Go behind the lens with photographer Paris Visone. Paris talks about working with Godsmack, favorite images from the road, first shows and more. See more work over at https://www.parisvisone.com.
How did you meet Godsmack and start working with them as their photographer?
I got introduced to Godsmack by first becoming their VIP rep. I’ve been a fan of them since high school so I was excited. They ended up stopping the VIP program but just couldn’t live without me so I transitioned to photography only.
Can you show us your favorite live photo of Godsmack that you've ever taken? What do you love the most about it?
I absolutely love being on stage looking out at the crowd. For this photo I climbed up a ladder which I set up behind the set. Yes, I am afraid of heights, but totally worth it. Honestly, after touring with Godsmack for 11 years, I have a ton of favorites. If you’d like to see more, all of the photos on their instagram are mine. @Godsmack I also have exclusive photos of them on my personal Instagram, @parisvisone.
Is there a portrait you're the most proud of making? Can you set the scene of where you were and how you interacted with the band?
I would have to say it’s a shoot that I did with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. With Patrick being one of my favorite musicians, I really just psyched myself up for the shoot. I consider myself first and foremost a documentary photographer. We literally just walked around outside the venue. I tend to just let the pictures happen for themselves. I feel like too much direction interferes with the vibe of the photographs.
From candid, live or portrait photography- do you have a preference on which you enjoy the most when you're on tour with Godsmack?
Documentary candid photos are my favorite. I grew up photographing my family. Most of the time they hated it. So when I started touring and that was my actual job, it made it a lot easier and equally as enjoyable.
This photo is representative of something I also love about touring. I was actually on tour with New Found Glory in the UK and Sully happened to be playing a show on our day off, not too far away. I jumped on a train and met up with them and took this photo. I just love when worlds randomly collide.
Can you share a random memory with the band while on tour paired with a photo?
It was my birthday and Sully is always super thoughtful in the “embarrassing me in front of large groups of people” sort of way. So here I am with a full cake in my face. Honestly there are tons of moments on tour that are super memorable. Sometimes I photograph them and sometimes I just enjoy it for myself. I always make sure to have a balance.
When did you first begin taking an interest in music photography?
When I was 11 years old I was watching Entertainment Tonight with my mom and they had a segment where they were spending a day in the life with the band Hanson. During the day they were doing a photo shoot and were throwing leaves around, having a great time. So that’s when it clicked. I need to become a photographer so I can hang out with Hanson. (I actually hung out with Hanson thanks to Zach Myers of Shinedown so — life complete. They were awesome.) I started setting up my sister and cousins as if they were a band, and it all developed from there.
What was the first concert you photographed?
I would photograph local punk rock shows. The first band I ever photographed and then toured with was Protagonist. I still photograph them and they are some of my best friends.
Are there bucket list bands you hope to work with next?
Pixies, Lady Gaga, and of course Hanson. I also really like working with Comedians.
What was your favorite concert you've ever photographed?
It would have to be a handful of shows in Europe with Limp Bizkit. The energy of the crowd of that whole tour was just unmatched.
