Capturing Youthful Essence: The Lens of Vincent Candela

Vincent Candela—Vinny, as some call him—reached out to me about a year back. This occurs frequently: individuals seeking to have their photographs showcased and their names recognized. However, his artistry distinguished itself. There was a raw quality, a somewhat unrefined intensity in the manner he portrayed the world, which intrigued me. Consequently, I decided to give him a chance. It appears he’s been moving forward with it ever since.

His images possess a youthful vibrancy—a dynamic energy that leaps off the screen. It’s the kind of quality you don’t want to extinguish, a spirit that deserves to be nurtured. Recently, I posed several questions to him, eager to understand what motivates him, his perspective on his art, and his future trajectory. What ensues is an insight into the psyche of a young creator carving his niche in the unpredictable, fervently artistic scene of Richmond.

Additional images from Vinny can be found HERE, HERE and HERE.

How did your journey with photography commence? What initially ignited your desire to capture these fleeting moments, and in what ways do you believe your methodology has progressed over the years?

I commenced my photography journey in March 2022 when I received my initial camera as a birthday gift. I promptly began exploring the functionalities of my camera along with the fundamental aspects of photography, photographing in Fredericksburg and subsequently for my high school’s yearbook. Initially, I was merely pressing the shutter repeatedly, hoping to secure a decent shot. However, after a year of this, I encountered a protest in DC where I began to perceive more emotion than I had while photographing high school events. This prompted me to slow down and concentrate on composition and narrative. I have implemented this approach into various photography styles. While I continue to evolve, I’m aware that there remains much for me to learn.

Your concert photography is infused with vitality, almost as if it’s pulsating from the page. What’s the technique for capturing that unrefined emotion on stage, and how do you prepare for these high-energy occasions?

Prior to documenting a show, I immerse myself in the band’s music—or songs from comparable artists—for hours to grasp how they should be represented. In my view, energy in photography is best illustrated through detailed elements. If there’s a lot occurring in an image, I aim to represent it with precision and clarity. I also leverage wide-angle lenses to encapsulate more of the setting or to get intimately close to the performer.

Richmond’s underground music culture holds its unique allure. How does capturing these performances contribute to your artistic style? What kind of atmosphere or message do you wish viewers to derive from your photographs?

Richmond exudes such an extraordinary essence, and it has become more apparent to me in recent years. Observing local and emerging artists creating art solely for their own sake is encouraging because it serves as a reminder that I don’t need to adhere to what other artists or photographers are pursuing. I believe I’m reaching a stage where I am beginning to understand what resonates with me in my creations and how I wish to portray the artist or subject in front of me. My hope is that when individuals view my photographs, they feel motivated to cultivate their own beautiful branch on the expansive tree of art and self-expression.

What are some of the main obstacles you’ve encountered while photographing live events, and in what ways have those difficulties influenced your identity as an artist?

When capturing images, I find it challenging to request permission from individuals to move past them or in front for a brief moment to take a shot. I feel as though I’m disrupting their enjoyment, and I don’t wish to bother anyone. To get around this, I explore the venue and seek alternative perspectives to document the performance. I believe it’s beneficial to discover unconventional methods to photograph a concert, and I’ve been improving at identifying distinct angles for showcasing performances.

As you reflect on your early experiences with photography, what aspects of your development are most memorable? In what ways do your current photographic goals differ from those when you began?

Initially, like many beginners, I simply pointed and pressed the shutter without any real intention. As I evolved as an artist and discovered sources of inspiration, I started to consider more deliberately the reasons behind each photograph and how I showcased the subject’s strength or vibe. A significant change for me has been my approach to utilizing light in my images. It was a factor I didn’t fully appreciate at first, but I’ve come to recognize its significance—particularly in concert photography. I leverage lighting to elevate the subject into a commanding or formidable presence, enriching the shot with depth and emotion.

When you’re out shooting, how do you determine who or what to concentrate on? Is there something specific about a fleeting moment or individual that captivates you? How do you identify when a narrative should be conveyed through your visuals?

During concerts, I contemplate the dedication and zeal the artists put into their performances and how I can effectively depict that or do it justice. My focus is to adapt the composition of the photograph to reflect the performer’s physical and vocal dynamism. I am still relatively new to this style and still have much to learn, but I’m eager to plunge deeper into this creative discipline.

What are your future aspirations in the realm of photography? Any dream projects or themes you’re eager to pursue, or new avenues you’d like to explore in your work in the years to come?

Short-term aspiration: I would love the opportunity to shoot the upcoming Sessanta tour in May 2025. A Perfect Circle was the first band I had the chance to see live and one that my father introduced me to, along with others. Moreover, Maynard James Keenan is an exceptional songwriter, and the way I perceive his lyrics motivates me artistically. Capturing him on camera would feel like a meaningful full-circle experience.

Long-term aspiration: My ambition is to direct films in the future. I’ve always been captivated by grounded narratives that weave intricate plots and complex humor, exemplified by films like The Departed, as well as those that address personal themes, reminiscent of Perks of Being a Wallflower. Sharing my artistic vision and narratives on the silver screen remains a dream I aspire to fulfill.

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