We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott ‘Doc’ Dachroeden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott ‘Doc’, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m a firm believer that big things come from taking big risks. I moved to America from Australia 22 years ago with $500 to my name, hoping to continue my career in the music industry. I started touring in vans, moved on to RV’s then eventually tour buses and private jets! I had no formal education in anything, just a desire to see the world and not have a boring life. Had I never taken that initial risk I might not have ever found this life/career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love photographing live music. I think it can be a beautiful art form. I constantly strive to not just document a show but create images that are striking, exciting and unusual. I’m always trying to get the shot that no one else got or has.

I was the annoying kid with the camera growing up. Everybody knew at least one.

I shot my first show when I was 16 or 17 in Australia. I stood in the crowd and blasted the artist in the face with my high powered flash because I didn’t know and better, I annoyed him so much he vocalized his relief through the mic when I stopped. That artist was Billy Bragg.

I have created images and content for many top artists including, Tool, Alice In Chains, Rob Zombie, Evanescence, Seether, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and countless others.

Photographing live music is frustrating, the light is forever changing and the artists usually don’t stand still, You have to find the angles and settings that work quickly and get your shot, All in the first three songs.

But when you get something cool, its pretty awesome!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Clermont Lounge is first and foremost on my list, I’ve dragged many an artist and friend there and it’s always entertaining.

The Aquarium is a must!

The Van Gogh at The Pullman Yard is Fantastic!

Live shows at either The Masquerade or The Tabernacle.

eat at Herban Fix, Slutty Vegan or Chi Chi Vegan Taco Shop

Criminal Records in Little 5 points is excellent!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My brother Steve played a huge part in my journey, he got me my first good job in America, (which I subsequently got fired from) but it allowed me to get my foot in the door. I have been consistently working in the industry ever since. My partner Irina is also hugely supportive of me and of my photographic works. She has a great eye for composition too!

Instagram: @inautonomy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxz8eoZ1EM7RUH3vdGWP10A

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.