Jake Orr’s specialty is capturing the energy and presence of music and artists both on and off the stage.
What started as a love of music later combined with his exploration of photography, and it all fell into place. Since then, he’s been shooting concerts all over Grand Rapids and around the country, including artists like For King & Country, Matt Kearney, Toby Mac, Lecrae and many more.
He was also voted Best Photographer in Revue’s very own Best of the West readers poll in both 2020 and 2022—and he’s just getting started.
Tell us about your artistic journey.
My start to being an artist isn’t like many others. I didn’t pick up a camera early. I was always creative deep down but didn’t find the right creative outlet until college. I always struggled in school—specifically, having anything to be excited about. My mom encouraged me to try a photography class at GRCC and she went and got me my first camera. That is where I started to learn about photography and my love for it grew from that point.
A couple of years later, a friend of mine had a tour stop at Van Andel Arena. I was asked to shoot that show and immediately fell in love with photographing concerts and documenting artists’ journeys. That show was 9 years ago and my passion has grown everyday. Since then, I have shot at pretty much every venue in Grand Rapids as well as many others across the country.
What are your artistic influences?
I am greatly influenced by the film industry. I have always been a big lover of the art of movies. One of my biggest influences are the Safdie brothers. Their films bring grit and their stylistic choices really connect with me. Their films are often a little bit chaotic and I appreciate how they use cinematography to add to that.
As far as music photography, I have always looked up to Brad Heaton and Harry Benson. Heaton’s photo compositions have always stuck out to me and Benson’s iconic photos speak for themselves. They are both legends. Folk music is also something that influences my art. Growing up in the country, I resonate with a lot of the lyricism and storytelling.
My last two influences cater more towards motivation and a strong mindset. Those two are Kobe Bryant and my dad (Doug Orr). Growing up watching Kobe, I could see the willpower and determination he had to be the greatest. I was inspired to approach photography with a similar mindset towards greatness. From a young age I looked up to my dad and have always thought that he was a hero of mine. He always strove to be the best at his craft, just as I do. He is the executive pastry chef at Amway Grand and watching him grind every single day to be the best he can be has inspired me to do the same.
What do you love about concert photography?
There is so much that I love about photography! I love creating something that tells a story or captures a moment in a special way. I love looking back at all of the cool experiences that have come from photography and it is cool to see how my work has evolved over the years. Specifically with concerts, the energy is unmatched. Whether it is a small and intimate show or a big show in an arena, each one brings a unique way to tell a story. Concerts can be a little chaotic, unpredictable, and crazy which always brings adrenaline and adds to the fun of it.
What have you done recently that you’re proud of?
Last fall, I had the amazing opportunity to shoot a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. That was a bucket list moment for me and it felt unreal to be able to shoot at one of the most beautiful venues in the country. These last two summers I have been working with Frederick Meijer Gardens as a house photographer for their summer concert series. It’s been an awesome opportunity to be a part of such a legendary thing in Grand Rapids.
What are you looking forward to?
I have been enjoying shooting film, and that has been a fun creative venture that has helped me look at photos in a whole new light. I also have been working on a few covers for some really cool artists! I am really looking forward to creating more covers in the future. I look forward to connecting with new artists and shooting at new venues as well. I’ve also been getting into sports photography which has been a fun challenge for me. I am always trying to learn and get better.
Follow my journey at jakeorr.net, or on Instagram @theorrkid.
