Behind the Lens: Sitting Down with The Guy From The Pic
- Madam Curst
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Today on Curst Media, we're sitting down with Christian Maravelis, better known as The Guy From The Pic, an up-and-coming tour photographer and videographer who has built a reputation for capturing some of the most unforgettable moments in rock.
From the chaos of the photo pit to life behind the scenes, Christian has worked alongside artists including Motionless in White, Nothing More, Machine Gun Kelly, Black Veil Brides, and many more, documenting the energy, emotion, and moments that fans rarely get to see.
We caught up with Christian to talk about life on the road, what it's really like touring with some of today's biggest rock acts, the stories behind his favorite shots, and the advice he'd give to aspiring photographers hoping to make a career in the music industry. Join us as we go behind the lens with The Guy From The Pic.
What inspired you to become a concert photographer, and how did you get your first opportunity?
I actually went to a high school for film so I was always interested in photography and video. Every time I’d go to concerts I’d see photographers in the pit and I remember thinking wait… that’s an actual job? That’s when I realized I could combine my love for music with photography and concerts!!
My first opportunity came from a band out of Brooklyn called Zoume. They let me come out to rehearsals and shows and took a chance on me when I really didn’t have much to show. I’ll always be thankful they believed in me because everyone has to start somewhere!!
What advice would you give to photographers who dream of touring with bands someday? Just start!! Don’t wait until you have the perfect portfolio or the newest camera. Shoot local bands, meet people, be someone that’s easy to work with, and keep showing up. A lot of this industry is built on relationships and trust just as much as talent.
What's the biggest misconception people have about being a touring photographer?
That we’re only working during the show!! The show is honestly just one part of it. There’s traveling, editing until 2am, backing everything up, planning content, waking up early for the next city and doing it all over again. It’s a lot of work.
How do you balance life on the road with your personal life and relationships?
It’s definitely one of the hardest parts. I just try to keep in contact when you can. I still haven’t mastered that and I’m terrible at messaging but keeping in touch with the people who matter most like significant others and parents is super important!
What's a typical day like for you when you're on tour?
Every day is different but usually it’s traveling to the next city, getting to the venue, figuring out what content needs to be captured that day, shooting the show, then staying up editing everything so it’s ready as soon as possible. Then you get a few hours of sleep and do it again!!
Photo: @Theguyfromthepic
How do you stay creative when you're photographing shows night after night?
It’s hard to stay creative when it’s the same show over and over but I try different things! Sometimes it’s a different filter or lens, try a different perspective like instead of being in the photo pit let’s try this from front of house or the stage. All trial and error and planning it out as you go!
What's been the most unforgettable moment you've captured that fans never got to see?
Honestly it’s all the little moments backstage. Watching everyone get locked in before a show, joking around after a set, or just seeing everything that goes into making the show happen. Those are the moments fans don’t usually get to see and they’re some of my favorites.
What's one mistake you see new concert photographers make, and how can they avoid it? Comparing themselves to everyone else. It’s so easy to look at photographers you admire and think you’re behind. Just focus on getting better every time you shoot. Also don’t just network when you need something. Build real relationships because those last way longer!
How did you build relationships with bands and earn their trust backstage? Just being consistent. Do what you say you’re gonna do, get content delivered on time, be respectful, and remember you’re there to help the band. And just being a good hang and a helping hand overall. The more people know they can count on you the more opportunities come!
Has there ever been a photo or project that completely changed your career? If so, what was it?
Honestly I don’t think it was one photo. It was a bunch of opportunities that kept building on each other. Every band, every festival, every tour led to the next one and slowly more people started seeing my work. It also almost becomes a blur and you can’t remember just one individual photo.
What's the hardest part about touring that most people don't realize, and how do you manage it?
It’s probably just the waiting around for me personally, touring is super long days and while for me my job is usually just during the set and editing there’s also just a lot of time of nothing happening. Also everyday can be so different so you just gotta keep going!
Looking back at where you started, what's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you on day one?
Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing!! Everyone’s career moves at a different pace. Just keep creating, keep learning, and keep putting yourself out there. You never know who’s watching or what opportunity is gonna come from the next show.
Photo: @Theguyfromthepic For booking or portfolio click here: https://www.theguyfromthepic.com/ IG: Theguyfromthepic
Until next time, Stay Curst 🖤
So cool seeing an old-school blog like this again! And it was a fun interview to read. 🖤
Son so proud of the man you become and have to say that was so emotional I had tears in my eyes keep going love you work towards whatever you believe in and never give up.
Such a fun and interesting read!
I had so much fun with this interview!