In this exclusive interview, we delve into a journey that spans from Georgia’s brostep scene to Colorado’s underground culture, from local galleries to collaborations with legendary visionary artists at both exhibitions and music events, where these visionary artists showcase their transformative work.
Inspiration and Philosophy
Preston is a kind of photographer whose life philosophy centers on creating media that is positive and beneficial to the world. From a single guy in Colorado with his cat Monty for company to documenting legendary visionary artists like Alex & Allyson Grey, this artist’s journey reflects a deep commitment to community and authentic documentation.
Inspired by Chris Dyer’s energy and positive creative approach, this photographer has carved out a unique niche documenting visionary artists and exhibitions while capturing the intersection of psychedelic art and electronic music culture. With a collection spanning 33 days’ worth of high-quality music files and a passion for hiking Colorado’s gorgeous landscapes, their perspective brings together the worlds of visual art, electronic music, and consciousness exploration.
Personal Background and Origins
FeedFreq: Can you tell us about your background and how you ended up in Colorado?
“My name was created because the media I make as a photographer is positive and beneficial to the world. I loved Chris Dyer’s energy and what he was doing with his brand, called Chris Dyer’s Positive Creations. My family moved to Colorado in mid-2011, before my senior year of high school. Unfortunately, my parents are the only ones I have left in Colorado. One of my brothers moved to Spain this year, and my other brother moved to Las Vegas 2 years ago. I’ve been single as a pringle with my cat Monty, who keeps me company.
I love family, friends, and community, and wish I could have more of it. I love Colorado and events because I always see familiar faces and make excellent friends wherever I go. I spent half of my life in Georgia, where I was able to find the more brosteppy style of dubstep. Having family in Florida made it like a second home for me since we could always drive down there to visit.”
The Photography Journey Begins
FeedFreq: Can you describe your journey as a photographer?
“I started with a fascination for it in high school when I saw other kids taking photography classes. I then made it a priority to take camera basics, Photoshop basics, and a class on graphic design while in high school. Growing up with a laptop gave me access to social media and all the tools I needed to help me become successful, after developing my craft through tons of practice. I later would offer my services for trade to local event organizers for events I was interested in.
After coming out as a fan, I would enjoy meeting and photographing the events at conventions. I was contacted by a media company in Los Angeles, California, to come out and learn how they were doing things, as well as get some more experience under my belt. I was able to cover conventions, seminars, red carpets, awards shows, and work on sets as a unit photographer.”
Music Genres and Artistic Coverage
FeedFreq: What styles of music events do you work with?
The photographer documents visionary artists and their work at various electronic music events:
- Techno (Any subgenre)
- Psytrance (Any subgenre)
- Drum & Bass
- Chill & Down Tempo
- Other electronic styles
Musical Inspiration and Discovery
FeedFreq: What inspired you to focus on electronic music?
“I was always into electronic music ever since 2007 when I found Daft Punk’s Alive show on YouTube. I was later introduced to dubstep by my stepbrother. Dubstep, to me, seemed to be my favorite genre based on its design: intro, bass drop, intro, bass drop. I enjoy the way it makes me feel because you can have music that is wild and aggressive, and then you can have music that is very chill and laid-back for the late hours.
In 2014, I started finding the dubstep scene in Colorado, where I found the more subby and underground UK style of dubstep that I had never heard prior, after seeing a show that went till 5 am with headliners such as Mala, Goth Trad, Commodo, Kahn, Gantz, SGT Pokes, and a full breakfast. I later went home and started watching an interview called ‘Mala’ at Red Bull, which changed the way I viewed the world and music. It taught me to live my life honestly and about the importance of mastering & WAV files over rips. Fast forward to now, and I own 33 days’ worth of music in WAV or 320 MP3, which’s around 380GB.”
Photography Style and Approach
FeedFreq: What kind of photos and art do you create?
“I specialize in networking, spatial intelligence, and covering primarily people the best. The way I’m able to see people, and line them up with my high spatial intelligence in the frame, along with the ability to navigate a busy event where I’m always in the right place at the right time, really helps me get the best shots and organize everything. Every piece of media has its place. All my music is organized in folders, and all my photos/videos have a spot where they will be used. I never take anything I don’t plan on using. Just like I’m picky with the music I collect, as well. There will be times I don’t want to pay for an entire album and prefer to grab a few tracks.”
Creative Inspiration and Community
FeedFreq: How do you stay creatively inspired?
“I honestly enjoy covering what I love. I can cover other projects, but I’m not out here trying to make money. I’m primarily out here to help spread awareness and build others up. Without photo or video coverage, there would be no record of the event’s history. Many in the painting community have told me they’ve needed a person like me to cover events for them for the longest time. I enjoy the communities and friendships I’ve built.”
Technical Equipment and Software
FeedFreq: Can you describe your experience with different design software and tools?
“I honestly use fundamental software, but my goal has always been to create high-quality images and videos that look their best they can. That means making the photos or videos color-corrected in the highest quality without altering their original look. I don’t enjoy changing people’s faces or adding unnatural colored filters. I prefer to photograph or record something in high quality, edit it, and then release it in the highest formats possible.
I do use some newer software that has been released in the past few years for photo editing, as well as programs like Final Cut Pro to edit my videos. I find Final Cut Pro to be streamlined with my entire process since I prefer and was taught in Hollywood by a mentor on how to use an iPhone over a $6,000 camera.”
Professional Services and Pricing
FeedFreq: Do you offer photography services for promoters and artists?
“If I want more exclusive access to an event or a show. I will reach out to the event organizer if I can cover their event. Other than that. I’m enjoying the show and going to shoot who and what I prefer. I do offer packages for anyone to hire me, but like I’ve said. That’s not my objective as I’m not trying to make any money; however, as a photographer who loves what I do. I am always collaborating with everyone. I offer my services at $250 a day, which covers my Uber and gives me money in my pocket for the time I’m working.”
Career Highlights and Notable Projects
FeedFreq: Can you describe and highlight projects you have done in the past?
“Like I’ve previously said. I enjoy working with the community, and if there hadn’t been a photographer at the event, the coverage would never have happened. I enjoy being able to help showcase the events for the artists and community. I love being a part of it. I loved being able to work my way up from local galleries to collaborating with artists like Alex & Allyson Grey. Being a photographer has enabled me to travel extensively throughout the country for various events. There are times when some event organizers don’t want you at their events, and that’s ok, cause you have to find a way to navigate that by going to other parties or spaces.”
Industry Evolution and Future Outlook
FeedFreq: Where do you think the electronic music event scene is going?
“I’d say since COVID, the music scene has drastically changed. Tons of artists are getting older and are retiring like Tipper & Shpongle, but there are artists who I’ve been used to seeing as openers now as headliners such as kLL sMTH, CloZee, Ganja White Night, and Detox Unit.”
| Retiring Artists | Rising Headliners |
|---|---|
| Tipper | kLL sMTH |
| Shpongle | CloZee |
| Various Veterans | Ganja White Night |
| Detox Unit |
Personal Interests and Visionary Art Focus
Beyond photography, this creative individual maintains diverse interests that influence their artistic perspective. “I love playing video games and have about 200 of them that I hope to find time for later on in life. I’m a big hiker and endurance biker who loves how gorgeous Colorado is. I’m also a major psychonaut who dedicates a significant amount of my time to documenting the scene as a photographer and art collector. This led me to being able to work and cover events like Shroomski with Allyson & Alex Grey for their magazine.”
Their work as both photographer and art collector has positioned them uniquely within the visionary art community, allowing access to document both gallery exhibitions and when these artists showcase their work at music events.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
FeedFreq: What advice would you give aspiring photographers?
“Come out as soon as you can, and make positive connections with artists & event organizers. Develop a portfolio and social media presence that showcases your work. Be in this space because you love it. Work hard and don’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing results. Results and respect could take years to build.”
Essential steps for newcomers:
- Attend events immediately to start building connections
- Create positive relationships with artists and organizers
- Build a strong social media portfolio
- Work from genuine passion, not just profit
- Maintain persistence through slow periods
- Understand that building respect takes time
Community-Driven Documentation
This photographer’s approach emphasizes community service over profit, focusing on preserving visionary art and exhibitions that might otherwise go undocumented. Their work bridges the gap between the visionary art scene and visual documentation, creating lasting records of artistic expression and community gathering, both in galleries and at music events where these artists showcase their work.
From working with legendary visionary artists like Alex & Allyson Grey at exhibitions to documenting these same artists when they appear at music events, their portfolio represents an authentic commitment to the visionary art community. The emphasis on high-quality, natural imagery without artificial enhancement reflects a dedication to honest representation of the art and its creators.
Stay tuned with FeedFreq for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the visionary art and music world.
