In Conversation with Rodrigo Simas

Photo Credit: Alexander Silva

Based in Lisbon and working between Brazil, USA and Europe, Rodrigio a graphic designer and art director who started his career as a professional photographer in 2008, by 2010, he became one of Dave Matthews Band’s touring photographers, acquiring international experience by touring the world with the group and shooting in many of the most famous venues in North and South America and Europe.

I had the pleasure of asking Rodrigo what he finds most exciting about taking photos, if he could imagine a life without music, and how music has influenced his life and work as a photographer, and so much more.

UZOMAH: What is the most exciting part about taking photos?

RODRIGO: Being a music fanatic, it is documenting what I love the most.

Coheed And Cambria live at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO 2025

U: Can you remember the best fan reaction to one of your photos of an artist? How did it make you feel?

R: I can’t point out a single reaction, but I love when people say that that one picture translated the emotions they felt on that concert.

U: When taking photos of various iconic artists, what are some methods you use to capture the essence of not just the live atmosphere but also the musical performance?

R: There is no rule. I just try to get into the vibe of the music and “feel it”. By doing so I let my mind translate what I am feeling into moments in time. It is important to me to document the full experience. Shooting a concert is not only doing portraits of the artists but showing the audience, the stage, the production, all the musicians, the lights etc.

Sepultura at the Eventim Apollo (former Hammersmith Odeon) in London, 2024.

U: If you could name one concert that has been your favorite to capture, please do tell and explain why.

R: In recent times, probably 3: Dave Matthews Band at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Sepultura at the Hammersmith Odeon (also in London) and Coheed And Cambria at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in the US. 3 bands that I love performing sold out shows at 3 legendary venues that I only dreamed of.

Caption: Tom Morello with Prophets of Rage, Rio de Janeiro 2017

U: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be a photographer for a musical artist?

R: Your behavior is almost more important than your skills. The artist needs to feel 100% comfortable with you around 24/7 and being a fly on the wall is something harder than what people imagine. Trust is essential.

Dave Matthews Band at the Royal Albert Hall in London, 2024.

U: How did you become the photographer for DMB? What has been the most memorable with the band so far?

R: Long story short: I created a fan website for them 25 years ago, and it helped the band to grow in South America, so their management hired me as a consultant for their other artists. When DMB toured there in 2008, they asked if I could reach out for a photographer, and I asked if I could try it. Rest is history.

Just touring with them year after year is an amazing thing. The level they still tour is astonishing. But I must say that returning with them to my home country, Brazil, is always a highlight and an emotional experience.

Dave Matthews Band Video Complation

U: What is the process like when you know you've captured the perfect shot? Can you share a specific instance that was particularly thrilling?

R: I usually have only discovered my favorite shots after the concert is finished, when I start editing. I am not the kind of photographer that keep looking the photos I am doing throughout the concert because I get anxious. Of course, there are some moments that I think I got a good one, but I will only really look through it all after the show is done. One that pops up in my mind now is the band/crowd shot I just did a few weeks ago with Coheed And Cambria at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. I knew I had a good one when I did it, but it came out even better than I thought.

Dave Matthews Band live in Saratoga Springs, NY 2019.

U: Could you share some insights into the type of lighting you use during night shows? How does the actual stage lighting influence your efforts to capture the perfect shot?

R: No lightning at all, no flashes etc… just stage lights (or the lack of it). I just adapt with what is presented for me. The stage lightning will influence the results in terms of the kind of shots I will try, if using more shadows/contrast or colorful wider and brighter images. Working with bright lenses helps a lot. The 28-70 2.0 lens is incredible for concerts.

Dave Matthews Band live in Noblesville, IN 2019.

U: Can you imagine a life without music? How has music influenced your life and work as a photographer?

R: Def not. Music is what drives me. More than photography. I told Dave Matthews once that I figured out a way to be on stage with my favorite band without playing an instrument.

Dave Matthews Band live in Rogers, AR, 2018.

U: Is there an artist that would be a dream to capture that you have not?

R: So many. From legendary acts like Peter Gabriel & David Gilmour to bands like Paramore & Biffy Clyro or even newer artists that I love like The Warning… I am just getting started!

For more information about Rodrigo’s artwork, please visit his site here. He can also be found on Instagram here and Facebook here..