BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Nick Scalera

Nick Scalera

Nick Scalera Photography

“I have been a New Jersey and Pennsylvania press photographer since 2005, covering high school sports, theater, news and community events; and for the past two years, concerts.”

My photography journey began after a dental procedure in 2005! Still loopy from the nitrous oxide, I took a stroll around town before driving home and wandered into a local camera shop. Soon after, I walked out with a Nikon D50 camera, lenses and a starter package.

Upon returning home, my wife was shocked at my large purchase and I announced that I was going to take up photography as a hobby after nearly 15 years of coaching school sports. I called a buddy who coached a local high school baseball team, told him the story and asked if I could come practice my photography at their games.

I instantly fell in love with the process – capturing peak action, culling images and post-processing. I was hired that season to cover the team and I sold photos to the parents. Within a year, I started my own small business and was hired by several booster clubs and local high schools to provide sports coverage, prints and produce end of year photo montages for their banquets.

I joined the New Jersey and Pennsylvania press as a freelancer in 2005 and was assigned to cover high school sports and community events. Fast-forward to 2018 where I covered my first concert and have found another true passion – live music photography.

Do You Have A Good Photo Tip for Us?

Be ready for the unexpected – whether it is changing weather, event access limitations, gear malfunctions (always have a backup camera), lighting conditions or other stressful situations.

An entire evening with a group of the world’s greatest guitarists…

As a new concert photographer, I was excited when I got approval to cover Generation Axe, a guitar-driven concert featuring Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai.

After going through security, our small group of photographers met with the tour manager who gave us incredible news. Instead of the usual 3 song limit, we could cover the entire show that night! Having the freedom to shoot close up for the first several songs, and then from the sides and back of the venue was an incredible opportunity. I shot thousands of images, not just the usual 300 or so from the 3-song limit. Zakk Wylde took off into the crowd and went up in the balcony playing his guitar behind his head at one point, providing fans and photographers a much different experience than the typical concert performance.

After posting photos via my outlet and social media, I was very humbled and excited to see my images also posted and shared via Generation Axe and several of the performers’ own social media outlets.

What is in your bag

• 2 – Nikon D500 cameras (crop sensor)
• 1 – Nikon Df camera (full-frame)
• Nikkor Lenses: 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, 200-400, 50, and 85 mm
• Flash: Nikon SB 500
• My BlackRapid Double Camera Harness Strap
• Manfrotto carbon fiber monopod
• Extra batteries, memory cards, press ID, multi-tool
• Rain gear for myself & photo
• Sunblock, bug spray, first aid kit

To Follow Nick Scalera, Check Out These Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nickscalera_photo