What are you listening to?

When I was growing up, music was a huge part of my life. It was a safe haven to retreat to after a difficult day at school, something that defined who I was, like the clothes and shoes I wore, a way to connect with friends as we shared a common passion, mix tapes and earphones, and learn new English vocabulary.

We've all done it. We've unpacked an old box and found a CD or a tape, and smiled as we held an entire year of our lives in our two hands. Toto's "I'll be over you" reminds me of one particular summer watching horror movies with my friends when I was 14. Bon Jovi's "I'll be there for you" is still a karaoke favorite of mine. And don't get me started on the New Kids on the Block. 

This made me wonder. I know a lot of professional photographers like to play music in the background on photo shoots to set a certain mood and put the model at ease. But what about you? Do you listen to music while taking photos? And if songs are memories and moods wrapped in a few notes and sentences, how much do they affect the way we look at life through our lenses?

I can't wait to read your thoughts on this. And don't forget to share your images and songs in the comment section below.

Comments

[Marcie]

When I'm 'out' taking pictures...I always have music playing in my ears.
When I'm 'in' processing pictures...music inspires me. It's often those musical artists..their lyrics...or their melodies that provide me my titles for the images I post:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=904
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=898
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=921

[elk]

irene a wonderful image ,,,songs too!

i always have songs in my head...i sing for my job so i match lyrics to photos as a way of getting them out "on paper" so to speak, here are two today :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammymom/3486838633/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammymom/3427483292/

[~ kristina ~]

Can I share what I listen to when I'm tired and stressed and need something soothing? James Taylor all the way, even better if covered by A.K.! I also love Byzantine chant for its peace and calm.

http://meadowlarkdays.blogspot.com/2009/09/withered.html

[cmv]

i'm always most inspired to take pictures when i'm out walking the city- and thus my photography soundtracks are always good walking music.

these boots are make for walking
http://knittingsandwich.typepad.com/sandwich/2009/09/agony-and-ecstasy-.html

[cmv]

sorry! i forgot to say that i absolutely LOVE that photo. what a beautiful mood you capture, and such delicious concentration. gorgeous!

[Anne]

It changes. As for this summer, the times I felt the most in my element within the world around me was riding in a taxi/rickshaw with the driver's Indian-Pop, usually A.R. Rahman, blasting as the images of the street wizzed by my eyes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alizw/3830865632/

[melissa]

http://melissamillerphotos.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/09/music-.html

[cigi]

I hail from the same Los Angeles neighborhood as Jackson Browne and am always reminded of one song, in particular, when I return to my old stomping grounds.

http://walkinginthisworld.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/walking-slow/

[Shutter Sisters]

sometimes images i shoot remind me of songs or songs inspire an image but rarely do i listen to music while i shoot. i love the idea though. i mostly use music to put me in a better mood while cleaning house. my all time favorite to clean to is The Sundays (remember them?).

today to keep my cool, and keep my sanilty (in hopes to keep my kids calm too) I'm trying some classical on a local station KUSC. so far, so good.

[charlane]

while taking them? I've always been outside so I don't do a studio type deal...but if I did, it would totally be based on that person and what would give them energy.

[Leanne]

Last night . . . it was U2 . . . at Soldier Field in Chicago. I had an epiphany when Bono sang "Stuck in a Moment" as the Edge played the guitar. It was amazing. Didn't bring a camera . . . wasn't sure we could take it in. But the few shots we did get with our phone will be remembrance enough. The spirit goes on in the words. . .

http://fromchaoscomeshappiness.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-have-new-soundtrack.html

[Toni | Daily Vignette]

I'm like Charlane, my shoots are all outside and I've never even thought about music during a session. I guess one could crank up the car stereo! =) Great idea, though.

[littlepurplecow (Stephanie Roberts)]

I almost always listen to music while I'm processing images. I used to love listening to music while I painted, but never thought about taking my headphones along on a shoot. What a great idea.

[miruspeg]

Beautiful image Irene.
I am very passionate about music and photography. But I only use them together on my blog.
When taking photos, I like to be in that moment without any music, just at one with nature or the people being photographed.

http://miruspeg.blogspot.com/2009/08/enlightenment-are-we-there-yet.html

Love your blog.
Cheers
Peggy

[Elizabeth]

I've been working on a project all summer documenting "life" on Pacific Ave in Santa Cruz, CA. I intentionally don't listen to my own music so that I can hear the rythm of the street and follow that towrds my nxt image.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethmeier/3749975508/

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