A photographing artist in the music industry – Tim Tronckoe
I once read the phrase “To be a photographer means that you have a passion to paint with light.” In my opinion Tim Tronckoe draws the most beautiful photos of Ghost with light.
Tim Tronckoe is a photographing artist in the music industry, who uses his technical expertise, creativity and composition skills to produce and preserve images.
Thank you, Tim, for agreeing to answer some of my questions. I appreciate it very much. First of all, I would like to ask you how you became a photographing artist in the music industry?
I started as a fan of the music. I attended a few concerts, took my camera and gradually grew a stronger interest in what was going on behind the stage. I first followed some local acts before working with the bigger names.
What were you doing before photography or was there never anything else you wanted to do?
I’ve always been a teacher, but my main fascination has always been within the realm of photography and anything visual to be honest.
Do you have an educational artistic background and did you have any formal training in photography? Or did you just rely on your natural talent?
My parents don’t really have an artistic background. I developed it through books and by visiting museums. Whenever I travel, my first focus will be the historical and cultural aspect of my destination. I got a lot of inspiration from that.
You are a music photographer. What came first? The passion for music or the passion for photography?
At a young age, I was more aware of my love for music than I was of my passion for photography. As soon as I attended concerts, this shifted in a way.
What do you prefer to do: concert photos, which can always be a big surprise, or photo shoots that you can plan?
Both are very interesting. However, photo sessions is really my thing. It requires a lot more creativity and it feels a lot more challenging to me. Whereas, during a live show, your shots are, for a big part, dependent of who’s in front of you and what the light guy does.
For photo sessions, one on one, you have a lot more control over the situation (lights, posing …)
Perhaps you could explain a little about your equipment? What is your essential camera equipment? What is typically in your camera bag? Something uncommon?
I’m not really a technical photographer. If the tools translate my vision to something I can relate to, I’ll take it. I work with Canon and Profoto mostly.
Do you post-process your photos? If so, please describe the process and tools.
99% of my photos are being processed, not too much though. I feel like I used to overdo it when I was just starting out. Less is more, that’s simply the key.
Anyone who has ever tried to take photos during a concert knows how difficult it is because of the exposure. Moreover, the action on stage happens very quickly and unexpectedly. Are there any special tricks?
Just be in the moment, but come prepared. The longer you follow an artist, the easier it becomes to anticipate to what he/she is going to do on stage. However, it is those lucky, unexpected moments that often stand for the best images.
How do you see the development that during a concert you almost only see mobile phones in front of you? Since mobile phone cameras are getting better and better, do you see them as competitors?
Being a good painter doesn’t mean you are Picasso 😉
In 2019 you released your first book of photographs “Portraits” where you photographed many famous people in the music industry. I am very proud to own a first edition with a signature from you. We also had a little conversation during your exhibition in Gent, Belgium.
Ghost_Band_Aids
You decided to transfer a part of the benefits to PyschoseNet.be. They support young people who suffer from mental health problems. Why exactly did you choose it?
On a daily basis, I come across young people who face so many obstacles. They are trying to fit in, while remaining true to themselves. Being, and being accepted, as who you really want to be, has become harder than ever. Music seems to be an escape from all of that. Here’s just one of the many reasons why I decided to go for a similar cause.
The pandemic brought the world to an absolute standstill. No photo shootings and no concerts. How did you experience the time and how did you spend it?
To me it was a time to reflect. During this time of reflection, I decided to invest and buy my own photo studio, where I’ve been able to establish some really interesting projects.
You have photographed so many amazing bands like Within Temptation, Twisted Sister, Epica, Evanescence, Arch Enemy, Avatar and many more. When did you meet the band GHOST for the first time and how did the collaboration come about?
I remember I first met Papa and his Ghouls at a show in Brussels when they were opening for Trivium and In Flames. Trivium’s press agent, who I also dedicated the book to, introduced me to this new promising band.
We shot some images of Ghost with Trivium. The photographs and both bands competing in a game of football went viral and really got some attention.
You have already worked with GHOST several times over the years. How often have you done photo shoots with GHOST?
I must have lost count. Whenever they’re in town and there’s time, we’ll do something together, which is super nice.
How many GHOST concerts have you been to? Do you attend the concerts only for professional reasons or also out of private interest? Would you consider yourself as a fan?
I’ve only attended a GHOST concert without a camera once. They were supporting Metallica and they had invited me and my partner to their show. We were surprised to received Snakepit tickets, which got us extremely close to the stage. We left after GHOST though 🙂
I feel you. I only got tickets for Metallica to see Ghost as the opening act. I stayed though. 😉
Is there anything that distinguishes working with GHOST from other artists? In the early years, the identities of the members were officially unknown. If I’m informed correctly, you photographed Ghost and Trivium doing on a football match (table soccer) in 2011? Were you let in on the secret or did you only meet the band with their masks on?
At that time, I only met them with their masks on. It was only a year or two later when I met Tobias without his mask and when we spent some nice talks. However, as soon as the mask goes on, I’ll address him as ‘Papa’.
I like that. 🙂
I really love the photo shooting from 2017, where Papa Emeritus III is sitting in the middle and the Ghouls stand on his side. As I read your friend Jelle Boucher of UnleashedVisuals exclusively designed and built this set for the photoshoot. What has been your favorite photo location with GHOST so far?
This must have been the small set we built for my book. It was right outside their dressing room at a festival, right behind the festival market where the crowd was. If only anyone had known.
The photo of Cardinal Copia in your book „Portraits“ is amazing. It looks very majestic and also a bit intimidating. I like that. A print hangs on the wall of my office in a baroque frame. How did the shoot come about? How did the idea develop to photograph the Cardinal and the ghouls sitting on a historical chair?
Like you mention, the Cardinal shows a lot of majestic power and I really wanted to highlight this. Actually, the chair is an antique chair from our own living room, which fit perfectly for this set.
We had about twenty minutes, which is quite a lot, but I think I got the shot in half that time. Setting everything up took a lot longer.
© Tim Tronckoe 
© Tim Tronckoe
Can you give us a little insight behind the scenes without revealing too much? Is there maybe a funny story you can share with us? Have you had the opportunity to spend some time with them away from work?
I guess I’ll leave the mystery there 😉
Haha, it was worth a try! 🙂
If you could do some promotional photos with the newly ascended Papa Emeritus IV what location would you choose? How would you arrange everything?
I’d love to shoot him in a totally unexpected location. I have something cool in my mind. Now, I just need to convince him 🙂
That sounds very exciting. I look forward to admiring the result one day. 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me, Tim!
Tim’s website, shop und social media accounts:
https://timtronckoe.myshopify.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TimTronckoePhotography