Few artists capture the raw energy and psychedelic essence quite like TJ Legler. This Denver-based photographer has transformed from an accidental iPhone shooter to an internationally acclaimed visual artist, creating “The Neon Lounge” – a live lightpainting interactive photography experience that he brings regularly to music events.
With over a decade of experience behind the lens, TJ has become synonymous with the psychedelic visual arts that define modern electronic music culture. His innovative live lightpainting photography and digital art approach has earned him recognition from the United Nations to the stages of Shpongle, making him a true pioneer in the intersection of technology and artistic expression.
Tell Us About Yourself
FeedFreq: Can you introduce yourself to our community?
TJ Legler: My name is TJ Legler, and I have been a professional photographer for over 10 years. My journey began in my home state of Mississippi, where I then branched out to Chicago, and then finally landed in Denver 7 years ago, where I have had not only local and national, but also international acclaim with my style of imagery called lightpainting.
Can You Describe Your Journey As A Photographer?
FeedFreq: How did you get started in photography?
TJ: My journey as a photographer began as an accident. In my 20s, I had a goal of running a full marathon in all 50 states. During this time, I traveled many places in the US and began capturing photos simply using my iPhone 5s at the time, and people began commenting that my work was rather remarkable, so I began taking it seriously.
In 2015, I had my first art show, which kick-started my journey into overdrive. After selling all my pieces – again, photos captured with an iPhone – I used the money I earned to buy my first real camera and make my way to the Windy City of Chicago, where I discovered both lightpainting and my love for capturing live event photography.
Supporting Local Musicians
Following this, I began honing my skills doing photoshoots with local musicians as a way to share my appreciation for their craft. I dove headfirst into the Jackson, Mississippi, bass scene, though small, by doing monthly shows, setting up my art, and capturing photos for the legendary Tvboo while we were both in our formative years before landing permanently in Colorado.
lightpainting and event photography
After the pandemic, when shows began happening regularly again, I pursued my passion for both lightpainting and event photography, continuing the mission I started years ago by offering support to local musicians. In time, my work gained notoriety to the point where I can say I have captured and been on stage with major music acts, including Desert Dwellers and Shpongle, as well as continuing to work with up-and-coming musicians.
What Inspired You To Focus On Electronic Music?
FeedFreq: What drew you specifically to the electronic music scene?
TJ: Bass is in my blood! I was coming of age in college when the hard rock of the 2000s died out and dubstep first became a thing. Once I heard this, it opened me up to all genres of electronic music, as it is the sound of my generation.
As I’ve gotten older, my taste has shifted from heavy bass to more House, DnB, and temple bass. When you work right next to speakers for years on end, your hearing starts to go a bit. While I still love heavy bass on occasion, I do also prefer not to be deaf.
Describe Your Creative Skills and Artistic Style
FeedFreq: How would you characterize your unique artistic approach?
TJ: My creative style is usually one that pops, heavy in low-light imagery, and with lightpainting, I take photography to psychedelic/visionary art levels. With capturing live events, I blend elements of candid and street photography together, along with the knowledge of working in various levels of ambient light.
I also mix kinetic lightpainting into double exposures – capturing a still of an artist playing their set, followed up with a second shot set to long exposure to overlap trippy lines and swirls over them. This creates these incredible interactive installations that really capture the energy of the moment.
How Do You Stay Creatively Inspired?
FeedFreq: What keeps your creative fire burning?
TJ: FOMO is a big one! Knowing that whenever I get asked to capture an event, it’s special in that I’m being trusted with focusing on the narrative as to what’s happening as it’s happening. I like being consistent with my work, operating like a well-oiled machine that doesn’t rust as easily because it keeps going.
However, I have learned more recently to be selective with what’s worth my time and to reserve my energy so I can be 100% every single time I walk out with a camera.
Can You Describe Your Experience With Different Design Software and Tools?
FeedFreq: What’s your technical setup for post-production work?
TJ: I tend to keep it pretty simple, opting to use Lightroom, Photoshop, and a little Premier Pro for the occasional video and Topaz Denoise AI, which saves so much time compared to 10 years ago when I had to brush individual pixels to achieve the look I want in an image.
The real magic happens in-camera with my lightpainting techniques and understanding how to work with different ambient lighting conditions at festivals and venues.
Do You Offer Photography Services For Promoters and Artists?
FeedFreq: How do you work with the music industry professionals?
TJ: All the time! I offer base rate photo packages for live performances, festivals, and with lightpainting, I have an entire photobooth setup, which is a total vibe and falls under the category of being an interactive art installation.
Describe and Highlight Projects You Have Done In The Past
FeedFreq: What are some career highlights that showcase your evolution as an artist?
TJ: I’ve been involved in quite a bit! I was an integral part in putting on the Mississippi Light Festival in my hometown of Jackson back in 2017, which was my first venture into live lightpainting as well as producing my own events.
I’ve had 20 images in the United Nations in 2018 for the International Day of Light Exhibition, and then later in the same year, had my work exhibited in Casablanca, Morocco, in an international lightpainter art show. While living in Chicago, I was the marquee artist for the Hairpin Arts Center with their massive Echoes of Chicago exhibition in 2019.
Since living in Colorado I have had a lot of projects done, with the most impressive being putting together my live lightpainting photobooth system, called The Neon Lounge, which is an interactive experience for participants which includes live images of them being printed onsite, a full art gallery display, projections and lighting installations which add a lot to events which I’m participating in.
I’m honored now to have been Android Jones‘ photographer for Shpongle multiple times, which certainly puts me in league with capturing other major music acts.
Where Do You Think The Electronic Music Event Scene Is Going?
FeedFreq: What’s your perspective on the future of electronic music culture?
TJ: I see it becoming more female-focused, to be honest. I’ve seen a lot of the musicians who are the hungriest, especially within the past couple of years, shift from being males to females, and I appreciate the talent they’re bringing forth!
In recent years, that drive got lazy with a lot of the boys, and as a male myself I find it disappointing as it almost seems expected that being a guy behind a mixer automatically means you’re successful. Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of highly talented guys dropping amazing sets out there, but I’ve found a lot of what’s being performed and coming out now to be very copy-and-paste as far as the sound and mix experience.
With the women of this scene, I still see an understanding of pacing, build, melody, and drops. However, overall, I would say these skills are fading from the general electronic music populace as it’s become much more just bass, bass, bass, bass without any of the musical components needed to tell a story, fading into the background.
What Advice Would You Give Aspiring Photographers?
FeedFreq: What guidance would you offer to those looking to break into festival photography?
TJ: Start showing up to shows with your camera! Even if you aren’t being paid, pro bono work can get a lot of positive attention your way so never stop capturing. The more content for the musicians and event promoters, the better, so make sure you introduce yourself before or after their sets so they can put a name and face with the work you’re putting out there!
Consistency is key – operate like a well-oiled machine, but also be selective with what’s worth your time and energy.
Finally, How Can People Get in Touch With You?
FeedFreq: Where can our community connect with you and your work?
TJ: Usually, social media or my business email: [email protected], is the easiest method to reach out!
Stay tuned with FeedFreq for more exclusive interviews with the artists and innovators shaping electronic music culture. From projection mapping pioneers to festival technology innovators, we bring you the untold stories behind the scenes.
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