Alma Bengtsson x Happy Ears

Live music is built on energy, movement and sound, but capturing it takes focus, timing and a strong sense of presence. To better understand the work behind the image, we spoke with freelance photographer Alma Bengtsson about concerts, creative flow and what happens when everything has to come together in the moment.

Could you introduce yourself - not as a bio, but as a person who makes things?

My name is Alma Bengtsson, I’m 29 years old and I work as a freelance photographer, mostly within the music and entertainment business. I capture a lot of concerts as well as doing press and promotional content for artists and comedians. As a creative person I really enjoy the teamwork on set with other creatives and the thrill of getting to a concert and having 3 songs to get The Shot, sometimes without knowing anything about what the show is gonna look like or how crowded it will be in the photo pit. It’s problem solving on the spot!

What makes you Happy, in work or in life?

Going to concerts! When I first moved to Stockholm 10 years ago I promised myself to go to any show that I was even mildly interested in. And I said yes to shoot any concert, even the ones I didn’t know anything about. I have no regrets.

Where do you usually look for inspiration before an idea starts taking shape?

Music’s always been a big inspiration for me. If an artist approaches me to take photos for an album or a single, I always start by listening to the music to help get an idea of what matches the music visually. 

How do you find your way into flow and what tends to pull you out of it?

That’s a tricky question! I don’t know if I’ve found a way that works yet to be honest. What I do know is that I always switch on when I need to. I think being confident in what I do, knowing I can deliver even on bad days, is probably what helps me find my flow. And when I’m in that flow it’s actually really hard to be pulled out of it. You’re so focused on shooting you don’t know that you’re exhausted until you stop. 

Site: almabengtsson.se

Instagram: @almabengtsson