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From Fan To Family: How A Bowling For Soup Super-Fan Became Their Travelling Photographer
- Tiana Speter
- 26 minutes ago
- 5 min read
When UK-based, award-winning international hairdresser Amy Russell (aka Little Amy) made the decision to put down her scissors and pick up a camera, this fated pursuit of her teenage dream would ultimately lead to the stuff that dreams are made of, travelling the world capturing bands live in action. But the story behind her recent journey to the other side of the globe, joining American pop punk legends Bowling For Soup as their official touring photographer and content creator in Australia, is even more remarkable.
From fan to official photographer, Amy's not just a talented shooter; she's also been a bona fide Bowling For Soup mega-fan since the early 2000s, and her decision to chase her creative dreams would ultimately lead to her reaching family status with a band she has adored for decades. Now a solidified member of the Bowling For Soup team, Amy's sparkling talent shines through every moment she captures on camera, and the abundant mutual love from the band shows both onstage and off with this tight-kit and remarkably wholesome (yet hilarious) team.
Most recently on our shores snapping and filming a glittering array of moments as BFS co-headlined down under with Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, and supported by Talk Heavy, Amy's fairytale trajectory continued to skyrocket behind the lens thousands of kilometres (or miles for my US friends) away from home. And while she reveals below that "a lot of luck" was involved in the process leading to her ongoing BFS adventures, it's extremely safe to say Amy is not here by accident. From a career sea change through to assisting with merch, fart jokes, feel-good fan moments and more: here is a peek into how a super fan wound up touring with her favourite band in her own words.
The Soundcheck: You were a hairdresser prior to picking up the camera, what kick-started the change into live music photography?
Amy Russell: I’d been hairdressing for going on 15 years, and was managing a salon in London and running all their social media accounts. My days were 12-13 hours long, and I was burning out! My partner and I got an opportunity to move back to my home town by the sea, and decided to jump on it. This was the set up that allowed me to focus on ultimately chasing my teenage dream of working within the music industry. I’d always wanted to work for a music magazine, but that was 20 odd years ago. So, with the development of social media, and my passion for being creative and taking photos, it all just kind of clicked into place. I got myself a cheap Canon 6D and a 50mm prime lens (aka “nifty fifty”), and took it down to a club and shot some local bands. The images were terrible, and I questioned everything I was doing.
The Soundcheck: What gear do you shoot on these days and how do you go travelling with everything you need (travel tips for photographers and/or survival tips for travelling photographers welcome!)
Amy: I currently still use that Canon 6D, but primarily shoot with an R6 MKii, and an f2.8 24-70mm. I keep a Canon 35mm Fisheye on the 6D, but for larger venues will switch out to a 70-200mm. Investing in a Blackrapid harness was one of the best decisions ever - and it can be changed to a single sling, which I tend to do if it’s a small venue with a tight pit. A friend introduced me to Tenba cases, and I’m beyond grateful - I get the love for Peli cases, but when travelling with a lot of expensive gear, the Tenba is super discreet, while still offering me a ton of protection. Get insurance. The peace of mind makes the cost worthwhile.
The Soundcheck: How long have you been a Bowling For Soup fan and what series of events led to you travelling quite literally to the other side of the world as a photographer for the band?
Amy: I’ve been a Bowling For Soup mega fan since 2002. It took just over 20 years, but I have finally infiltrated the inner circle. In reality, it was a lot of luck. My partner is their UK merchandise manager, and had taken me out as an assistant on one of their UK tours as they are getting bigger and bigger over here. During the shows where the venue sold merch, I was kindly allowed to run around with a camera. Jaret [Reddick] liked some of work and asked if I’d go do a tour with them, turned out I’m not terrible at it, so when Jaret of my favourite band Bowling For Soup asked me to go to Australia, of course I said yes!
The Soundcheck: What is your favourite part about being part of the BFS family and what do you love most about the band?
Amy: It is literally a family. I cherish every single member of that crew and band. I have never felt so embraced, or welcomed into anything ever before. I’m also the only female, and I love that they keep me so safe, but do not hold back on the fart or ass jokes. There is no them and us with the band. It’s just us. It’s awesome, and because of this, there is nothing the crew wouldn’t do to make sure they are always comfortable, happy, and have everything they need.
The Soundcheck: What is your fave BFS song of all time and why?
Amy: Star Song. Always has been. It also holds some special memories with my dad who I love so much, and wouldn’t be doing this without him. I can just about hear it and not cry now. Go me!
The Soundcheck: Is your plan to continue shooting/travelling with BFS and/or any bucket list things you'd like to tick off as a photographer?
Amy: I’m gonna keep doing this as long as they’ll have me. I genuinely don’t think I could ever do this for another band. But, I do want to shoot Slam Dunk festival in the UK next year! In the long term, I would love to have a photo in the Punk Rock Museum, and I’ve always dreamed of having an image published in Kerrang Magazine. I also plan on applying to some photography awards in the near future.
The Soundcheck: Lastly, what is your most memorable moment with BFS from the recent Aussie run (can be onstage or off!)
Amy: Every single stupid moment that made my belly hurt with laughter. There are too many. Also falling off the riser on stage will probably haunt me for the rest of my life. The girl at the barrier offering me plasters (Band-Aids) after was the kindest thing, and another reminder of why Bowling For Soup and their fans are the greatest of all time.
Amy Russell: proof you should give up your day job!!
Check out more of Amy's work and keep up to date with all things Bowling For Soup below: