Thank You For Everything

Photography By Alex Bastidas

Experimental photojournalist Alex Basitdas talks about documenting the underground music scene of San Luis Obispo, being respectful at shows, and the joy of finding a place where you belong.

San Luis Obispo, USA

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

I started doing photography after I just turned 16. My dad gave me his old Sony a6000 camera that I still use to this day.

What have you learned along the way?

I learned how to use a camera and its settings to take a proper picture in any setting given to me, whether it's outside or inside. Or what my subject is when taking a picture.

How would you describe your work? What makes your perspective unique and different?

I would describe my work as "experimental" photojournalism. What makes my work stand out the most from others, to me, is that it's my work. I took the picture. I edited the picture. I made the effort to learn how to take pictures the way I want them to be taken.

What makes my work stand out is my color grading as well as my settings. I use flash for almost all my photos. I also like to use a slow shutter speed to capture light and make it do whatever I want it to do. When I edit, I mess with the tint and temperature more than anything because color grading can make or break a photo. If you can't figure out how you want it to look, just do B&W; it solves anything.

What challenges have you faced as a photographer?

Some challenges I have faced as a photographer the most is other photographers. There are many photographers in our scene who have not only angered many showgoers, but have upset many of the photographers who have the most experience doing this. It's not right to call anyone out. But I feel the need to say this. If you're a photographer. DON'T BE A FUCKING WEIRDO.

Tell the story behind one of your images.

This is a photo of my good friend Jess crowdsurfing above probably the biggest crowd that Dark Nectar has ever had. This photo definitely captures how the scene came together at the end of one of the most tragic days of our scene. I will never forget you, Dark Nectar.

Your work mainly focuses on the underground music scene around San Luis Obispo, California. How does this subject matter inspire you?

I've lived in SLO County my whole life. This entire town is my home. But I've always felt like an outcast from everyone at school. When I started going to shows, I never felt judged for who I was. I was able to go to these small, hidden concerts in the towns that I grew up in, and I felt welcomed because everyone was so inclusive of new people. I felt inspired knowing that all these talented people are just like me. Looking for a place where they can belong and be themselves.

What is it like being an artist in SLO? What do you love about the area?

Being an artist in SLO is a lot of fun because the people who view your work are the same people who have been in your life for so long. Being an artist is difficult when you're competing with so many different artists as well. But if you're able to not let it get to your head, you might just end up meeting the people that inspire you the most. Shout out to Noir AKA AnimalTeeth 13. Love you, dude! <3

What I love most about SLO is how close everything is, so nothing is ever too far of a drive. But we have really terrible tourist attractions. Bubblegum Alley is NOT a good tourist attraction.

What are the strengths of the music scene in San Luis Obispo? What do you think needs to change?

Strengths: It's very easy to get in tune with how to act around everyone. I think our scene is extremely diverse; we have a good mix of people with different skin colors, sexual orientations, disabilities, etc. And we're honestly so accepting of everyone. The scene is one big happy family, if anything.

Weaknesses: Everyone tends to hate each other. When you're in the middle of friend groups in the scene, you learn about the beef people have with each other. And it ruins our perspective of people.

What are your favorite venues to shoot in?

My favorite venues to shoot photos at are probably
Dark Nectar (RIP)
Slodoco
Casa Del Rio (Shoutout Kiana)
Slo Brew
Humdinger
And The Aviary (MEGA RIP)

Who are some bands that we need to check out?

Bands from Slo that YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT
Special Forces (Hardcore Punk)
Joone (Indie Rock)
Avalynn (Post Rock/Shoegaze)
Slutboy (Psych Punk)
Bent (Hardcore Punk)
Excuse Me Sir (Post Rock/Shoegaze)
Whereveryouare (Metalcore/Post Hardcore emo)
I.Hate.U (Screamo)
The Let Downs
Grayce (RIP)
Grangel (RIP)
Dead Chicken

Is there a scene in another city you would like to document? If so, which one?

If there were another city I'd wanna document, it would probably be LA. The scene there is super cool, and I feel like I would fit in pretty well.

If someone wanted to get into music photography, what advice would you give them?

The best advice I can give about becoming a show photographer is getting to know your people before you shoot. Think about how these people will see you. Don't make anyone uncomfortable. Be respectful; if people tell you to move, YOU MOVE. If people tell you not to take photos of them, YOU LISTEN AND BE RESPECTFUL. And lastly, BE CREATIVE; do something unique to anyone else's work.