Jazz Award in the Best Video Short category, and I was very excited to be a part of this shoot!

Memphis Actor Portfolios

One of the specialties of the studio is shooting actor headshots and building portfolio reels for talent. It's vital today for actors to create their own identity and market themselves to agencies, actor guilds, and movie casting agents. We've helped many an actor get noticed with our unique hollywood style. We get calls from LA and NY a lot, and you can see why in our photography.

Scotty Moore - Elvis Presley Graceland - Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Presley Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, Gibson Guitars Last month I had the honor of photographing a private VIP event at Gibson Guitars celebrating the most famous guitar player in the world, Scotty Moore. Mr Moore is long since retired from playing with Elvis Presley for most of his career and beyond. He's the who's who of guitar players, and has played with the like of Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and a host of others. For this shoot I only had a quick minute to capture this image, along with group portraits of dozens of Mr Moore's family and friends, whom he presented a dozen gold plated copies of his very famous Gibson Guitar. (each fetching around $15,000). There was also a tribute concert with many of the original Elvis Presley band and songwriters of some of the most famous songs in history. I did a little research after the shoot and discovered Mr. Moore's estimated net worth, he's definitely done very well in his career. Anyway, all that aside, I was honored to be called in for the shoot.

Memphis Rock & Roll Photographers

I get a chance to shoot some of the biggest names in the business, and I still love to work with new artists helping them develop their style. Here's a couple of images from one of my latest client shoots right here in Memphis.

Rock & Roll Photography Sessions - Talent Photographer Memphis - Nashville

Did I mention that I love shooting sessions for musicians? I've probably shot some of the biggest names in the business just in the past year, here's a new shot from a recent shoot for a local talent agency. I love variety and always try to keep my style moving- just like this singers hair!

Ginny Owens - St Jude Hospital - Say Amen Project

In early 2008 I had the honor of meeting and photographing grammy award winning singer songwriter, Ginny Owens at The Grove studios in Memphis. She came to Memphis to help a young patient at St Jude Childrens Hospital. Ronell Ragbir came to Memphis to fight her disease, and had mentioned to someone that her life's dream was to write a song and record it. Through several connections at Hope Church, her dreams became a reality. Little did Ronell know at the time, but Ginny was told of her dream, and surprised her with a visit to the studio. Together they bonded and began writing and recording. Ginny later came back to Memphis and played a concert with Ronell at her church in Southhaven, Mississippi. Ronell eventually lost her battle with cancer, but she inspired hundreds of other patients and friends with her amazing strength. Ginny later came back to Memphis to record a new album, Say Amen. She reproduced the song Say Amen, which Ronell had helped her pen, and included it in the new album. Since then I've photographed Ginny several times, and had one of her images included in a book called Capture Memphis, featuring photographs from accomplished photographers who live in Memphis. She also uses some of the photos for her concerts and publicity. Be sure to buy Ginny's album and remember the story of her love and compassion for this young woman.
Photo by Michael Allen

Memphis Singer Songwriter - Portfolio Photographer

Here's a sneak peak of Jill Dyson's new photo session for her new EP that she's recording in the studio in Memphis and Nashville. Every shoot I do offers my clients a unique style that fits the project needs. For record companies, project demos, biographies, every artist needs current, modern, edgy photos that capture their special style.

Skillet in Concert - Memphis - Nashville - Concert Photography

I get calls a lot to shoot concerts and behind the scenes because of my unique photography style. I break as many rules as I can, and get my clients images that are unique and captivating. Here are a few from Skillet. They have a few fans, just a little over 2.5 million on Facebook, so you can pass that along to your friends if they have never heard Skillet.

Concert Photography - Memphis - Nashville

I get calls a lot to shoot concerts and behind the scenes because of my unique photography style. I break as many rules as I can, and get my clients images that are unique and captivating. Here are a few from Skillet. My friend Taylor Carroll recently toured with them last year as their drummer, so I keep up on the latest scoop on their road tours. They have a few fans, just a little over 2.5 million on Facebook, so you can pass that along to your friends if they have never heard Skillet.

Concert Photography- Memphis - Nashville - New Orleans

I get calls a lot to shoot concerts and behind the scenes because of my unique photography style. I break as many rules as I can, and get my clients images that are unique and captivating. Here are a few from Skillet. My friend Taylor Carroll recently toured with them last year as their drummer, so I keep up on the latest scoop on their road tours. They have a few fans, just a little over 2.5 million on Facebook, so you can pass that along to your friends if they have never heard Skillet.

The Guess Who in Concert

One of my favorite bands is The Guess Who. Here is a photo I shot of the band in concert this summer at Riverfest in Gadsden Alabama. One of those perfect summer nights on the Tennessee river. Shooting for festivals and events gets me access to lots of celebrities, these guys were completely great to work with, what an honor to catch them in action.

Memphis Music - Artist Photographer - Actors - Models

New Memphis music artist Yung Rip photographed by Michael Allen, based in Memphis Tennessee.

Memphis Model Photographer - Musicians - Actors - Artists

Memphis actor & model photographer.

Memphis Music - Hip Hop - Artist Photographer - Cd Covers

Memphis music photography, hip hop, trip hop artist Yung Rip. Our in house designers shoot, create cd cover art, duplicate, and print thousands of cds for artists in Memphis. We also create music videos and artist bio reels.

Memphis Music Photographers

Here's a recent shoot for Hope. Austin Carroll has an amazing vocal talent and songwriting. Having great professional photos for a musicians portfolio is important, I offer day rates for concerts that can fit a wide range of budgets. Photo by Michael Allen.