Meet Ariel Opal Feldman | Live Music Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Opal Feldman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel Opal, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Unless you’re involved in the local music scene, you probably don’t know it exists in the form that it does! It’s a flourishing and thriving community full of wonderful and talented people. On any given night, you can find a live show at a number of local venues, and they all differ in genera, vibe, and crowd.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s sometimes hard to call myself an artist or a photographer. Over my time in the industry, I have become more comfortable in my role and presenting myself as such; but it’s still a challenge. I’m often the only woman working in the room, and I often do not get taken seriously because of it. In spite of that, I hope to let my work speak for itself with the power I have instilled in it, which is not always easy. I frequently shoot in the same venues, same bands, same lights, same stage. It’s sometimes very difficult to make each show gallery unique, but I try my hardest to anticipate where the artist is going, get in an uncomfortable position when necessary, and sometimes get kicked in the face because of it. (Don’t worry, I’m fine. AND I got the shot!) I’m still learning to take myself seriously. It’s becoming more and more imperative as my work continues to make it’s way around the scene, but it’s tough. There’s always better photographers out there. And it can be disheartening to look at your work with overly critical eyes and compare it to others. (I’m a Gold Card Frequent Flyer on Comparative Downfall Airlines)
I repeatedly undersell myself and let others determine my worth, monetarily, socially, and artistically. But that is why I’m so grateful for the local scene and it’s supportive and uplifting spirit. Every time I get down on myself, there’s someone strategically placed around the next corner to encourage me, even when they don’t know it. With every passing day, I become increasingly proud of my work and frequent singularity as a female photographer in the scene. However, I hope to start seeing more women out in the pit with me!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh! I have an ever-growing list titled “Things to do in South Florida” on my phone for this very reason! I’m very much an experiences girl! I love to spend the day exploring an area and taking pictures of my friends. (A photographer enjoying taking pictures? Who woulda thunk?!) My favorite experiences and eats, in no particular oder are as follows! Everglades & Biscayne National Parks, Robbies Islamorada (If you’re looking for a day trip to the Keys), the Frost Museum, Louk & Bee in Wynwood (try the Nutella Doughpuffs!). For Music: Gramps, Miami Beach Bandshell, Naomi’s Garden, the Bayfront Park Amphitheater, The Ground. And if you’re looking to make your way up to Broward and beyond, we’ve got experiences like Everglades Holiday Park, Butterfly World, The Pompano Pier, the Museum of Discovery and Science, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (See some sea turtles in rehab!), the free River Trolly through New River in Fort Lauderdale, and Kayaking in Birch State Park, where you can then walk down the street and get some fresh pizza at Primanti Bros and finish it off with ice cream and gourmet popcorn at Pops Corn! Then head into Downtown Fort Lauderdale to catch some music at Revolution Live, Culture Room, Backyard, Poorhouse, Fat Cats, Tin Roof, Tough Times, Piper’s, Gingers, Black Flamingo, Undergrounds and more! (You may just come across a certain blonde photographer doing her very best to not get kicked in the face)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love nothing more than to dedicate this Shoutout to the entire South Florida Music scene! Without it, my life would be very dull and filled with far less art. The scene has supported me and looked out for me even when I wasn’t paying attention. I would also like to dedicate this Shoutout more specifically to Fastwalker, a Fort Lauderdale based rock band, home to some of the most talented musicians and all around lovely humans on the planet. In January of 2023, they found me hanging out on the back porch of a venue, asked if I could shoot for them, and the rest is history. They allow me to be creative, try out new things, take absolutely bonkers pictures of them, and support every single endeavor I find myself pursuing. Not only do they create amazing music, but they are also some of my greatest friends, and I am thankful every day for that one night in January.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/fieldmanworker/home

Instagram: instagram.com/fieldmanworker – instagram.com/fieldmanworker.jpg

Other: My website is currently updating! It may be registered under the URL fieldmanworker.com by the time this article is ready to be published!

Image Credits
Ariel Opal Feldman (all pictures were taken by me! Including the self portrait)