JMR Images

06/17/2026

First III No Flash is looking to add photographers, writers and reel/content creators to our team! Beyond concert and festival coverage, we publish interviews, digital covers, album/single reviews, new artist spotlights and so much more.

We will be looking for contributors in specific regions (both US and international, announcement coming soon) — you can sign up for our mailing list (in bio) to receive the link for the application when it goes live on July 3.

Application link will be open from July 3-18th and also posted on our website. Applicants will be contacted by BOTH email and DM from this account if selected.

KNOW BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Portfolio with live event/concert work by professional gear is required to apply for a photographer role — no point and shoot or phones. Writing samples/prior publication work preferred, but not required.

• All photography coverage requires a written review, no ChatGPT allowed. We are a publication, so published articles are crucial for approvals. If this is a problem for you, we ask that you kindly pass instead of complaining in our comments. 🥰

• We're looking for all styles, creativity, and experience with teamwork oriented minds who are willing to be flexible, friendly and able to contribute on a regular basis.

• This a contribution based publication. We do not generate income. If you're looking for a place to grow your potential and network to bigger opportunities down the road, we will be a great fit for you. If you'd rather complain about our inability to pay anyone, please feel free to donate to our photographers and monthly costs of operation 🤪

• Please do not contact us via our website form nor via email/DM etc about applying or sending portfolio links. All inquiries must be submitted through the application to be considered. We get a lot of messages and we ask you streamline everything through the application only. Thank you in advance for respecting our submission preference.

Any other questions not listed here? Drop 'em below and we will try to answer when possible!

06/12/2026

Some captures from the other day at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids- Kennedy Cougars vs. Liberty Bolts.

📷: Jason Rubin for The Gazette The Gazette Sports
June 9, 2026

06/10/2026

Let me take a moment to talk about concert photography. A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog about this subject. I prompted myself to do so after being interviewed by a student at the University of Iowa. The blog goes into how I got started with it, some bands I photographed, etc. Here’s the link if you wish to read it.

https://jmrimagesphotographer.com/blog-1/f/concert-photography

The last paragraph in the blog speaks volumes. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a “by the book” guy. If I’m photographing a concert, I follow every rule and restriction set by the venue, the tour, the artist, etc. Always the first three songs from the pit and then done, unless stated otherwise. Never…EVER post photos of your credentials, and I can’t even begin to list the numerous reasons why not. When I see designated HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHERS for a venue do this, it makes me cringe. They should definitely know better. I’m part of a network of concert photographers, and in some chats over the last few months, things have been discussed about other “professionals” doing things in the world of concert photography that simply ruin it for the rest of us legit concert photographers.

I consider myself to be easy to work with because, as I said, I’m a rule follower. I never stray outside of what is mandated by the tour, artists, promoter, venue, etc., as I would rather not be blackballed, and would love to return to a venue or perhaps photograph that same artist at some point again in the future.

So why do I do concert photography?

Most photographers who do concert photography do not do it for the amount of money that comes with it. The percentage of photographers who make a substantial amount of money doing so is very small. Then why do we do it? For the sheer enjoyment of it. Yes. That’s EXACTLY why I do it.

Capturing the moments and raw emotion on stage, as well as the interaction of the fans in attendance are two of the biggest reasons why I do it. I don’t do it because I’m a fan of the artist. Yes, I’ve photographed bands I’m a fan of, but I always separate that from the work I’m doing in the pit during those first three songs. Occasionally, I get to stay for the show and write a review. If it’s a new artist to me, I gain an appreciation for new music. If it’s an artist familiar to me, I get to enjoy some favorite music live while jotting my notes for the written review.

The thrill and challenge of it all is yet another reason. Keeping my skills sharp photographing the fast-moving action, and the ever-changing lighting helps me hone my craft. The phrase “If you don’t use it, you lose it” applies here. The photos help build my portfolio a bit, too!

Many times, I have the opportunity to network while photographing shows/festivals, and you never know where that will lead. Am I looking to become a touring photographer for a band who performs nationally/internationally? Not necessarily. I enjoy what I do locally, documenting the music scene at venues in my area, and throughout the state of Iowa. Have I traveled out of state to photograph artists? Absolutely! Why? Because of all the aforementioned reasons.

Being in the pit numerous times with other photographers, I’ve witnessed many disobeying the rules. When I see other photogs using a flash in the pit (a HUGE NO-NO), or sneaking additional shots after the first three songs, it irks me to see some of those same photographers at other shows, despite their disregard for the rules. It makes a bad name for the rest of us who are just trying to do a job. However, more often than not, most of the photographers in the pit are following all of the restrictions.

Aside from sports photography, concert photography is a true passion, and I’m always grateful and appreciative of every opportunity I have to capture those moments on stage, the reactions of the fans in the crowd, and putting together the pieces to tell a digital story of the live show at that venue.

Recently, I was interviewed by a student from the University of Iowa. One of the questions that was asked was in regards to concert photography. He was scrolling through my website, and had seen several of my concert pho...

06/10/2026

I had a bit of fun photographing baseball yesterday for The Gazette.

Photo Gallery: Cedar Rapids Kennedy vs. Iowa City Liberty baseball - (6/9/26) - See photos as Cedar Rapids Kennedy hosted Iowa City Liberty for an Iowa high school baseball game. https://www.thegazette.com/sports/high-school/baseball-softball/photo-gallery-cedar-rapids-kennedy-vs-iowa-city-liberty-baseball---6-9-26/collection_163ab59d-859b-4c6e-a26b-4b35cab48fc7.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot

06/08/2026

It’s been a busy week!

Photo 1- May 30th, I photographed the final game of the season, and they grabbed a spot in the playoffs after this game.

Photos 2 & 3- May 31st, didn’t photograph the show, but my wife and I FINALLY had the pleasure of seeing in Des Moines. What a night!!!!

Photos 4 & 5- June 1st- It was year five getting to photograph the Golf Classic at the . It’s always such an incredible day!

Photos 6 & 7- June 3rd, I was back at to capture production photos of their most recent show, Anastasia.

Finally, on June 6th (no photos to post yet), I was a photographer for , capturing athletes competing in the at the .

June always starts off with a bang, and continues from there. This month will definitely be no different!

05/26/2026

Thanks to my gorgeous wife who’s always there to assist when I’m practicing with lighting!

Annette 🥰

05/25/2026

Gary Hughes explains the difference between commercial and theatrical headshots and what casting directors look for to help actors get that callback!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dblJsyMIHcM

05/21/2026

performing at . May 20, 2026

05/21/2026

A few captures of performing at . May 20, 2026

05/21/2026

Had a bit of fun last night at The James Theater capturing some photos of Younger and Lipstick Homicide.

Stay tuned for more photos from their sets!