Dmitri Kotjuh turns concert camera on the fans

Press photographer Dmitri Kotjuh has opened a photo exhibition at the Türi cultural centre focusing on concertgoers rather than performers, ERR reported.

Kotjuh has photographed concerts for 20 years and has captured many well-known artists for the Central Estonian newspaper Järva Teataja. In recent years, he has become increasingly interested in what happens in front of the stage.

“Usually, you are only allowed to photograph the first three songs and are expected to focus on the artist. But then you have to make choices about when to photograph the fans. Sometimes, when I am allowed to photograph the whole concert, I focus on the fans from the start,” Kotjuh said.

He said photographers need to prepare thoroughly and understand an artist’s mannerisms to get strong results.

“Bands are like actors; they make the same movements at every concert. You have to notice them, stand in a certain place, and then the artist does what they usually do. That is when you get very good pictures,” Kotjuh said.

Kotjuh has also photographed concerts in Latvia, Lithuania and Finland, but he considers Estonian audiences the best.

“They are lively, very dynamic and mobile. I also like it when there is a wild concert, because Estonian fans are very careful too. If someone falls, for example, they help that person, ask whether everything is all right, and then start dancing and moshing again,” he said.

Kotjuh’s exhibition, titled “With Their Backs to the Stage”, will be on display at the Türi cultural centre until October 17.