Rock ‘n’ Roll photographer Ami Barwell has been shooting within the music industry for the past 12 years. Striking and atmospheric, honest; her photographs seek out and capture their subjects’ soul. Ami’s ability to capture the raw essence of her subject on film has earned her a solid reputation as ‘The World's leading live music photographer’. Her photography, both portraiture and live encapsulates the true spirit of rock 'n' roll - passion, emotion, sweat and soul.
Having shot some of music’s biggest artists to Worldwide critical acclaim – from her iconic intimate portraits of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and the legendary Ian Brown through to Iggy Pop, The White Stripes, Motorhead, Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters, REM, Lenny Kravitz and Iron Maiden.
Ami has traveled the World as a tour photographer with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Snow Patrol, Ian Brown, The Cooper Temple Clause, The Blood Brothers, Young Heart Attack and The Levellers.
Working with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club as their official photographer for 5 years – she documented everything from relaxed personal shots, candid tour-bus antics, intimate backstage emotions and raw, high-energy live shots – in a way no-one else could. Producing album photography for ‘HOWL’, Take Them On, On Your Own’, single covers for ‘Whatever Happened To My Rock ‘n’ Roll (Punk Song)’ and ‘Weight Of The World’ – Barwell was also the director of photography for the ‘Weight Of The World’ music video.
A catalyst for the camera shy, her photographs have a feel and depth that takes you into the shot, as if you were present at that very moment they were taken.
Frequently commissioned to produce album covers, inlay artwork and single covers; some of her most iconic work includes cover images for Interpol, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Editors and The Cooper Temple Clause.
Her amazing raw talent and dirty rock ‘n’ roll style has recently seen Ami working on fashion and style campaigns; shooting for Wella, Ben Sherman and Buddhist Punk.
August 2009 saw the birth of the ‘By Ami Barwell By Ben Sherman’ clothing range. Ami teamed up with Ben Sherman to launch an exclusive, limited-edition collection of unique T-shirts, each adorned with her incredible prints. Edgy and unique, showcasing her amazing photographic talents the ‘By Ami Barwell By Ben Sherman’ collection couldn’t be more rock ‘n’ roll.
Barwell’s tees lead the way in capturing the true authentic spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, where others simply follow.
She has worked with all major record labels and her work has featured in Mojo, Rolling Stone, I-D, Elle Magazine, NME, GQ, Uncut, The Sunday Times, Kerrang!, Vogue, Rock Sound, Total Guitar, Wonderland and Guitarist Magazine amongst other music and style journals and she regularly works on shoots with Classic Rock Magazine.
Ami gains the trust and respect of the artists she photographs. Ongoing working relationships & life-long friendship ensue. In return she gives them photographs to believe in. Perfect, frozen-forever rock ‘n’ roll moments.
Ami captures something nobody else can.
Barwell, Ami