A Rock Photographer's Journey: Capturing Iconic Guitars

The Photographer's Path

Hey there, Robbie from Chatting Tracks here. I recently caught up with Kane Hibbard, the mastermind behind an extraordinary guitar photography exhibition. Kane's journey into music photography began back in 2005. Initially, he used a simple point-and-shoot at gigs, but the desire to capture images like his idols led him to explore professional photography. He never planned to venture into music photography professionally, but his passion naturally steered him there.

Accidental Professional

Kane’s adventure into full-time photography was serendipitous. Initially, juggling a small record label that wasn't generating revenue, he pursued photography studies, considering real estate photography as a potential income source. However, his professor's critiques steered him toward music photography, recognising his talent in capturing live gigs. By the end of his course, Kane’s hobby had blossomed into a career, thanks to his connections in the music scene.

Crafting the Exhibition

The inspiration for his unique exhibition struck while touring with The Living End. Kane captured detailed shots of guitarist Chris Cheney, leading to the inception of the exhibition idea. The concept was simple yet groundbreaking: photograph guitars in exquisite detail and print them full-size, offering viewers an intimate experience. By 2014, Kane committed to bringing this vision to life.

Networking with Legends

While the thought of approaching legends like Paul McCartney and Brian May might intimidate many, Kane focused on the guitars he had access to first. His interactions with Australian artists led to recommendations and connections, eventually putting him in touch with the right people to photograph iconic instruments. The simplicity of his concept made it easy to gain approval from famous musicians.

Behind the Lens

Encountering legendary guitars was a dream come true. For Kane, Brian May's guitar was particularly significant. Handling these instruments involved setting them up with the utmost care. The process was a mix of precision and discovery, revealing unexpected details during editing, like hidden stickers and graffiti.

Crafting the Perfect Image

The process of bringing each guitar to life on paper was meticulous. From the initial photograph to the final print, Kane dedicated around 20 hours to each guitar, carefully combining different shots to ensure flawless detail and realism. The goal was to achieve a three-dimensional effect, making each guitar appear as though it were emerging from the paper.

The Next Steps and Advice for Aspiring Photographers

Kane’s exhibition debuted in London and features 100 guitars, although he’s captured nearly 275 in total. The next phase involves completing a book with all the guitars and stories behind them. Kane advises aspiring photographers to start locally, work with emerging bands, and build a community. Success comes from passion and dedication, not the pursuit of fame.

A Unique Experience

The exhibition offers an unparalleled experience, blending visual art with personal stories. Each photo is accompanied by audio, allowing viewers to engage with the history and emotion behind each guitar. Though an audiobook version hasn't been finalised, the current format encourages people to experience the exhibition in person.

Expanding the Horizon

While Kane's focus is primarily on guitars, there’s potential for exploring other instruments. The fascination lies in the narratives that artists share about their tools, making each story compelling, irrespective of the instrument involved.

In closing, Kane's work highlights the intersection of art and music, celebrating the stories and craftsmanship behind iconic guitars. It's a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion and the incredible paths that can unfold.