Shortly before the performance, it goes quiet backstage – but only for a moment. In the backstage photo studio of the Baloise Session, those iconic portraits are created that every year encapsulate the vibrant spirit of the festival in a calendar. In this interview, photographer Flavia Schaub, who has been working with her camera since 2011, looks back on a unique challenge: selecting twelve images from hundreds of shots that reflect not only musical diversity, but also the festival's unmistakable club table atmosphere.
Working with legends like Iggy Pop remains unforgettable. «He strolled in with a glass of red wine in his hand, totally easy,’ recalls Schaub of the shoot with the rock icon. Moments like these reveal the balancing act between professional precision and spontaneous creativity. Preparation is everything – but even the best planning can surprise an artist with a sombrero or unexpected beard splendour. «We eliminate sources of error, but sometimes chaos is simply part of the process,’ explains the photographer, whose portfolio ranges from Alicia Keys to John Legend.»
The calendar, which is produced in co-operation with the printers Birkhäuser+GBC AG and Fischer Papier AG, is more than just a collection of star portraits. It documents the evolutionary spectrum of the festival, from jazz sensations such as Esperanza Spalding to energetic rock acts. Schaub emphasises the ethical aspects of her work: «It's about portraying people respectfully - no pictures in which you don't want to show yourself.»
But how do you get stars like Gavin James out of «promo mode» and into authentic moments in a matter of seconds? The key is calm and preparation. A well-rehearsed team, fixed lighting setups and the ability to «pick up» artists emotionally make all the difference. Even when time is of the essence: Every image should tell a story that extends beyond the stage.
This edition of the Baloise Session backline blog shows how the calendar builds a bridge between backstage intimacy and stage glamour and gives an insight into the untold stories behind Flavia's photos – such as her dream of a Tom Waits gig or her formative experience with Esperanza Spalding. All in the full interview about a world in which flashes and cameras become tools of art.