Focusing On Tommy Lee

Focusing On Tommy Lee

Author: Steve Brazill February 23, 2017 Duration: 25:06

Editors Note: This episode was originally distributed through TWiP – This Week in Photo, and the YouTube Video above is through the TWiP YouTube Page. Please be sure to subscribe to their YouTube page, and visit their site to check out all of the TWiP shows.

Dustin Jack is a Los Angeles based photographer with a wide range of specialties. With over 25 years experience, Dustin appears to see the world differently than almost anyone I have met. He shoots concerts, sports, portraiture, fine art, landscape and studio photography – all with a Dustin only style. He’s also an accomplished graphic artist, with expertise in branding, advertising, design and layout. In 2013 he won the Photoshop Guru Award for the shot we will talking about today.

After living in Hollywood for just two days heI landed a job at Butterfield and Butterfield auction house. On any given day he would shoot the Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of OZ, The Batmobile, a Rembrandt, a Warhol, The Titanic dinner menu or an Elvis’ Jumpsuit. Talk about diversity!

Today, Dustin is responsible for all guitar studio and reference photography for Fretted Americana Inc. accumulating an astounding 150,000 images of the most sought after vintage guitars in the world. He also handles the advertising and imaging for the company including logos, magazine ads, web site images, business cards, banners, posters and T-shirt designs. As a director and editor, Dustin has produced over 300 episodes of the Fretted Americana Inc. PHIL X Show, which at this time, has over 40 Million views on You Tube and led to the host being hire to be the new guitarist in Bon Jovi replacing Ritchie Sambora.

Dustin’s personal works in fine art and concert photography has been in high demand for the last several years, most recently photographing and designing the SIXX:AM Double records as well as The Final show ever of Motley Crue. He has worked with, and photographed, Zakk Wylde, DJ Ashba, Motley Crue, Sixx:AM, Nikki Sixx, Lita Ford, Tommy Lee, Daughtry, KISS, 5 Finger Death Punch, Black Label Society, Shinedown, Phil X and The DRILLS, Rob Zombie, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Alter Bridge, Slash, Tremonti, Tiger Army, Guns n Roses, No Doubt, The Beastie Boys, TESLA and many others. You may have even seen some of his work in Rolling Stone, BURRN, SABIAN, BASS Player, Modern Drummer, Guitarist, Vintage Guitar and other music related magazines.

Today I sit down to talk with Dustin about his studio work with Tommy Lee, of Motley Crüe fame, and what it takes to get a great portrait – with all the pressure of a celebrity subject.

Connect with Dustin

Personal: dustinjackphotography.com
Facebook: @dustinjackphotography
Twitter: @dustinjackphoto
Instagram: @dustinjackphoto


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
10 Questions with… Jesse Feyereisen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:23
Today is a new type of show, its: 10 Questions with… Jesse Feyereisen I have been thinking a lot lately about doing some shows that are a bit different from the normal format. Something just for fun, and shorter than the…
High-Fashion Wedding Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:11
I first heard about wedding and portrait photographer, and wedding videographer, Andre Brown through my buddy Ant Pruitt’s show “Hands on Photography”, when Andre was on for a Photographers’ Go-To Tip. I knew I wanted to…
Commercial Lifestyle Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:24
PRODUCTION NOTE: I unfortunately had some issues with the guest audio on this show, so you will hear some echo at times. My apologies to my guest, and to you – the viewers and listeners. Tim Gerard Barker is an award-win…
Capturing That Precise Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:26
Today’s guest, former White House photographer Pete Souza, is a bucket-list item for me. I started Behind the Shot because I am a fan of great photography, or more specifically great photographers. Through the over six y…
Photographic Shapes, Gestures, and Symbols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:16
I often talk about how much I love being a part of the photo community. I have made such amazing friends being around this world of creativity, and today’s show is the product of those friendships. There are times that t…
Photography in Mongolia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:26
One of the best parts of doing this podcast is getting to see the amazing photography community at work. I mentioned this a few weeks ago when I had Kersten Luts (Creative Portraits and Headshots) on the show. He had bee…
Documenting the Golden Era of Motocross [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:58
I am so excited to have David Dewhurst back on the show again! David is one of those legends that I could talk to everyday. His work spans through multiple genres, and has consistently stood the test of time. The first t…
Capture Better Wildlife Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:37
Rick Sammon has been referred to as the Godfather of Photography, because he is one of the best there is. He jokes that he “specializes in not specializing”, but the reality is that he understands light, his gear, and hi…
Using An iPhone As Your Vacation Camera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:58
Jefferson Graham is a Manhattan Beach, California based writer-photographer, educator, and the host/producer of the travel photography series “Photowalks with Jefferson Graham”, which streams on YouTube, Tubi and the Rok…
Creative Portraits and Headshots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:34
It looks like I will owe Dave Williams a beer, or whisk(e)y. Dave is one of the best there is, and I am so lucky that he’s been on the show a few times. Well, a few weeks ago Dave emailed me to introduce me to Kersten Lu…