Today on Let’s Click, my guest is Chuck Marshall , a concert photographer, podcast host, and music enthusiast from the Ann Arbor area of Michigan.
Chuck and his wife Brenda run Life in Michigan, an online magazine they’ve operated for approximately 14 years. They transitioned from MailChimp to Substack about two years ago after discovering the platform through Seth Werkheiser (Social Media Escape Club). Their Substack features:
Weekly personal essays (they alternate writing duties)
Local Michigan information and events
Coverage of movies, books, and music
Chuck’s Creative Projects
Fans with Bands Podcast
A “pandemic baby” project now in its sixth year featuring conversations with primarily local Michigan bands. The show is recorded via Zoom, allowing fans to join and interact with the artists directly.
Gig: The Art of Michigan Music
Chuck recently launched a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing visual artists in Michigan’s music scene, including:
Concert poster artists
Concert photographers
His mission is to elevate these artists to fine art status, as they rarely receive gallery representation despite their artistic merit. He’s passionate about building up and supporting his local creative community.
Music Background
Chuck isn’t just a photographer—he’s a musician. He played in a thrash metal band called Battalion for six years in the early 90s. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Touring regionally
Playing Milwaukee Metal Fest
Opening for Slayer in 1994 (technically the same day, though different time slots)
Their music is still available on Bandcamp
Talking Concert Photography
We discussed the under appreciation of concert photography as fine art, referencing legendary photographers like Jim Marshall and Ross Halfin as examples of the caliber of work being produced in the genre. We also discussed how you need to be quick on your feet, carry the right gear, and have your exposure settings dialed in right away. Chuck also shared tips on how he tries to get creative through long exposures, interesting camera angles, and creative post-processing.
Thank you Nuno Babo, Terry Odell, Brandon Ellrich, Jane DiCampo, and many others for tuning into my live video with Chuck Marshall!
