In this series, Frank 151 invites you on a captivating journey around the globe, providing a unique glimpse into the narratives and imaginative landscapes of individuals who are driving creativity to new heights worldwide.
Embark on a visual and intellectual adventure as we delve into the worlds of not only photographers and actors but also delve into the realms of rappers, musicians, graffiti artists, filmmakers, and the visionary minds behind emerging brands. Our creative chronicles are set to unfold, offering a rich tapestry of insights, anecdotes, and life wisdom that traverse the vibrant streets to the dynamic boardrooms, from the vast oceans to the majestic mountains.
Join us as we connect with the crème de la crème of the creative realm, bringing forth a diverse spectrum of perspectives that highlight the intersection of artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From the pulse of urban streets to the serene landscapes, this series promises to capture the essence of the global creative scene, providing an immersive experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates the multifaceted expressions of human ingenuity.
London-based photographer Magda Campagne doesn’t just shoot live music — she lives inside it. Raised on a steady diet of rock, grunge, zines, and band mythology, Campagne has spent years embedding herself deep in punk, metal, and underground scenes, documenting the moments that happen when stages dissolve and community takes over. Her work is raw, intimate, and fiercely human, shaped by small rooms, loud amps, and artists who give everything they have.
With a documentarian’s eye and a fan’s heart, Campagne approaches music photography as both service and preservation — an act of gratitude toward the scenes that carried her. From dive-bar chaos to festival catharsis, from under-represented voices to award-nominated images, her lens captures connection above all else.
Frank 151 caught up with Magda to talk obsession, small venues, mosh pits, and why music photography still matters.
Frank 151: What first drew you to music photography, and how did your early experiences shape the way you approach live shoots today?
Magda Campagne: Music has been my biggest passion since I was a child. I’ve always obsessed over bands and artists — my childhood and teenage years were spent collecting music magazines, watching music videos, making mixtapes, reading artist biographies, I even dabbled in some personal fan fiction!
I was also photographing from the age of seven, starting with compact film cameras and later my mum’s old Praktica PLC-2 SLR. I always loved candid shots. When I was given my first DSLR soon after moving to London, it made logical sense to start bringing it to the shows of a band I was obsessed with at the time, Maybeshewill.
I love the candid aspect of music photography, and the idea that I’m documenting what might become a moment in music history. I always approach it with a documentarian mindset.
Frank 151: You’ve spoken about photography as a way of giving back to the music community. What does that relationship mean to you personally?
Magda Campagne: Music carried me my whole life in one way or another, so being able to contribute my art to the scenes I love means a lot to me. It’s almost an act of service. I thank them for the music with photography.
Frank 151: Your work sits deeply within punk, rock, and metal scenes. How have those subcultures shaped your visual language?
Magda Campagne: I grew up on rock and grunge and I love the visceral nature of those performances. You always know you’ll get a show full of unpredictable moments that build a strong visual story.
Those artists tend to be close to their audiences too — they don’t always stay on stage. Some performances become deeply intimate, with artists coming into the crowd and creating a communal experience. I love the grit and the challenge of that.
Punk also thrives when the world isn’t in a great socio-economic place. The message is full of protest, but it also offers hope, and that energy feeds directly into how I shoot.
Frank 151: Your images feel very candid and immersive. What are you looking for in a moment when you’re shooting a live show?
Magda Campagne: I look for moments of connection — band members connecting with each other, artists connecting with the audience, or artists connecting with something inside themselves.
One of my favourite images from last year was Jamie Ward from Maybeshewill at their 20th anniversary show, just taking a quiet moment alone on stage.
When artists come out into the crowd, that connection becomes incredibly powerful. Seb Alvarez from noise metal band meth. collapsed at the end of his performance, and capturing him curled up in the crowd — then lifted and embraced by the audience — resulted in some of my most powerful images.
Frank 151: Many of your photographs capture the intimacy of small venues. What is it about those spaces that continues to inspire you?
Magda Campagne: Small venues offer more opportunities for real connection. They’re challenging because you’re shooting among the audience and I try to be mindful not to get in people’s way, but there’s nothing like a tiny room where the barriers between musicians and fans melt away.
As a rock or metal artist, you don’t get to stadium shows without building a grassroots community in dive bars. Small venues are a crucial part of every musician’s, fan’s, and photographer’s journey — and they need to be protected.
Frank 151: Your involvement with initiatives supporting under-represented genders in music is an important part of your practice. How has that influenced your work?
Magda Campagne: I truly believe that if you can’t see it, you can’t be it. Early on I was photographing, writing reviews, and working with grassroots promoters — someone once described me as “doing everything in the music scene apart from playing in a band.”
Growing up, I mostly saw straight white men represented in the genres I loved. If I’d seen more women back then, maybe I’d be on stage behind an instrument today.
Now there are far more women, non-binary, queer, trans musicians, and people of colour in these scenes. As someone who deeply stands for equality and equity, it’s hugely important to me to document those artists so future generations can see themselves reflected and feel empowered to pick up instruments.
Frank 151: Live music photography can be chaotic and technically demanding. How do you balance instinct, movement, and precision?
Magda Campagne: I do test shots to dial in ISO, aperture, and shutter speed — knowing they’ll probably change. I’ve trained myself to shoot steady at slower speeds and I always use manual focus.
If a show is super dynamic and unpredictable, I’ll admit I overshoot. I also keep track of which lenses work best in different venues so I can be ready for the right angles.
Frank 151: Was there a particular shoot or artist that marked a turning point in your career?
Magda Campagne: The retropxssy image that was nominated for the 2025 Abbey Road Music Photography Awards gave me a real gust of wind in my wings and helped quiet my chronic imposter syndrome.
Also my summer with Chicago’s meth. — I documented three of their UK shows, including ArcTanGent Festival. There’s a level of synergy between my photography and their music that I’d never experienced before. I’ll be chasing that feeling forever.
Frank 151: What advice would you give to photographers documenting underground music scenes authentically?
Magda Campagne: Immerse yourself in the scene. Be a fan and a cheerleader, not just a photographer. Push yourself outside your comfort zone — it took me a long time to feel brave enough to jump into the mosh pit with a camera.
And be nice. Being friendly with security, photographers, bands, and crew goes a long way. A smile and a nod can open more doors than you think.
Frank 151: Looking ahead, how do you see your work evolving?
Magda Campagne: I’d love to work with bands on a longer-term basis — maybe my first tour, or just building lasting creative relationships.
I want to keep lending my lens to artists whose values align with mine. I might not make loud political statements myself, but amplifying their message through my photography is a statement in itself. That’s the kind of work I want to focus on.
Magda Campagne lives where distortion meets devotion — and her camera never looks away.