Michelle LaRose's first concert photograph was taken at a Peter Frampton concert in Flint Michigan in 1979. The photograph was taken with a 110 pocket camera from mid arena. Needless to say the negatives are in the bottom of a footlocker with no hope of resurfacing soon.

Later having seen professional photographs of the same performance, she knew she wanted to take photographs like that.

Having excelled in art throughout high school, Michelle dropped her charcoal pencil and picked up a camera, her fathers 35mm camera.

She chose the high school rock band, The Shadeaus, as her main subject of interest and became their official photographer from 1979 to 1983.

"I like concert photography because of all the lights and smoke and lasers. My dream growing up was to be a photographer for Rolling Stone magazine" says LaRose.

Michelle studied black and white photography and developing at Lansing Community College in Lansing Michigan. "It was funny, my classmates were developing pictures of trees and stuff while I was in there developing pictures of Ted Nugent backstage with his children on his lap."

Michelle continues by reflecting on how concert photography has changed through the years, "When I first started shooting concerts you had to be there when they opened the doors and run faster than everyone behind you for a spot on the barrier wall! Life is much easier now, I'm welcomed to show up with my camera. My biggest problem is avoiding and shooting around mosh pits."

Michelle has photographed many big name acts. When asked if there's someone she'd like to photograph that she hasn't yet, she confides "Yeah. Aerosmith. I've been beating my head on that wall for years."

Michelle continues to hone her craft with practice and an investment in a couple of high speed/low light lenses. "It's just what I love to do. A lot of people don't understand my love for concert photography. My friends in the photo pit know though. They know the thrill of the kill. The excitement of getting the perfect shot!"