Meet Jay Simon | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Simon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
When it comes to concert photography, I think most people expect the photographer to just be hanging out backstage with the band and casually getting the shots you need throughout the show. When you’re covering the show for the venue or a publication, you spend most of your time waiting around, often sequestered in a backroom or hallway. At larger shows, you and the other photographers are escorted out to a predetermined photo location (usually just in front of the stage or back by the soundboard) and you have the first three songs to get your photos and then you’re outta there! It can get pretty stressful dealing with difficult shooting locations, limited time available, challenging lighting, and working around other photographers – trying not to get in each other’s way. You just have to keep your cool and get the shots!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a concert and event photographer, things have definitely been up and down over the past year.  Thankfully, it looks like things are slowly getting back to normal.  I’m seeing a lot of events booking up and my schedule is filling fast!  Thankfully I’ve had the opportunity to work on new creative projects like music videos and virtual events while waiting for concerts to come back.  Hopefully, we’ll be seeing more national tours booked later this year.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Actually, I’m a total homebody when I’m not out photographing. We’d definitely see a show at Granada Theater, probably eat at Sundown next door before the show, and maybe catch some more music there afterward as well. The next day would maybe be spent out at White Rock Lake, getting some fresh air, and probably out for tacos and margaritas for dinner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d definitely have to give a shoutout to my wife and best friend, Polly Simon!  She has given me endless amounts of support and encouragement along the way.  If it weren’t for her, I probably wouldn’t have got involved with photography and video.  She was working with Sofar Sounds back in 2011 and asked if I could help film house concerts.  One thing led to another and here I am today.  She’s also an amazing artisan jeweler!  You can check her out at https://www.pollysimon.com/

Website: https://www.tentencreative.com/

Instagram: @jaysimonphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-simon-b5488437/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaysimonphoto

Image Credits
Personal photo of me by Anthony Najera