We caught up with local photographer / DJ Kierian Patton. He has been a photographer for several years now having taken photos as a few of our very own events.
Hey Kierian, so how did you get into photography?
Hey! It initially started when I was around 11/12. I wanted to get a nice camera to video myself and mates at the skatepark and chuck it on youtube.
Then from there, it developed into me snapping photos of friends then it snowballed into myself taking it a bit more seriously. Around 3 years after getting the camera is when I started getting paid here and there for small gigs, mostly just local jobs and family things.
Then when I turned 18 I managed to get a few gigs shooting for shapes, more notably when they hosted Alan Fitzpatrick in Fubar.
I came for the experience but the other photographer didn’t turn up! So a few of my images were used for promo.
From there I managed to start shooting for Maximum Pressure, Riverside Festival, Terminal V, FLY Open-Air and TRNSMT.
I have been fairly lucky with the gigs I have managed to secure, it is mostly because I would constantly be emailing promoters and festivals asking if they needed a photographer. I think that’s the best way to get your foot in the door, is just by asking and asking then eventually you will have a break.
We know you more as a club photographer but what other types of photography do you love to take?
So, as well as taking photos in clubs, I have been trying to focus in on commercial and fashion photography too. Recently I have been shooting for Lululemon UK which in turn has opened more doors in that side of the industry which i’m super grateful for.
I would like to involve myself a little more in that side and hopefully shoot for bigger brands and maybe even start doing magazine editorials.
Being a club photographer gets you up close to some of the biggest DJs. Who have you managed to snap? Got two favorite DJ snaps?
That is a tough one, the first couple that comes to mind would be Jeff Mills, Ben Klock, Fjaak, Nina Kraviz and Amelie lens to name a few. Below are snaps of Amelie Lens and Derrick Carter!
Recently stepping into DJing whats your musical taste?
It started mostly heavy techno, but it has developed into a more deep and ambient sound and less about slamming kick drums.
Although I do still play a lot of heavy as a lot of people know. But just now i’m trying to experiment with more and more different sounds to try and create an interesting vibe or sound.
Hardwax is my go too if I am trying to dig for music, they offer a huge range of genres and sub-genres each with fifty-plus pages to go through!
Is this more a hobby or would you like to go further?
It would be nice for it to go further, especially since I and a couple of mates have created ‘ Phat Earth Society ‘.
Would be great to get more gigs in the local area and a few in other cities. After our first event at the med, it is given us a desire to organise more events and attempt to play at other nights.
Recently we were allowed to play before and after Slam at the Fubar, this was organised by the lovely gentlemen over at LooP, we are super thankful they let us play with legends to the scene.
Favorite tune right now?
That is a tough one, probably ‘Vortex’ NX1 remix – Tadeo. Has a nice deep/trippy sound which i am all about right now.
Thanks for the interview. Lastly, let us see three of your favourite pictures you have taken?
Riverside Festival
Slam
Denis Sulta
