Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxwell Thomason.
Hi Maxwell, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started shooting concerts in 2019, but music has been part of my life long before I ever picked up a camera. Growing up, my dad played in several bands and was my biggest artistic inspiration. Being around music constantly shaped how I see creativity, timing, and emotion. After he passed away, I naturally gravitated toward music photography. It became a way to combine my need to create with the artistic eye he helped give me.
I have always operated independently as a creative, whether alongside a full-time job or not, and ASPCT became the vessel through which I began working directly with venues, promoters, and artists. Early on, a venue called Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa City gave me consistent access to shows and the opportunity to gain real experience inside the live music world. That environment allowed me to develop my style, understand how shows function behind the scenes, and build trust through repetition and reliability.
As my work grew, so did the scale of the opportunities. After relocating to Dallas, I rebuilt my network from the ground up in a much larger market. That transition led to working as a house photographer at American Airlines Center, where I am able to document concerts and major events on a larger scale while staying deeply connected to the city of Dallas. Along the way, I have worked with organizations and promoters such as Live Nation, Best Live Shows, Medium Rare, and X Games, and photographed events and concerts at venues including Toyota Music Factory and the OKC Zoo Amphitheatre.
Being able to move between intimate shows, large venues, festivals, and branded events has been incredibly grounding for me. No matter the scale, the goal has always stayed the same. To capture the energy of live music in a way that feels honest, immersive, and true to the moment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Early on, access was one of the biggest challenges. Before moving to Dallas, I was based in Iowa, where fewer touring artists and major shows came through, which made it difficult to build a diverse portfolio at scale. Opportunities were more limited, and every show mattered.
At the same time, I was balancing school, work, and live events, which meant late nights, long drives, and learning how to manage time under pressure. There were many moments where it would have been easier to step back, but I was determined to take advantage of any opportunity I could, regardless of the size of the show.
Another major challenge was building meaningful connections from the ground up. Nothing happened overnight. Reaching out to venues, promoters, and artists, showing up consistently, and maintaining strong professional relationships became just as important as the work itself. Learning how to communicate clearly, follow through, and earn trust over time played a huge role in creating new opportunities and long-term collaborations.
Those challenges forced me to be intentional, resourceful, and consistent. Looking back, the limitations I faced early on helped shape how I work today. They taught me how to show up prepared, build lasting relationships, and make the most out of every environment I’m in, whether it’s a small venue or a large-scale production.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Dallas-based concert, event, and festival photographer, specializing in live music and large-scale events where timing, access, and trust are just as important as the final images. My work focuses on capturing live performances and events in fast-paced environments, and I am known for the quality and speed of my work, as well as how I carry myself with clients and communicate throughout the process.
Live music and event photography leave very little room for error. Being prepared, adaptable, and professional behind the scenes is critical. I take pride in delivering strong images quickly while maintaining clear, consistent communication with artists, venues, promoters, and production teams. That reliability has played a major role in the opportunities I have earned as a concert and event photographer in Dallas and beyond.
I currently work as a house photographer at American Airlines Center and collaborate closely with promoters and organizations such as Live Nation, X Games, Medium Rare, and Best Live Shows. In these roles, my work goes beyond simply capturing photos. I am trusted to help shape how concerts and events are presented to the public by providing assets and visual direction that support marketing and social media efforts. Best Live Shows alone reaches more than 350,000 followers across platforms, and contributing content at that scale requires speed, consistency, and an understanding of audience engagement.
I regularly deliver photography assets that are used in real time for promotion, recaps, and live posting, helping teams tell the story of events as they happen and after they conclude. I have also photographed concerts and festivals at venues such as Toyota Music Factory and the OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, moving between intimate shows and large productions while maintaining the same level of focus and professionalism.
What I am most proud of is earning trust as a Dallas concert and event photographer in high-pressure environments and seeing my work used by artists, venues, and major productions to connect with large, engaged audiences. Being able to operate behind the scenes, support marketing teams, and consistently deliver under tight timelines is what sets my work apart.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk is unavoidable if you want to grow in a meaningful way, especially in creative industries. One of the biggest risks I took was moving to Dallas and starting over professionally. I had to leave behind an established routine and rebuild my network from scratch in a much larger and more competitive market.
That transition forced me to be intentional about how I approached my work and my relationships. I had to reach out, show up consistently, and earn trust one conversation and one opportunity at a time. There was no guarantee it would work, but I believed that being in a city like Dallas, with its volume of concerts, events, and major venues, would ultimately create more opportunities if I was willing to put in the work.
That risk paid off. Since making the move, I have been able to work as a house photographer at American Airlines Center and photograph concerts and events through organizations like Live Nation, Best Live Shows, Medium Rare, and X Games. I have also had opportunities to work at venues such as Toyota Music Factory and the OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, all of which came from leaning into uncertainty and staying consistent.
I do not see risk as something reckless. I see it as calculated. For me, risk means trusting preparation, relationships, and effort, even when the outcome is not guaranteed. Taking that approach has shaped my career and continues to guide how I move forward professionally.
Pricing:
- Concerts (day rate): $350–$750
- Festivals (day rate): $350–$750
- Events: $250 minimum plus $150 per additional hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maxwellthomason.com/dallas-concert-photography
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxwell_thomason/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellthomason/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maxwellthomason?lang=en
Image Credits
Maxwell Thomason
