A lively concert filled with energy and emotion, showcasing the essence of live music.
Ashley Gellman, a talented tour photographer and assistant tour manager from South Philly, has carved a niche for herself in the music touring industry. With a passion ignited by her eclectic musical upbringing, Gellman captures intimate moments of renowned artists on tour, including Lucy Dacus and the Jonas Brothers. Balancing her work amidst the demands of life on the road, she emphasizes the importance of community and connections in the industry while maintaining her dedication to photography.
If you’ve ever wondered about the unseen world that supports our favorite bands as they hit the road, look no further than South Philly’s very own Ashley Gellman. This incredible talent wears two hats as both a tour photographer and assistant tour manager for some of the biggest names in the music scene.
Gellman’s love for music started in her upbringing in Goshen, N.Y., where she was immersed in a mix of thrash metal and old-school hip-hop thanks to her father’s eclectic taste. She caught the concert bug early, attending her first show at just 12 years old, which was a vibrant mix of the Jonas Brothers and the electrifying Warped Tour.
Inspired by the work of photographers she admired on Myspace and Tumblr, Gellman decided to pursue her dream in earnest, eventually moving to Philadelphia to study entertainment and arts management at Drexel University. It was there that she began hosting music shows in her basement, affectionately dubbed “JJ’s Diner” with her friends.
Fast forward to today, Gellman finds herself in the fast-paced life of touring with renowned artists such as Lucy Dacus, boygenius, Death Cab for Cutie, Jonas Brothers, and the Postal Service. Can you imagine the thrill of capturing intimate moments as musicians step off the stage, filled with emotions that only a true fan could understand?
Her daily routine kicks off bright and early at 7 a.m. with a quick coffee run to prep for a jam-packed day. She dives into her responsibilities, ensuring that every detail is in place, from managing venues to overseeing wardrobe, coordinating travel logistics, and even making sure bus drivers are well-fed. Talk about a multitasker!
After the last encore, Gellman joins her bandmates on the tour bus, where the fun doesn’t stop. Think late-night games like Mario Kart and Yahtzee. But Gellman’s commitment to her craft keeps her up late into the night as she edits photos until the wee hours, capturing each heartfelt laugh, moment of camaraderie, and slice of relaxation that unfolds.
Life on tour is not just about work; it’s about forging bonds that last a lifetime. Gellman emphasizes the importance of creating friendships within the tight-knit touring community. These connections often lead to new job opportunities, proving that a good rapport can pave the way for future gigs. In fact, she spends only about three months at home each year and has been back in Philly for just 24 days this year!
When she does manage to sneak home, Gellman has her priorities set. Chief among them is her furry friend, Thackery, who undoubtedly misses her during those long tour stretches. In her downtime, she loves indulging in naps, binge-listening to favorite podcasts like “Who? Weekly”, catching up on films, and hanging out at her local pub called Meetinghouse.
Being a tour photographer and assistant manager is more than just a job for Gellman; it’s a way of life filled with passion and purpose. As she juggles the demands of the road, she captures the raw and intimate moments that make each performance unique. So, the next time you buy a ticket to a concert, remember there’s a whole world behind the scenes, and Ashley Gellman is one of its stars, skillfully weaving together music, photography, and heartfelt experiences.
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