Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsi Odum.
Hi Lindsi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love for photography started in middle school when my Granddad handed me my first “big camera”—a Minolta film camera. That camera sparked a passion that led me to a high school film photography class, where I fell in love with the hands-on process of rolling and developing film in the darkroom.
Fast forward to 2018, and I was living in Phoenix, eager to expand my skills. I reached out to a local musician and asked if I could shoot one of his shows to get experience with concert photography. Little did I know that moment would change my life—not only did it launch my journey into the world of live music photography, but in 2024, I ended up marrying that musician!
Over the past seven years, I’ve photographed more than 30 artists across multiple states and venues, even hitting the road for two and a half weeks on tour with Halocene and AlphaMega. Along the way, I expanded into music journalism, serving as a staff writer for Cowboy Lifestyle Network from 2019 to 2022. Now, I combine my love for photography and storytelling as a photographer and writer for Melodies n Memories Music Media (2022–present), capturing the raw energy of live performances and sharing the stories behind the music.
From stage lights to tour buses, my camera has taken me on an incredible ride—and I’m just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Concert photography is an incredibly competitive industry, and the road hasn’t always been smooth. Finding the right publication to work with was actually the easy part—getting access to shows, however, is a whole different challenge.
Every concert I photograph requires a pitch or application, and often, a lot of waiting. Securing a media pass isn’t just about showing up with a camera; it involves reaching out to the right people—whether it’s the venue, tour management, a PR company, or a major promoter like Live Nation. Each show has different requirements, and approvals are never guaranteed.
For bigger shows, the process usually starts by submitting a request through the artist’s PR team or label, sometimes weeks in advance. If they’re working with a promoter like Live Nation, I may have to go through their designated media application system. Some requests go unanswered, some get denied, and others come through at the last minute (I’m talking an hour before the show starts). It’s a constant hustle to not only secure credentials, but also prove that my coverage benefits the artist and their team.
Beyond the logistics, another challenge is balancing the passion for live music with the reality of the job. The work doesn’t stop after the last encore—I spend hours editing photos, writing reviews, meeting deadlines and sometimes driving home late from the venue. It’s a fast-paced world that requires persistence, adaptability, and a genuine love for the craft.
Despite the struggles, it’s all worth it when I’m in the moment, capturing the raw energy of a performance and crowd.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is a blend of storytelling and visual artistry, specializing in concert photography, music journalism, and branding photography. Through Melodies ‘n Memories Music Media, I capture the raw energy of live performances and bring music to life through both photography and written reviews. From small venues to large festivals, I aim to document the passion, connection, and authenticity that make live music unforgettable.
Beyond the music world, I also run Lindsi Rian Creative, where I help artists, businesses, and brands create compelling visual identities. Whether it’s capturing branding photos for small businesses or working on creative content that stands out, I thrive on helping people tell their stories in an impactful way.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend both photography and writing seamlessly. Many photographers focus solely on images, while writers focus on words—I do both, allowing me to craft a more complete narrative. Whether it’s through a concert review that transports readers into the moment or a branding session that visually tells a client’s story, my work is all about connection.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the journey I’ve taken to get here. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph and review performances from incredible artists such as Black Stone Cherry, The Used, Jake Owen and more, tour with musicians, and collaborate with brands that align with my creative vision. Every step has been fueled by passion, persistence, and a deep love for storytelling.
At the end of the day, I want my work to resonate, to make people feel something, and to leave a lasting impact.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that persistence and adaptability are everything. In both photography and music journalism, opportunities don’t just fall into your lap—you have to chase them, pitch yourself, and keep pushing forward even when doors close.
Rejection is part of the process, whether it’s a denied press pass, an unanswered email, or a project that doesn’t go as planned. Early on, I learned that instead of taking those moments personally, I had to use them as motivation to refine my craft, improve my work, and keep building relationships.
I’ve also realized how important it is to stay adaptable. No two shoots, concerts, or creative projects are ever the same, and being able to adjust on the fly—whether it’s dealing with unpredictable lighting, last-minute changes, or tight deadlines—it’s all been key to my growth.
Most of all, I’ve learned that passion and authenticity matter. The work that stands out the most is the work that’s done with heart. Whether I’m capturing a high-energy concert or telling a brand’s story through photography, I always aim to create something meaningful and impactful. Staying true to my creative vision while remaining open to growth has been the key to turning this passion into a career.
Contact Info:
- Website: lindsiriancreative.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lindsiriancreative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindsiRianCreative
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsiriancreative
Image Credits
All images by me, Lindsi Rian Creative
