News--Local teen turns love of music, photography into budding business

Looking back at old photographs, and listening to some of our favorite songs ---- be them new or old ---- are some of the best ways to keep memories alive. Which is exactly what fifteen-year-old Anthony DiSano believed when he launched Temecula-based DiSano Photography one year ago. Influenced by his love of music, and his father's interest in cameras, DiSano decided to turn his love into a business.

"I got my first film camera from my grandfather when I was about 10 years old, and I loved it," said the Temecula Valley High School sophomore. "I took as many pictures as I could, but the camera ended up breaking because it wasn't a high-quality one. After that incident, I stopped taking pictures for awhile, but photography always stayed a big interest of mine. My dad was into photography a lot, and I was always intrigued by what he was doing. I would help him, and he taught me a lot, as well. About two years ago, I bought my own SLR, and became dedicated and focused enough to make photography a type of business for myself. I wanted to go somewhere with it, so I created a MySpace profile where I could showcase all of the bands and photo shoots that I've done. It started out as just a couple local bands, but now I've started to expand."
With a musical background, DiSano felt that shooting musicians doing what they love, creating music, was the ultimate way to go with his endeavor.

"I have been in a few bands, and have loved music since I was young," revealed DiSano. "I've had experience with various instruments, but I mainly just play guitar and sing. I've sung for a few different bands, and am currently in one right now. Over the years, I've worked at different venues, and am currently working as an apprentice for a sound-mixing studio. I'm happy to have found a way to incorporate both. I don't like to limit myself to being a music photographer ---- I like to do abstract stuff as well as basic scenic shots. Music is what I want to base my life around, so what better way is there to do that, than to try and capture the energy and power of music in a photograph."

And, of course, the perks aren't too bad either.

"I haven't received any financial support in my photography," said DiSano. "However, the fact that I get into shows for free, and often get free merchandise, or some type of hook-up is nice. Other than that, though, I pay for everything. It's difficult, but I get by. In a business where technology rules and money is the backbone for advanced technology, it is a struggle sometimes. There are always a lot of better cameras, better flashes, better memory, and pretty much all around better equipment that could help me out, but I stick with what I have. The old motto 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' really gets me by."

So what is a typical day like for a photography ingenue? What course of action must he go through to prepare for the show, and his upcoming assignments?

"Since I'm still in high school, during the week I am going to school, doing homework, and other normal stuff," said DiSano. "Depending on my current assignment, I will have to work on my photos after school and on weekends. If it's the day of the show, my day is more hectic. I have to make sure everything is ready ---- check that the batteries are charged, and the memory cards are clean. Then I need to get a ride to the show. I usually get there early, before the crowds arrive, that way I can check my surroundings out. Usually I'm friends with the band and/or venue, so I hang out a bit. I check out the stage and see what I'll set my equipment to, then I just wait until showtime, when I can get to work. From there on it's nonstop photo taking. Following the show, I have to edit my pictures, and give myself credit for the ones that I'll be sending out. To finish it all off, I upload the pictures to my profile, then send them out to any of the bands, venues, booking companies, record labels, and just about anyone else who has requested them."

DiSano, who has worked with Vertex Clothing, as well as artists such as Covette, Bad Robots, Lower Definition, Yesterdays Rising, Shaunteclair, and I Am Ghost, may currently work with predominantly California-based bands, but he's looking to expand his photography empire.

"I mostly work with local artists, but I have also had the opportunity to shoot a few touring bands from other states, as well. I want to extend my work, and try to start projects with bands and groups from all over the world," he said.

"Currently, I mainly take action shots," said DiSano. "The first concert I ever went to got me hooked like a drug. The way the fans feed off the music, and the bands feed off the crowd is such an amazing feeling. The two reactions combine to become a swirl of expression and musical movement that just really impressed me. I sought out a way to become a part of that, and give back to the music scene, as well as try to capture what was being created. I believe that's why action shots interest me so much. I would like to attempt more promo shots though."

As for future photography jobs, DiSano isn't biased about his subjects, as long as they give him the opportunity to express himself, and to showcase moods and/or feelings in the end result.

"I want to photograph anything and everything I can. Not just bands, but anything that comes my way. I want to keep my mind open to different aspects of photography, and see where it takes me. I eventually want to create a website for my photography, and make it a part-time or even full-time career. In the future, I would like to have a partner or team of photographers whom I could assist, and, in return, they could assist me. I just want to see where this takes me."

To learn more about DiSano Photography or setting up a session, visit Anthony at myspace.com/disanophotography.

By: ERIKA SOROCCO - For The Californian