Introducing Do250's Industry Feature! The entertainment and service industries have been hit especially hard hit as a result of the current crisis. In an attempt to assist our local creatives, we are introducing weekly industry features. These features will introduce you to a variety of folks who work behind scenes of every show you attend - from talent buyers, promoters and production managers, to photographers and sound techs. Each one of these individuals play a crucial role - from booking artists, to making sure everything runs smoothly during a show to documenting it. We will be using our platform to help spread the word about these awesome individuals who make things happen! And perhaps you can show them some love by buying a print, working with them in the future, or just by supporting them on their socials!
MEET DARREN HO
What is your name, what do you do and how long have you been in the industry?My name is Darren Ho of Darren Ho Media. I am a Photographer and Videographer covering the local music scene in Victoria, BC. I also cover events like Capital City Comic Con, also in Victoria. I started taking videos at shows with a simple point and shoot as early as 2009, but I didn’t get a professional DSLR camera until 2013 and that’s when I started getting asked by bands to cover their shows, so let’s say 2013.
USS
How did you get involved with photography and how did you get to where you are right now?
I’ve been going to shows since I was in high school. I never brought a camera with me (which seems completely foreign to me now). I just went to shows and enjoyed myself like everyone else. It was probably the Nine Inch Nails show when they were here in Victoria in 2008, I believe. I was in the front row, right against the barricade for their entire show and I was just thinking to myself “Why did I not bring a camera with me?”, and it was just one of those moments where I wish I had that moment captured. After that, any show I went to, I brought a camera with me.
I think the joke among people in the local music scene here is I went to so many shows back in the day, it felt like I was at literally every show. But yeah, I basically tried to be at every show I possibly could, covering whoever was playing whether I was asked to or not.
Quadra Sound
If you remember, what was the first show you've ever shot and when was it
If you’re going with the first show I ever shot with an actual professional camera, it was actually the 2013 Rifflandia Music Festival. No better place to learn how to use a professional camera for the first time than at a music festival.
The Glorious Sons
What is your most favourite show that you’ve ever shot and/or other highlights of your career:
I really wish I had a list that I kept track of every show I’ve shot.
1. The Arkells at Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - February 3, 2019. While not the first time I shot at an arena (filling in as Photographer for Victoria Buzz for The Glorious Sons show a few months prior), it was the first time I got myself accredited to cover an arena sized show.
2. Rock The Shores - July 2014. My favourite band from when I was younger, Our Lady Peace, was the headliner on the last day of that festival. That band was really THE band that got me into music.
3. The Glorious Sons at Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena – November 1, 2018. Before this show, I had never shot a show at the arena before and was just covering acts in bars and clubs. My goal that year was to finally shoot at a show at the arena after many unsuccessful attempts. Luckily, my buddy who was covers shows and events for Victoria Buzz couldn’t make it because of other commitments and he asked me to fill in for him that night. I also got to see The Beaches who I’ve also been wanting to see, open the show that night.
Metric
How can people support you during this time?
You can find me on Facebook at
Darren Ho Media or on Instagram
@DarrenHoMedia. I also have my YouTube page showcasing videos I take at shows at
Darren Ho Videos. You can also message me regarding purchasing prints from me of any of my photos that you may like. I am also available to do photo shoots of bands, musicians, etc. if you need promo shots or if you just need me to cover your show!
The Arkells
Any advice for new photographers?
- Get out to as many shows as you can to the point you’re a familiar face with bands and people at the venues.
- Build networks with other Photographers in the scene and ask them questions if you have any. I’ve found that a majority of the photographers in Victoria are always willing to help other Photographers out, regardless of what level you’re at.
- Do your research when preparing to shoot acts and watch how they perform live, where they move on stage during certain parts of their set, their body movements, etc. Especially the bigger name acts as there are tons of footage on YouTube of their live performances.
- Look at other Photographers shots to see what angles at venues you may not have tried out. Shooting at the same venue 50 times in a year is great, but if you always shoot from the same spot, your photos and how you shoot, will start to look and feel formulaic eventually. Looking at other Photographers shots when you shoot in the same venue, may get you thinking outside the box and trying to be more creative with your shots.
- Perfection is the highest form of procrastination. Don’t spend hours editing your photos to the point that you’re trying to make them look perfect. A photo that may look 85% done to you, will be 100% done to other people.
J GRGRY
All photographs via Darren Ho
Stay up to date with Darren on his Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and be sure to check out his YouTube channel Darren Ho Videos.
