Behind the Lens: A Conversation with Chantel Malin

Our next featured photographer this month is Chantel Malin (@chantelmalin), a talented New Haven-based artist whose work beautifully captures the energy of live performances. We first met Chantel at the Cage the Elephant concert in Connecticut, where we were both photographing the artists that night. Between snapping shots and sharing our excitement for Young the Giant’s set, we quickly connected and were inspired by her passion for music photography. Since then, we've loved following her Instagram posts featuring all the concerts she’s captured.

Chantel’s journey into photography is a blend of her creative roots and love for music. Starting in fine arts and later pursuing audio engineering in college, she eventually found her calling in concert photography—a field that perfectly merges her artistic eye with her appreciation for live performances. Beyond the music world, Chantel also photographs horse shows and equine portraits, reflecting her lifelong connection to horses. We’re excited to share more about Chantel’s story and the incredible work she brings to the stage.

YFG: What drew you to photography, specifically concert photography?

Chantel: I've always been a bit of a fiend when it comes to taking pictures on my phone—I don’t even want to think about how many photos are in my iCloud library right now. I especially found myself snapping a ridiculous number of iPhone photos at concerts I attended as a fan. I’ve always had friends who were concert photographers, and while I found it fascinating, for some reason, it never felt like a possibility for me. After graduating college, my parents gifted me my first camera, and one of my good friends let me start shooting shows for her publication. I quickly realized this was something I wanted to pursue for a long time. As someone who loves both visual arts and music—whether as a fan or a creator—I’ve found concert photography to be the most authentic way to combine those two passions.

YFG: Were there any photographers or artists who inspired your journey?

Chantel: My friend Liz (Elizabeth Wiltshire, @elizabeth.wiltshire) played a huge role in getting me started—I even bought my first DSLR from her! Honestly, my friends are my biggest inspirations. I’ve known my best friend Szonia (@simplythetinydragon) since we were fourteen, and watching her journey has been incredibly inspiring. I also admire friends like Carly Palicz (@carlypalicz), Joanna Barronton (@joanna_barronton), Bella Peterson (@elevamy), and Jacklyn (@photobyjacklyn), who runs the first publication I ever shot for. Beyond my friends, there are other photographers I deeply look up to, including Anna Lee, Penelope Martinez, Matty Vogel, Lupe Bustos, and Alex Perkins. Their work constantly inspires me to grow and push myself creatively.

YFG: What role does post-editing play in your process? Do you have a favorite editing style?

Chantel: Editing is everything, especially in concert photography. More often than not, you’re working with less-than-ideal lighting that’s nearly impossible to expose perfectly in the moment. While I’m still figuring out my own style, one consistent element in my work is my love for color—all things vibrant, bright, and shiny. My goal is always to capture the feeling of being at a live show. To me, that feeling is incredibly joyous, intense, and full of life, and using saturated colors and bright highlights translates that energy best.

YFG: How do you see the role of concert photographers evolving with the rise of social media?

Chantel: Visuals are becoming increasingly important in the age of social media. Many photographers, myself included, are starting to explore video as platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok dominate attention. While I love seeing the emphasis on quality visuals to catch people’s eyes, the ever-growing demand for constant content is a bit concerning. I often find myself rushing to produce as much as possible, rather than taking the time to create something I’m truly proud of. This year, I’m working on being more intentional about my work. Ultimately, I worry about photographers being seen as content machines rather than as artists.

YFG: Do you think concert photography impacts how fans experience music and live performances?

Chantel: I hope that fans recognize the effort photographers put into capturing a special and unique performance in a way that brings them joy. As someone on the shorter side, I know how frustrating it can be when you're trying to enjoy a concert and people with cameras are blocking your view. I always try to stay out of the way as much as possible and connect with the fans around me, sharing in their excitement. I got into this because of how happy live music made me, and my goal is to add to that experience—not take away from it. Some of my favorite moments have been fun interactions with fans in the front row while I’m in the photo pit. I also make it a point to take crowd photos, because the fans are the heart of any live performance. Concerts wouldn’t be the same without their energy!

YFG: What advice would you give to someone trying to break into concert photography?

Chantel: Just go for it—life’s too short not to try. Everyone’s journey is unique, but my advice is to grab whatever camera you can afford and start shooting. Go to small shows in tiny clubs or bars, discover local bands you’ve never heard of, and take as many photos as you can. Experiment and make mistakes—take blurry, underexposed, or out-of-focus photos. Push your settings to the limit. Dive into Lightroom and play around to see what creative magic you can make with editing. Watch tutorials, ask questions, send bold emails, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Concert photography is competitive, but there’s room for everyone. Success starts with believing in yourself, even if you have to fake it at first.

YFG: If you could go back and purchase your first camera and lens again, what would you choose?

Chantel: I started with a tiny entry-level Nikon, a D3200, that I bought from my friend Liz. I outgrew it pretty quickly, shooting a couple of free outdoor concerts and taking it to the barn to photograph horses. I eventually sold it and switched to Canon, getting the 90D with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. Honestly, I don't have any complaints. While the Nikon was short-lived, it was an affordable way for me to figure out that I really loved photography and was committed to sticking with it before investing more money.

YFG: What has been your most memorable concert or performance to photograph and why?

Chantel: This past summer, I had the chance to see one of my all-time favorite bands, Something Corporate, tour for the first time in over a decade. I've been fortunate enough to form a friendship with Andrew McMahon, and his team invited me to shoot their show in Atlanta for Andrew's official fan club. It was a surreal, full-circle moment for me. One of Andrew's concerts in 2015 sparked my love for live music, and I even auditioned for music school with a Jack's Mannequin song on the piano. He gave me my first real photo pass and has supported my journey over the years. It was incredibly special to work with his team in a professional capacity, and I'm so grateful for their trust and the kindness they showed me.

We’re so excited to spotlight Chantel’s incredible talent this month and hope her journey inspires aspiring photographers to pursue their creative passions. When we discovered she had photographed The Bleachers, we couldn’t contain our excitement—her shots truly did the band justice! We can’t wait to bump into Chantel in the photo pit again (so we can keep reminding her just how amazing she is). Be sure to follow her on socials to see which artists she’ll capture next. Stay tuned, groupies—this week, we’ll be revealing the final photographer in our highlight series!

All our Love,

Your Favorite Groupies