LBPhoto x Rankd
Point, shoot, save, repeat
L Bateman has achieved over 10 years professionally operating in Brighton’s grassroots scene, capturing the essence of the artists that keep the cogs turning through both digital and analog mediums. Whether it’s shooting cinematic music videos in sub-zero temperatures, to battling hardcore pits to capture the perfect live snap – L has become a go-to face for all things VISUAL.
More recently, L has delved into alternative pathways to platform their work, forging their own zine showcasing the chaotic energy of Brighton’s ‘BN1’ hardcore scene, dipping into performance – manifesting as an industrial noise project enriched with their mesmerising live projections, amongst much more. With an upcoming debut show supporting Iggor Cavalera (formally from Sepultura) alongside project companion Adam Sedgwick of Brighton’s ‘Tribe of Ghosts’ – we caught up with L to unpack their decade-long career and the unconventional techniques and approaches towards their craft.
"This (Noise Boy) is like an industrial noise project that sounds horrible. I Love it. It's just chaos, It's ADHD in musical form basically. So he (Adam Sedgwick) is doing all the music stuff and then I'm doing live visuals and all that kind of stuff, some analogue video synths running into a TV, that's running into a projector…"
As someone who is predominantly parked behind the lens capturing press shots, live snaps and music videos – L’s work has shaped the public perception of hundreds of local artists, helping them curate a professional image that has boosted their visibility and pushed them to the next rung of the musical ladder.
From cautiously finding the perfect frame on a Pentax 67, to candidly capturing raw, unposed snaps in a concealed ‘beer can cam’ – L has experimented and accumulated an extensive amount of photography equipment that has resulted in a diverse and colourful portfolio.
It’s clear to see that L’s work comes from a place of passion and enthusiasm, and sticking to a ‘formula’ isn’t on the agenda – it’s safe to say almost anything goes. We’re talking press shots amongst a sea of plushies for Brighton’s Couples Therapy (see image), press pit access for Enter Shikari, and BTS access for the iconic ‘2000 Trees’ festival.
With such an active involvement in music photography/videography both on a professional and grassroots level, L has embedded themselves into the fabric of Brighton’s music scene – but what triggered the 17 year+ career, and how can a rising photographer follow suit?
L – ‘So you say 17, it’s like 10 professionally. The rest of it was when I was in College, in sixth form, my granddad bought me a camera. I was studying photography and then I got too poor I had to sell my camera to buy my food. Then in 2011 I went digital, finally got a camera after a bad breakup and I was like, I need something to feel something again and then started shooting skateboarding, that kind of stuff.
K – ‘It’s kind of a hobby that’s transitioned…’
L – ‘Into my life, basically.’
The process hasn’t been smooth, and operating in an industry that is lacking in funding and rife in competition comes with it’s downsides. A key takeaway for upcoming photographers and videographers is preparing yourself to be pushed away from prospective artists – an inevitability with the almost non-existent budgets that exist on a grassroots level:
L – ‘Accept rejection. Yeah, it’s going to happen. It’s part of the parcel. It’s never personal. It’s normally like they either don’t have the budget yet, they’ve got someone else or they don’t want any photos. It’s never like, ‘oh, we don’t like you’.
Difficulty aside, L has forged a long-standing relationship with Brighton’s music scene, and is a welcome face at any stage front. L has highlighted the incredible community working behind the lens, and while many come and go through Brighton’s creative ‘revolving door’, L has become a staple of these spaces and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
Book in for ’25 via info@lbphoto.uk (or sharksaucefilms@gmail.com for video!)
Watch the full interview on rankd.uk