Shiona (UnsceneUnheard) is living the life most kids dream of: she travels all over the globe to photograph bands that she loves, both for Buzznet and her own digital music mag, Viva La Scene. But this isn’t something she merely stumbled into. Even cursory look through the stunning photography she’s shared with Buzznet shows the almost otherworldly gift she possesses. In our candid conversation with her, we learned a couple tricks of the trade, and chatted about the influence of a close friend — and fellow Buzznet member(!) — her Mom.

Buzznet: When did you first realize that photography was more than just a hobby for you?

Shiona: I think it was only really last year that I started to feel that it was something I could really pursue if I put my mind to it. I mean, I've always been interested in it, but probably when I started shooting in bigger places alongside more serious and pro photographers? That's sort of when I started thinking wow, this is kind of a big deal. Well, for me personally at least.

Buzznet: I know you must've experienced this (because I certainly did), but how did you initially deal with feelings of inadequacy when shooting next to people whose gear cost 5x what you were shooting with?

Shiona: I didn't think too much about it early on - because a lot of the places I shot at in Glasgow, I was usually the only one covering the shows. But when you walk into a pit and there are two people there with equipment more expensive than my own kit AND car put together it’s rather...intimidating.

But really its always gonna be what you do with what you've got. Eventually I just accepted that you've got to work with what you've got - if you spent all your time staring (and lusting) after someone else’s kit you're always going to feel insecure about whether you're not good because of what you're using. But I mean, I know people who can use a low-end 3 year old Canon body with a kit lens and still get amazing shots. Kit isn't everything.

Buzznet: What kind of gear do you think is pretty essential for the type of photography you're working in? I mean, I know from experience how frustratingly tough concert photography is, but I'm interested in what's worked for you.

Shiona: Prime lenses are hands down the most integral gear for me. Fixed focal length means you aren't flailing around deciding whether to zoom in more or not, and means you're literally thinking on your feet. And of course, for low light situation being able to have faster glass with a wider aperture of say f/1.4 can make a huge different to whether a whole shot is in focus or not. I'd always say the lenses matter far more than the body you're working with.

Buzznet: Are you happy being known on Buzznet for your concert photography? Is there another part of your life that you'd like to share with the people who follow you on the site?

Shiona: Sometimes I feel like it’s the only thing I'm really known for. But I mean, I'm not the most eloquent person in the world, so I'd definitely rather be known for my pictures than my words. I shoot all sorts of stuff - from social events with family and friends, to animals at zoos and safari parks, and well, lately I'm trying to work a lot harder on portraiture - it would be kind of nice to be seen as being more well-rounded, rather than just taking photos of smelly boys on stage sometimes.

Buzznet: So I know you're pretty lucky to have a mom who is not only supportive of your talents, but is actually a photographer and Buzznet member herself. Does it ever feel odd to have your mom share the same interests as you?



Shiona: It doesn't feel weird to me at all. I know some people think its weird. We have a really brilliant relationship and always have, and I know some people aren't as close with their parents so it probably looks odd. But she's brilliant as a mum and friend. I'm always grateful to have her input and opinion on the photography thing because I know she'll be very honest about it; if she has an opinion or criticism to make, she can, and it won't cause any problems.

It's pretty cool sometimes because we'll go on little expeditions together to take photos - zoos, public gardens, etc. A lot of my other friends aren't big on photography, so it’s nice to have someone around who is. Plus its always a bonus to have someone who I know and trust who is more than capable of shooting a show for me with little to know warning if I have prior commitments to something.



Buzznet: Does your fierce sense of independence come from your mother too?

Shiona: Most likely yeah. She's a very strong-minded person and I think she's always put it to both my brother and I that we have to pursue the things we want in life, because it won't just come to us. So yeah, its definitely made me more determined to do things even if people think it's silly or a waste of time, even if I have to go things alone sometimes.

Buzznet: So who do you turn to if you do need help? Your mom? Anyone on Buzznet?

Shiona: Not gonna lie, my mum is pretty high up the list. But yeah there's some strong bonds with people from Buzznet still. Lucy (brokenglassheart) I met through Buzznet, and what with her living so near we are now really close friends and hang out a few times a month, even went on a tour together in May. Sara (xblankface), especially she's always a great person to lend an ear and offer a different perspective. Bel (bellavenom) obviously, though she's not on Buzznet so much these days. Jen (wheredidjengo) is a brilliant person for advice and ideas...because I don't actually think she sleeps! She's always there to talk and bring the wacky ideas to the table.

Buzznet: You spend a great deal of time traveling the world, making new friends, taking photos at shows, and meeting bands...what do you do when you have time for yourself?



Shiona: Well, that's all the fun stuff that I love doing! So that is a huge chunk of the me time right there. There's down time sure, but I try not to let it last too long. I guess I just chill out, catching up with friends closer to home, catch up on TV shows (it doesn't take much time; my favorite ones always get cancelled). You know, the normal every day type stuff. But honestly I'm always trying to plan the next big adventure, book up more shows, and process all the photos that I take.