For years, Juan Samudio dedicated himself to mastering the art of portrait and fashion photography, working alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry. His keen eye for detail, composition, and lighting helped him build a solid reputation, allowing him to collaborate with models, designers, and brands. Yet, despite his success in fashion photography, something was missing.

That all changed one fateful night at a Måneskin concert in Colombia. With nothing but his phone in hand, Juan instinctively began snapping shots of the band, captivated by the sheer energy of the performance. The result? Electrifying, high-energy images that perfectly encapsulated the raw emotion of live music. At that moment, he realized he had found his true calling—concert photography.

Diving Into the World of Live Music Photography

Inspired by that transformative experience, Juan set out to turn his newfound passion into a career. Concert photography is a competitive and challenging field, requiring both artistic talent and a relentless drive to break into the industry. Unlike controlled fashion shoots, live performances demand photographers to think fast, anticipate movements, and capture fleeting moments in unpredictable lighting.

Undeterred by these challenges, Juan hustled into some of Colombia’s biggest music festivals, including La Solar and Festival Estéreo Picnic. These opportunities allowed him to develop his signature style—vibrant, high-contrast images highlighting live performances’ electric atmosphere.

His reputation quickly grew, and soon, he was photographing international superstars such as:

• The Chainsmokers
• 30 Seconds to Mars
• Tiësto
• Alan Walker
• Nicki Nicole

Each artist brought a unique energy to the stage, and Juan’s lens captured every beat, every jump, and every moment of raw emotion. His ability to translate sound into visuals set him apart, making him one of Colombia’s most sought-after concert photographers.

The Art of Capturing Live Music

Unlike studio photography, where lighting and poses can be meticulously planned, concert photography is an entirely different beast. Photographers must navigate ever-changing lights, fast-moving performers, and crowded venues while ensuring every shot tells a story.

Juan thrives in this high-energy environment. His photographs don’t just document events—they transport viewers into the moment, allowing them to feel the music through his images. Whether it’s the sweat on a drummer’s face, the glow of stage lights reflecting off a guitar, or the crowd’s ecstatic reaction, Juan captures it all with precision and artistry.

The Road Ahead: Touring with Global Artists

While Juan has already achieved an impressive portfolio, he’s far from done. His ultimate goal is to become an official tour photographer for major artists, traveling the world and documenting musicians’ journeys both on and off the stage.

Tour photography goes beyond capturing performances—it tells a deeper story. From behind-the-scenes moments to the highs and lows of life on the road, Juan envisions himself as more than just a photographer; he wants to be a visual storyteller, giving fans an intimate look into the lives of their favorite artists.

As he continues to refine his craft, Juan remains a rising force in the world of concert photography. With every festival he shoots and every artist he captures, he moves one step closer to turning his dream into reality.

For music lovers and aspiring photographers alike, Juan’s journey proves that passion and perseverance can open doors to unexpected opportunities. What started as a spontaneous moment at a Måneskin concert has now blossomed into a full-fledged career, and the best is yet to come.

Follow Juan’s Latest Concert Shoots:

Instagram (Photography): @samussphoto
Portfolio: samuss.com/portfolio

Published by Tom W.