I’m Steve Carlson, Music Photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area

I like to describe my photographic interests as “photographing interesting people doing interesting things.” And nothing is more interesting to me than watching a band at work.

After more than ten years of photographing bands in the San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose Bay Area of Northern California, this interest in documenting what bands do and how audiences respond has become a passion.

My love for music and bands began in West Michigan in the mid-90’s, and soon I channeled that passion into building a web site for an unknown, up-and-coming rock band I stumbled onto who was getting ready to release their debut album. They were instantly popular and went on to sell a few million records, and I found myself taking a crash course in the workings of the music industry while cultivating their online fan base out of my dorm room. After school I moved west to Silicon Valley to start a career outside the music industry.

My interest in photography began a few years later when I borrowed a Nikon D100 from a very trusting friend. Before long I had my own equipment, and began teaching myself the fundamentals of photography.

Thanks to my earlier experience in the music industry and an unending love for music new and old, I’ve developed a deep interest in using photography to capture the energy and passion of live music, with a soft spot for artists that are up-and-coming and still finding their audience.

My day job is with Yahoo, where I’ve had the pleasure of building some of the world’s most popular web sites.

I'm available for assignments and short-term touring opportunities, and you can contact me here.