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Logan Cryer: Hey, you are listening to Artblog radio recorded here in Philadelphia. My name is Logan Cryer, and in this episode you will hear a conversation between myself and the one and only Uv Lucas. Uv Lucas is a Philly based photographer and former DJ. A self-taught artist Uvs journey from spinning records to capturing moments through the lens of her camera reflects a deep passion for creativity and self-expression, specializing in nightlife, portraits, musicians, DJs, concerts, and fashion.
Uv’s work is known for its vibrant energy, skillfully capturing the spirit of her subjects. Despite knowing Uv for years, I had so many questions to ask her, so this is how our conversation began. I genuinely feel like I have so many questions that I do not know the answer to. Really. Yeah. Okay. So, okay.
To start off, when did you get into photography?
Uv Lucas: In 2015. I was a DJ for a very, very long time in Philly, and due to life happenings and bad relationships, I ended up selling my turntables and moving on with my life and just like kind of looking for like another creative thing to do. And at one point I was just like.
I was going to try to start a watch company. I actually remember about that last night. Yeah, like random. Random. Yeah. Like what you mean like wrist watches? Like, hi, what time is it? Oh my God. Like, yeah, random. Yeah. And I was like drawing things and like at the time I was with someone that was super creative and like that like would just keep me like sane.
I wasn’t stressing about it or anything. So then like. After the watch thing, I was like, oh, I want to make a zine because my friends dress cool. And, but I didn’t have a camera, so I remember it was the 4th of July, 2015, and there was a party at Penn Treaty Park that my friend was doing. Jason, he had he worked for PBR [Pabst Blue Ribbon] at the time and there was like, I remember getting to the thing and I was like, oh my God.
There’s like. 75 cases of PBR, and it was a blast that day. But I, I bought a camera, a disposable camera at the dollar store at Family Dollar, and I used it and I got the photos developed and everyone was like, oh, these are great. You should keep doing it. And then I just did. And here we are. Here we are.
Yeah. Yep, yep, yep. So then I just started like I learned on film first and I kind of taught myself with shit on YouTube and just like trial and error. And I just became obsessively, like hoarding cameras. Like I went to the thrift stores, I would find cameras and just like clean them and fix them up and like make ’em work.
And then it wasn’t like till probably, I don’t know, a few years into it that I bought a digital camera and I was like, I don’t like this. But like, then I eventually taught myself how to use it properly and moved on and got different shit. But yeah, it was just like out of wanting to be staying creative.
Yeah.
Logan Cryer: That is so wild.
Uv Lucas: Yeah. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: So when you started photography, like the way you’re talking about it as replacing what you were doing in terms of DJing? Was part of that replacement, wanting to be still be a part of that scene? Like DJing is really specific in terms of where it takes place and what time of the day it takes.
Uv Lucas: Yeah. No, I didn’t want to be part of the DJ scene anymore, actually. Like, I was very sad, you know, but I think that was during a time where things started changing a lot with DJing. Like there was just so many more DJs because everything kind of switched, changed to, like Serato and like digital and DJs and stuff like that.
And I was, when I started DJing, there was probably like two or three girls that were DJing in Philly. And I was doing a lot of like hip hop and rap stuff and like, that scene just didn’t, I didn’t feel. I like, I grew up in a sense where I just like looked back and I was like, yo, y’all motherfuckers are misogynist as shit.
Like, this is crazy. Like, I had like, you know, friends, like queer friends that didn’t feel comfortable at things I was at. And like all of that just kind of started being like, yeah, no, I’m sad, but like this isn’t what I want to go back to anymore. You know what I mean? And it was just getting so oversaturated, but that was not like I wanted to be more in fashion, not that anymore. You know what I mean?
So when I like started, I was shooting just pictures of my friends and then like doing like look books here and there and like shooting more like clothing in the beginning. And models that I would find or people that I would be like, oh, you look cool, let me take saw you and take photos and stuff.
So like, my photos from early on are like a lot more fashiony. Yeah. But definitely not wanting to be part of that DJ scene. Like if I were to DJ now, I’d probably play like techno house. Not rap anymore. Yeah, she’s changed. She has changed. She, she has changed.
Logan Cryer: Other than the fact that like, like you’re saying, starting off you were definitely doing more like, I mean, I guess you didn’t use the word editorial, but you know, working with fashion and models and things.
Uv Lucas: Yeah,
Logan Cryer: Like. How has your photography or your skills as a photographer changed over time? Like do you go back and look at your old photographs? Oh my God,
Uv Lucas: Yeah. Like esp, it’s more so the party shit and I’m like, girl, what were you thinking with that edit? Like, oh my god, it looks crazy, but it’s just like, it’s a like, and it’s interesting because a lot of photographers I follow, it’s really cool to see how everybody gets better.
And I think that’s like, I think because you like learn your cameras, you like learn. You know, like what looks good and what doesn’t like you put, you learn to like put like your own aesthetic into stuff. And like, looking at my old shit, I was like, no, not that, not that, but when I would do editorial stuff, I would shoot most of it on film.
And that looks different because I don’t know, I love film and if I could afford to shoot an entire party on film, like that would be sick, but that’s not, you know. But yeah, I, it’s, it’s definitely. An eye-opening thing to look at old photos and I feel like every photographer can tell you that, honestly.
Logan Cryer: That’s interesting. because I feel like a lot of people who are coming up in photography now talk about like the struggle of Instagram and like putting your work out there before it’s matured. So it’s interesting that you talk about it like. No, it’s cool to like watch people grow.
Uv Lucas: Yeah. It really is like, yeah, it’s like watching like a little, like you get like a little puppy and then it’s like becomes full grown and beautiful.
Like that’s what it is and it’s like, yeah. I feel very happy to see people like actually like the ones that can commit to it and really take, you know, like they care about it, that they make it a point to like. Try to make themselves better, or, I don’t even know if you’re, if they realize that they’re getting better.
You know what I mean? But like there’s a couple people that I’m like, wow. Like, yes, yes. You know? And I love to see it. I do. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: So in terms of. Taking a photograph, right? Like you have things like lighting and then composition, and then of course like the editing process. But in terms of what, a lot of what I’ve seen you do in terms of photographing like live artists or performers or things, what are things that you have to think about that are beyond just like the technical stuff, like how you’re either entering the space or talking to artists or like being discreet, like what is your personal method of. Going through all that?
Uv Lucas: Well for like, I think concerts, like one thing I learned is like, because a lot of concert shit you can’t use flash.
And before I started shooting concerts, I’m thinking back on it, I’m glad I learned how to shoot without flash at parties. I. Because that’s like a big thing because I learned that like, you can actually make somebody have a seizure with flash and that’s like, we don’t want to do that. And a lot of artists are just like, you know, if you were on a stage and you look down and you see all photographers, it’s going to be distracting.
So if like flash, I, I understood that like very early on. But like, it, it’s really is just like, you know, I’ve shot it, I. Venues multiple times, so I know what the lighting is like, but going into it like, it’s like you have to like get prepared to be like, all right, changing your exposure and your, your, your focal points and all that stuff because it’s like, you know, you only have a, a few, a few minutes to get this stuff together and it’s like really learning how to be faster and like.
Sometimes you don’t. You walk into a show and it’s like everything’s back lit and it’s like, fuck. And so you have to like make it work, you know what I mean? Yeah. Or like artists are like, or if there’s too many photographers in a photo pit, that can be challenging too. because I’ve definitely been hit in the head with like a lens or two at things when there’s like a photo pit that has way too many people in it.
Like, I, you know, I feel lucky to know some of the artists that I’ve shot, like to the point where it’s like, I see m like, yo, what’s up? You know? And I know how they move. And that’s another thing too, like, I think that’s important. Like knowing and knowing the songs. Like knowing when a crowd’s going to be like, oh my God.
And like, like capturing that. Like, that’s important too. Like to knowing like the, the vibe and like, just like paying attention and like feeling things. I feel a lot of things, if that makes sense. You know, like feel it out. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: And I’m sure this is probably obvious to you, but to explain it for someone, what is the difference in approach of like, so you’re describing like going to a concert.
So say you’re at a venue like Union Transfer, right? Like yeah. How do you even get permission to be in that photo pit and then what are the rules around that versus how do you operate when it’s like maybe a DIY show or it’s a party or something?
Uv Lucas: So there’s a really cool photographer, Skylar Watkins.
She has a magazine online in print called Sad Punk Press. And like she asked me, you basically to be able to shoot at a venue, you have to shoot for a publication. Like there’s a lot of photographers that I’ve met that, oh, I’m shooting for WKDU or WXPN or I’m shooting, there’s this one guy that I see often that he shoots for something in Asbury.
So I think it’s like just having like those kind of credentials, but also like the nights that Mannequin Pussy played, like I’ve worked with them, so they got me in. You know what I mean? And like other artists they’ll be like, oh yeah, just come on in. And with, usually with a regular photo pit you have —i t’s to the artists really.
Like some people are like, “the first three songs.” Like I did, I shot a Snail mail show and they were like, “the last three songs.” Like, and at Pitchfork, I feel like that’s when I met you — well, that’s when we started becoming friends. Yeah. Mitski’s photo pit was like. She wanted the photographers on this side and on this side, not in the middle.
Like yeah. What’s that chick’s name? I forgot her name. Weyes Blood was like, “last three songs because of the lighting. “Like everybody’s different and you have to respect that. But yeah, for, to be able to get into venues, you have to be shoot for a publication sometimes. Like I might have a friend that works at the box office and they like hook it up, you know what I mean?
But like a lot of stuff has been through Skyler. Because she has this publication that’s like really popular. She’s also a really good photographer, but I think she’s based in LA now. Really all about who, you know, the same thing was like that with DJing too. All about who, you know
Logan Cryer: Obviously, like if you’re in a like a DIY context or whatever, like you don’t have to go through all the permissions or things.
So I’m assuming that’s probably a good place to like experiment and learn how to photograph well. Yeah. Yeah, yeah,
Uv Lucas: Yeah. I’m, I’m grateful. Like I’ve learned a lot. Like, I just started shooting concerts in 2021 and my first one was Idles, and that was, a friend of mine knew the manager or like the person that was running the whole place at the time.
I don’t think that person works there anymore, but I got a photo pass and, and it was for fucking Idles and I, there was only like four people in the thing. And I just went, I just wanted to go shoot because I love them so much and, and I like ended up getting some really cool photos. But yeah, it’s all about who you know of and a lot of things in life basically.
But photo’s, one of them because I get a lot of people DMing me, like, “how do I get in?” And I feel bad because it’s like. Like I, you know, I don’t know because I, you can contact this person, but if they don’t know you, I don’t know if they’re going to fuck with you. Like it’s very much that, and I feel bad, you know, because there are a lot of talented, like up and coming photographers in Philly and everybody, I feel like I.
Wants to just like people that are just starting out or whatever, they just want like things like fast, fast, fast. Because social media makes people feel that way and it’s just like, yo, like you should like just take your time and figure your shit out. You know what I mean? And don’t think about it so much, you know?
So yeah. Yeah. And I feel like there’s something to be said about growing with a scene, right? Yeah. Like if you start photo, like photographing like people you know, or musicians you think are cool. Yeah. Keep doing what they’re doing, like eventually. You know, usually that will lead to like more things or they become more popular and they can get you into more places, you know?
Yeah, yeah. I think like with Mannequin Pussy, when I started working with them, like, like the them then and now, it’s insane. Like, I think they all had like jobs still, you know? And then like after this last album, it’s just like, boom, they fucking blew the fuck up as they should. because that last album is really fucking sick.
And they’re all great people too. Very kind and like fun and just like, you know, I’m lucky to know them, you know? Yeah. But yeah.
Logan Cryer: How did you, how did you meet them initially? Was it as a photographer?
Uv Lucas: No, I think it was just like Missy and I like became friends on Instagram and she liked my stuff and then she like I don’t know if I asked her if she asked me like to come do BTS for a video of theirs.
And that was like during the pandemic. I remember I had foot surgery and I was still recovering and I had to wear like these big ass shoes and I was like, limping still? And, and like it was oh, what was that? The song? Perfect. I think. For that one, there was like drag queens. It was really fun.
Shoot. And like, you know, watching her, because she directed the video and watching her direct was like, awesome. She’s a fucking beast. And then like, yeah, like we just, she would just ask me to like, like I did something for what’s that Cracked magazine in London for them last minute. I did something for them, for Doc Martins and like, just like, just, I don’t know, she’s always like really supportive and like, she like rotates a lot of like different photographers too.
So it’s just like really cool. She’s a good energy. And a fucking amazing fucking performer and just like good people. So yeah, just, I think it just started from Instagram. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: Wow.
Uv Lucas: Like just talking on there. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: To give you like space to brag for a second, who are other people that you’ve photographed?
Oh God. You’re like, that was really cool. Or you think they’re just like really great.
Uv Lucas: Who else have I shot? Let me like, think like Idles. I loved shooting them. That was, that’s always fun to shoot. And like I just recently shot trust who, that’s a band I fucking love. And they were awesome and I got to talk to them for a little bit.
De La Soul at Pitchfork, which I’m sad Pitchfork isn’t happening. I know. For us in Chicago, that was like a little vacation for us. I’m like but like Pitchfork was cool because I had like all access. So I like got to meet a lot of people. Like, so yeah, just, I don’t know. I don’t want to like go down a list.
It’s like weird, but, yeah.
Logan Cryer: Yeah. But it’s cool.
No, I recently went to Brooklyn to shoot this like Black punk festival that was exhilarating to, that was so awesome. I haven’t even gone through all the photos, but like Soul Glo who I’ve, like, I’ve grown to love a lot watching them perform live. They’re fucking awesome. Love them. They were like the headliner.
And I got to meet so many fucking cool people like that I didn’t know, like existed. And like, you know, I felt like at home, you know everybody was fucking nice. I, I got to like learn about these other bands too, like a and maa. And yeah, it was like a really awesome time at that, like to get to shoot that, to document that.
Because I always say like, documenting is important because we want to look back and have the right memories. You know what I mean? Like, not somebody just saying like, oh, this is hap this happened. And it’s like, no bitch, here’s a photo, here’s the proof. This is what happened, this is who was there. You know what I mean?
So, yeah.
Logan Cryer: That’s interesting to hear you talk about that. Like do you think about your work as like kind of archiving, documenting? Yeah. Like, yeah. Yeah.
Uv Lucas: Absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah, it’s important. This is important for me to like if I’m at a party that like, if I like capture our people and you know, in that light too, you know, because there’s a lot of spaces that you would think like, oh, there’s no one like us there.
And you’d be surprised and it’s like, awesome. Like, it makes me feel like. Like, you know, not ah, not so alone at times. You know what I mean? Like, I’m like, yeah, this is fucking cool and we need to know that we’re here too. And queer people as well. Like, it’s like, this is, this is what’s happening, this is what’s going on in here, especially in Philly.
Because like, I remember trying to find like photos of like old parties, like from like before we were born and I didn’t see shit. There was nothing. And I was like, that’s sad. You know what I mean? Like it’s really fucking sad. And you know, I know photographers that only shoot one kind of thing, but I like to involve myself in like, whatever I can, I shoot anything and then everywhere, you know what I mean?
And just like, like I’ve been documenting the city for a long time and party wise, you know, all different kind, like making time, making time’s one of my favorite things to shoot, honestly. Thank you Dave.
Logan Cryer: Yeah. Yeah. How did you get linked up with Dave and, because I knew you’ve been shooting, making time parties for a while, but I don’t know how.
Uv Lucas: I did. The first one was like 2019. It was New Year’s Eve and then the, like, pandemic happened, but I knew him Dave for years actually. Because I would go to making time and we were in like the same circle of friends. And then like I started taking pictures and like one that New Year’s, he was like, can you come and take photos?
I was like, yeah. And he was like, I’ll pay you. I was like, all right. And then there was like the, that January before the pandemic started, James Murphy was playing and I asked him, I was like, can I come take pictures? He was like, yeah. And then he like loved them and he like sent me like a really nice message and was like, yo, these photos are sick.
Like, I love this. And yeah, we’ve been, I’ve been shooting from him since then, since like 2019. Yeah, so I’d like love that the Fort Mifflin shit is happening. because it’s like, it’s very cool. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: Yeah. I feel like also it’s, it’s such an interesting like thing to consider, like each photographer has their own style and so there’s certain like scenes or brands or vibes that photographers work best with.
And I feel like your photographs, one, they have such a aliveness like. I know we talked about this, but you’re so good at capturing movement and you’re so good at capturing kind of the space between someone having a personal experience, but then also like a public experience at the same time.
Uv Lucas: Yeah. Yeah. I love movement because it’s like, I don’t know, it’s exciting. It’s like, ah, you know what I mean? Like, yeah. I don’t like post photos because it just feels fake, you know? That’s why I like. I like going up on people and being like, you know what I mean? Like capturing a, like a real moment, like, you know, and also we live in a time where people love to get photographs.
I hope this keeps going on, but like, you know, like it’s, it’s really cool, like to just capture a, a genuine moment, I think, you know. Or somebody like jumping. I love, that’s why I love shooting punk shows. Like there’s so much, it’s like alive if you, it’s like the spirit is there. It’s like, and I love it. I love kind of like chaotic things like that.
Like I definitely got kicked in the face at the Slant show trying to get a photo and it was fucking worth it. It really was. But yeah. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: I feel like sometimes I ask this question and it can like kind of trip people up, but do you have other photographers that you admire or people, I guess it doesn’t even have to be photographers, but just people’s work that you admire that really inspires either your sense of aesthetic or how you pursue your career?
Uv Lucas: I honestly. Yeah, your idea did just drop out. I, I should have put this shit on Do not disturb. I’m sorry. But I’m inspired by movies a lot like watching movies like I grew up in New York and like. In the very bad times. So like our building, everybody has stolen cable, so I grew up like having HBO and Showtime and shit for free.
So like, because it was so crazy outside, like we, I stayed home a lot by myself with my brother and we would just fucking watch TV all fucking day. I still like did that, like I did that through my years and then like. Randomly when I was in high school, I started, I don’t know where it came from, but I started getting Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair in the mail.
And like, I like, yeah, I was like, I didn’t sign up for this shit, but thank you. But that, like, I would always look at shit like for pictures and I was just like, you know, I wasn’t thinking like, oh, I want to be a photographer or anything like that. I was just like, it was just something I was attracted to and like always have been attracted to.
Just like moving pictures and just like. Lighting and like shit that makes me feel cool, like good, you know? But I, I’m inspired a lot by, by movies and like, I love a, I just watched The Substance. I wish I would’ve made that movie. Yes. That shit was fucking yes. I was like, oh my God, it was so, so good. Like, I love shit like that.
Like, to me, that movie was just like, such a like, like, like it’s, I, I don’t know if it’s too deep, but I was like, this is like a societal thing that women have to go through, like. The, the, the, the, the expectation of staying beautiful. And then like, once you’re not, like you’re fucking out and then you go do all these things to yourself and then you forget how beautiful you actually were because you don’t see, we don’t see ourselves.And then you turn into a fucking monster like the housewife. Like that’s how I took it. I was like, yes, this movies fucking perfect. You know,
I love movies like that. Just anything like, I just watched After Yang last night. Have you heard of that movie?
Logan Cryer: No, I haven’t.
Uv Lucas: It’s about this like family and they, it’s really cool.It, they, this family, they have like this like AI robot to help their adoptive daughter like learn Chinese and then it like dies. Then they like find this memory. Wait, the, the robot dies. Yeah. Yeah. Malfunctioned. And it died. And then like, they take like his little core memories out and they’re like watching, it’s like actually really sad.
But the movie itself is so beautiful. Like the way, like the aesthetic of it. Did you ever see her Joaquin Phoenix? That is I, which is one of my favorite movies as well. It’s like almost like a realistic futuristic thing. This movie after Y is like the same way where it’s like, oh my God. Like that’s going to be out next year.
You know what I mean? Like a, like a lot of the technology, but it was like a very soft and like a lot of nature and shadows and like, just like, it just, it was a very moody movie and it was sad too, but like, stuff like that I love. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: Yeah. That’s a lot of, a lot of what you’re describing has to do with like, kind of like sci-fi or the space between like reality, but not quite, but almost.
Uv Lucas: I love sci-fi stuff. I do. And I don’t know if that’s, and I, it’s funny because I was like, this one picture I have, I’m like, oh my God. Like I am a sci-fi fucking weirdo. I am like, and I’m like, yo, that’s okay. That is, oh-fucking-kay. Yeah. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: So something I wanted to talk about just a little bit was thinking about photography just as like a technical standpoint.
I know we talked, talked a little bit about like photographing and the cameras that you used to use and use now, and I wanted to talk about editing because I do think a lot of what makes your, like when I see your photography, like I know it’s yours and I think a lot of that.
Uv Lucas: Oh, thank you.
Logan Cryer: One is the content, but also just how you edit your photographs and how you’re thinking about light and color.
So I was curious if you could talk a little bit about like what your editing process is and like Yeah. How you got to where you are now.
Uv Lucas: It, it, it’s, it, it was a long time, like my, the first digital camera I have, it had, it wasn’t full frame. And I used to be ashamed of that. Because like one thing, like when I was first starting out and still happens, sometimes I get like some bro and be like, yo, what kind of cameras that, or, you know, that shit, it’s always a man in cargo shorts and like sandal flip flops every fucking time.
Like it’s always that, you know, and I just would be like kind of ashamed because it’s like, I don’t. I, I, I never really took like technical. Too serious because it just takes the fun away from it. You know what I mean? And like I have a close friend that’s like a photographer and I had a picture that was kind of like out of focus and like weird that I loved.
And he was like, well, that’s blurry. And I was like, girl, there’s beauty in mistakes. Like I. Remember that like, nothing has to be perfect when the photo’s too perfect. It just like makes me like, no, I don’t like it. Like, it’s like weird, you know? Like, yeah. If it looks like I took it on my phone, like it’s not, like, not like I don’t like that, you know?
But like, I like it. I, it took me like i, I to master like Lightroom. because I, or I, I, I edit in Lightroom a lot and Photoshop sometimes just to like do quick things like I used to like do it. I. And just like do like a, like exposure and like contrast and then like I learned how to, you can do all this other shit.
And I was like, oh, hell yeah. Now I do it like fast. Like it’s like really interesting the growth. But I was ashamed of my gear and like I had that set the crop sensor camera for like two. And so I was able to afford a better one. And honestly, it’s like, not so much like about your gear, it’s like what you put out.
And I had, it took like friends to be like, yo, like this is cool, like you are making art. And I was just like, oh, okay. Like, so it’s like okay, you know? But there are people out there that will just really like tear you, tear into you because I think it’s, it’s mostly men that just, I think it’s almost like they’re jealous.
because like most the photographers that I know that I think are sick, they’re all women. All, you know. But the technicality, like, I just, I don’t know, it’s just like, it, it, I, it, I go by feeling, I don’t know if that makes sense. So when I do an edit and I’m like, okay, like if I have to like, feel good about it and not like, oh, the specs of this and x, y, Z crossing and this, and that’s bullshit to me.
Like, good for you if that’s what you want to do. But it’s like, I think it just takes away from the creative element of like. Wanting to like, you know, put yourself in your work, you know? So that’s like a thing. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: Yeah. What do you think, do you ever imagine, like if you had like, I don’t know, like gotten a degree in photography or like gone to school or whatever, like how that would’ve changed your approach or just.
Uv Lucas: I think I would’ve quit. Honestly, I
Logan Cryer: would’ve
Uv Lucas: quit. Like I didn’t go. People ask me all the time if I went to school for that. And it’s interesting, the people that have gone to school, those are the ones that are very, very technical and I can’t like love y’all down, whoever does that. Cool. It’s just not for me because I need to like.
And I learned the hard way, like to be kind of free with doing what I want to do, you know, because it just makes me like hurt inside when it’s just like numbers and letters and like this chart and this lens. I’m like, that’s not who I am. You know? And it’s like there’s a lot of people out there that will like put you down if you don’t know certain things and it’s just like, it’s not that deep, you know?
And I, like I said, it just, I feel like it takes away from creativity. Like, I don’t think I could sit in a class. I. And like someone like telling me with a camera, like photography and any art is really hands-on as it should be. You know? It should definitely like be that, not like sitting on a chair and like someone telling you about a camera.
Like you should touch it and feel it and like figure it out for yourself, you know? Yeah.
Yeah.
Logan Cryer: I know. Is your
Uv Lucas: work still up at drafts? It is, yeah. It’s going to be up till like the second week in December and I’m actually, there’s a concert, or not a, like a little punk show in the basement on Friday that I’m going to shoot in the basement of that building. Andras. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: Yeah. I didn’t even know there was a basement.
What?
Uv Lucas: Yeah, I, yeah, I didn’t know either. And then Jason said, I went to like do something there one day and he’s like, yeah, the basement. I was like, oh shit. It’s nice down there. The perfect for a show. Yeah. So, yeah, you should come. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I was at like seven, I think. Just so you know.
Logan Cryer: Okay. Where? I mean, yeah, I live like two blocks from there.
Uv Lucas: Oh, shit. Oh, right, okay.
Logan Cryer: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Uv Lucas: Come through. But yeah, my art’s still up there. I think the next artist is Karen Loftus. But yeah, I, I love that Jason’s doing that. Like, just like, you know, having local artists show their stuff. There’s awesome. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: Yeah, I was curious because I wanted to talk about, you know, like if people o obviously people can like go on your Instagram to see your work.
But yeah, like if people are able to come to see that show can you describe like what, like, I’ve seen it, but I don’t think I’ve heard you talk about like which works you included and how you curated that, or if someone curated photos, your photos into that space.
Uv Lucas: It’s interesting because I like did a couple like shoots just to do them out of boredom.
Like the one with the devil. That’s my, one of my best friends Ed and like the one with the rings, I did that out of boredom. And then the one, there’s like a couple that are actually old. Like film ones that I did, like when I was still doing editorial stuff and Jason was like, oh, this will be perfect.
It’s red October for the Phillies and it’s like Halloween. And I just realized all my shit was like, all like red stuff and it just like made sense. Yeah. And I was like, oh shit. And then Jason got like, these like red lights to like reflect on them and like, once he, were you there when he turned the lights off
Logan Cryer: at the show?
I was only there once. The lights like were off.
Uv Lucas: Yeah. So before that the lights were on and it was like, oh my God. But then the lights got like cut off and like, it made the pictures like pop. And I was like, oh my God, this is so cool. So it was like, not on purpose, but it felt like it was on purpose, but it kind of just worked out.
But a lot of the photos were old, like from when I was first starting out with editorial stuff. And like, it’s interesting, like one thing I noticed with photography that like I study a lot of old photos and like. I just think like with time, they just get so much better and cooler and it like tells a story and look, you can like see the times and stuff.
Like I would look at photos for like fashion references, especially with my family. My grandmother always had like photo books and I would just like look through them and it’s like from the seventies to like the nineties and like you can see the change and stuff. And like I do remember my mom being like, “Oh, we don’t take photos of ourselves anymore.”
And I always think about that. I always think about that shit because I’m like. Why did y’all stop documenting? You know, and I don’t know why that happened, but like, it always like stuck with me even before I was like, oh, I’m going to be a photographer. Like, it’s just always like an interesting thing, like, you know, but it’s like cool to have like family photos to like see what shit was like, like, you know, the times and like, you know, you see like fashion repeating itself and I think that’s like so cool to do.
Logan Cryer: I would imagine it’s kind of hard for photographers, like, especially if you do a lot of for photographing events. Like when do you get the chance to show your archive of stuff, you know, because like, you’re right. Like photographs that I think over time they become more valuable in a way.
Uv Lucas: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
For sure. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: So yeah, like what is that balance of like, I have like, I’m sure you have like thousands of photographs that are Yeah. Yeah. And it’s like, yeah. How do people see them? You know,
Uv Lucas: I don’t know. Well, I, my, I have this idea, hopefully if a publisher is listening because I have like over a hundred thousand photos in my computer of parties of, of like Philly.
Yeah. So I’m like, this needs to be a book. It has to be a book. Like just something to like represent Philly too. Because there’s so much like fucking beautiful people here and like cool events and like this is to me is like the be one of the best cities in the world with DJs. That’s always been like that.
Always, always, always. And us like people need to see that, you know what I mean? In a different light, you know? So I would love to make a book at some point. Just like party photos, like I already have a name and everything picked out. So whenever someone’s ready, like holler. Yeah, that’d be sick.
But I don’t have a website. I tried to make one and I couldn’t keep up with it. So like every job I’ve gotten has been because of Instagram. Mm. Literally, yeah. I’m like, okay, cool. I guess it’s almost like the new portfolio, but like this one, there’s like this like photo agency that reached out to me during the pandemic and they were like, if you wanted, if you want anyone to take you serious, you have to have a website.
But now I just like don’t really need, like have a need for it, but also like making a website. That shit was tedious and I only did it because I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t walk for a while, so I was just like in bed, made the website and then I just couldn’t keep up with it, like updating it and stuff. So, yeah.
Logan Cryer: Yeah, I mean, it makes sense, especially for photography on Instagram. Like obviously it makes sense to, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But that’s interesting that someone said they, you wouldn’t be taken seriously if you didn’t have a website.
Uv Lucas: Yeah, exactly. And this was like 21. This was like 20, 21. Yeah. Mm. It was, it was that time and I was like, all girl.
Thank you for the feedback.
Logan Cryer: Well, I think the last thing I’ll ask about is I’m curious if, and you probably do give advice to people pretty frequently.
Uv Lucas: I do. I do. Yeah. Yeah. And I love to do it. I love to do it.
Logan Cryer: Okay. Well, I’m going to ask you then, what is some advice, what’s some advice that you usually give out to people? What’s advice that you wanted to say and just like put out into the world?
Uv Lucas: Don’t rely on Instagram, just like wholeheartedly, like, don’t shoot just for Instagram. Because I feel like people, I notice people do that and then it stresses you out, you know what I mean? Do stuff for yourself. You know, like, just kind of like you know, people ask me about gear and stuff like that. I, and because I was shunned in the beginning by some people, and I’m not going to name their names, that I would ask them questions.
They were just kind of like, leave me on read. And I was like, okay. So now people like, you know, I have a handful of people that like always reach out to me and I say Anytime. Anytime. And just tell them like I. Like, I had this one person asking me, like, how, how do I get to this place? Like, I want to be able to get picked to go to concerts.
And I was like, like I said earlier, hey, it’s all about who you know. And like, it, it takes time. Like this person just has been shooting less than a year. And I was like, it it like, you have to be patient. And I think social media is fucking up a lot of art because people, you know, they see this like, they have like this like dream of like, oh, I’m going to get discovered.
And like a week later it’s like, I’m famous. And it’s like, it doesn’t work like that If it does. I would be concerned because like, I feel like that’s like the, the, the rocket that fizzles and like goes up and fizzles, you know what I mean? Like have like some like longevity or like have like a a, a, a catalog.
Make yourself a catalog and like keep changing your art or like keep growing and like, you know, don’t expect these things. But it’s like hard I think because people, Instagram’s like, you know, people are like, oh my God, like worry about like. Your integrity and like your spirit and how shit makes you feel, instead of like, likes, you know?
And just post, just to post. Not just because like, you know what I mean? Yeah. But, and, and don’t worry about gear too much. Like you can find cameras at the thrift store. You can fix them up. Like y’all on YouTube. Like I learned how to fix some shit with apple side vinegar and baking soda like the, the batteries.
And once I learned that I went camera quarters, but it’s full of cameras that I’ve just been like finding a thrift stores and I fix them up and then they just sit on the shelf, you know? And it’s just, I don’t know if that’s like a weird hobby or I don’t know what it is, but it’s just like, I think pe I think people should just like stay true to themselves and just like.
You know, try not to worry about Instagram. But it’s hard because there’s a lot of bullshit out there, you know? But it’s like, I think about longevity and I would want people to think about that as well. You know, like think about like what your future is going to be like, you know? because it’s like with ai, which is a little scary, but also like can be useful.
It’s like we don’t know what’s about to happen. I do have a hope that there’s going to be like, in the future, like this photograph was taken by a human, and then people are going to be like, oh my God. Ah. You know what I mean? That’s how I think. Wow. You know, so we’ll see what happens in the future. I just wish people just would like, you know, not be so hard on themselves.
I mean, I’m hard on myself, so I can’t even say that, but like, you know, just, just, just chill and things will come to you if it’s meant to be. That’s what I could like to tell people.
Logan Cryer: and maybe just to give some context, like of all the photographs you take, how much of that actually ends up on Instagram?
Uv Lucas: Oh my God. Like I told you, I have like so many photos that probably won’t see the light of day, or maybe when I get to make this book, there’s this like, it’s like overwhelming thinking about it, like all the shit I have to search through. Like I’ll shoot a party, I’ll take 1500 pictures, I’ll send the promoter maybe a hundred, and then I have all these photos.
For like the last like five years. Yeah. I have a lot of shit and like, just like B roll of like, because I was getting into shooting like album covers too, which is like something I, like, I, I don’t want to say manifested, but it’s like something I wanted to do, like just do more album covers and like promo photos and like lifestyle stuff, which I’ve been doing some recently.
But like there’s like stuff that won’t, you know, the, the B-roll, it’s just like the shit that you have saved. I have like, so many negatives. From when I only shot film of stuff, and I’m just like, yeah, there’s a lot. There’s a lot of shit. So I’ll only post like, you know, just a little splash, little P on there.
You know what I mean?
Logan Cryer: Yeah. So, yeah. And that’s
Uv Lucas: Enough. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That’s enough. Yeah. That is enough. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: When you were saying, like you first started out like. The thing that encouraged you was just like taking the photos and having people being like, oh, this is good. Yeah. That’s surprising. I guess it’s not surprising to hear, but I feel like so often, like people don’t realize that they can like, hold on to a compliment and like really believe in it.
You know what I mean? Yeah. Like, they’ll just be like, oh, like they’re either just being nice or it was the loop or whatever. That’s,
Uv Lucas: yeah. I, I still feel like that when people are like, like anyone would be like, yo, that’s dope. And I’m like, is it? Thank you. But is it, but you, but you did it because I, yeah, but I’m sensitive about it, you know, like everything I do, like I’m artist, I’m sensitive about my shit.
Like, that shit is real. It’s so real. Like, I, I don’t know. But yeah, I, I just, I don’t know, I just like really liked it and I just like, like gear and like technology and like. Like, I get excited about hearing a camera click, like from a film camera. Like that’s, I’m like, ah, yes. It’s very satisfying for me.
Yeah. You know, so I think it’s like there’s people that like that, like different things about photography and, I don’t know, it’s like everybody’s different and unique in that way of what they like about it. Like some people like. Only shoot on film, which I used to do and like, was like, oh, digital cameras, man.
You know what I mean? And like, I don’t feel it like that at all anymore. If anything, I started getting more gigs because I was flexible, you know? But yeah, the complimenting thing, like, I don’t know, we were, you, did I fuck up the question? Because I don’t know where I’m going now with
Logan Cryer: this.
Like No, I was, I was saying just like, yeah, like to just, and in some initial moment you held on some of it. Even if some of it like kind of is hard to take in and it’s like, I don’t know, but like, yeah. But it also sounds like it wasn’t just that someone was like, oh, you’re good at this. You were like, I love it.
Like I, yeah, I feel joy in it. In like the physical sense and experiential and Yeah,
Uv Lucas: exactly that. I really love taking photos. Like I listen and I also tell other photographers, like, don’t say no to a gig that’s not paid. Because there’s people that have just arrived on the scene and they’re like. Not, they feel like they’re not like getting paid because their friend is doing this.
And I’m like, you have to be humble and like just do the work because that’ll show, like people can tell if you love something or if you’re just doing it because of Instagram or something. You know what I’m saying? Yeah. And it’s just like people need to like really just like you can like weed out. Like who’s in it and who’s not.
Like, just because it’s just like people making demands and things like that, which I think is crazy. But like thinking back on it, like I would just, I used to always keep a camera in my bag and just like really just, I just really genuinely love this shit. Like, I don’t know how else to explain it, but like it’s always been a thing, like I’ve shot many things for free and still will sometimes, you know what I mean?
But like when I get paid, it’s nice. It’s very, very nice. But there, it’s, it’s a step to it, you know what I mean? You want to build relationships and it’s like, you come in already like this and that, oh my God, this is not the, whatever. Like, it’s, it’s a bad look. You know what I mean? Yeah. But yeah, I, I genuinely always like, loved it.
Like, it just, it makes me feel good and like it kept me sober too. You know what I mean? It’s been nice and I like, yeah, even like this girl I was working, my friend Lauren Keating, she has a jewelry line and I was doing some like lifestyle stuff and I was telling her like, yo, like I went to that show in Brooklyn.
I didn’t get paid for that. I. I wanted, that shit needed to be documented for myself, you know? And just like, I fucking loved it. I almost cried at that thing, watching all the fucking beautiful people there. I was like, cool. You know what I mean? It was like, nice, you know, so maybe I’m just sensitive. I don’t fucking know, but I just, but I just like, I really, I really fucking enjoy taking photos.
I really do. I really, really do.
Logan Cryer: Yeah. And it sounds like, I mean, I, I guess, I don’t know for sure, but it sounds like you’re at a place now where you’re like, you get paid to do it. You can choose when you want to do it, you know, like, yes. I don’t know if that’s like how you make, like your full-time living. I know that’s like pretty rare, but it’s enough where you feel, you don’t feel discouraged by it.
Uv Lucas: I don’t feel discouraged at all. Like, even if it’s like, like. I’ll shoot, I’ll fucking shoot anything. Well, not anything that’s not true, but it’s just like, it’s, I just like, it’s like a, like, almost like it’s like a battery for me. Like I need it. Like, I needed to like not feel crazy and just like, you know, put myself, like, someone said to me once, like, you can tell, they could tell I was a very sensitive person from my photos.
And I was like, really? I was like, I, I, I don’t, I I thought that was very interesting. Thing to say. because I never thought of that. And I was like, you know what, bitch, you’re right. You’re right. Yeah, you’re absolutely right. Yeah. So, I don’t know, it’s just like something I truly, genuinely, genuinely love. So to the point that I’ll make myself take a photo of something like.
Just to do like I have to, you know? And it worked out with the timing because I did all these weird little shoots over the summer in my house with like toys and things like that. And then Jason was like, Hey, do you want to do this art show? And I was like, I will absolutely not be showing party photos, because I think a lot of people think that I only do that.
And, and that’s not the case. Yeah. So it was, it was great. I’m glad I did that. Yeah.
Logan Cryer: I love talking to like artists when they’re so clearly like in the flow of their practice. You know what I mean? Like where things like that are happening and they can just be like, I’m grateful what I’ve been able to experience and like, yeah, I get to do this.
And it’s still like I. You know what I mean? Like, because I know you’ve encountered this where like people get like so ego about it.
Uv Lucas: Yeah. Yo, seriously. Like, yeah. It’s like we need to make some humble pie for some people out here. Like literally I’m just like, whoa, okay. You know what I mean? And that’s then to me, I’m like, are you really like trying to be an artist or are you just here for like.
Like, do you think you’re going to be like, I don’t know what it is. It’s like, it’s a very, it’s a very interesting people that I’ve encountered. I think the worst of it, like at, at pitchfork, the, the photo pit, the men in the photo pit, there was like always like the three years that I went, there was like this group of guys and they were like older, you could tell like maybe punk heads and they did not, they were not nice.
Not nice at all, and I was just like, noted. You know what I mean? Yeah. Yeah, so it’s, it’s, I don’t know. I don’t, I, I think like people like that, like probably started with an ego or maybe they had like something, like some kind of success in their life, and now, like, they don’t feel either way. It’s just like, be kind, you know what I mean?
Like, it’s not that deep, you know, like, and I, I honestly wholeheartedly believe like if you have a bad attitude. Have a bad experience, you know what I mean? Like I knew someone that was always negative every day of their life that would, would wake up with negativity and. This person was like a brilliant artist and they’ve never made it to the level I think they should be at because of that negativity.
It drags you down, so it’s like, yo, beat chill. You know? That’s all I said.
Logan Cryer: Thank you for listening to Artblog Radio. Please be sure to listen to our other episodes and to check out theArtblog.org for more content on Philadelphia Arts and Culture.
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