
Mike McLaughlin On Assignment
Rock and Roll may never die, but it is nonetheless temporal. We are pretty lucky here in Asbury Park. Holy rock moments are in good supply. However, they are just that—moments. And while the rest of us are busy losing ourselves in sweaty and joyful abandon, there is someone hard at work capturing the ephemeral—the rock photographer.
My first appreciation for that kind of artist started in the early 90’s (when everything started for me) with the images of Charles Peterson, noted photographer for a little indie label in Washington state known as Sub-Pop. I spent hours pouring over his work, finally able to see what the bands I had been hearing looked like.

Your I Phone Can’t Take This: An Iconic Shot From Charles Peterson
In an age of camera-phones and instant photography, the photographer who actually makes this work into a trade, who passionately composes shots instead of just pressing a button on a phone, is especially valuable to a community worth that attention. That’s why when I saw area photographer and resident Mike McLaughlin’s work up for a show at Asbury’s own Bands On A Budget on Mattison Avenue, I knew I had to find out more.
Mike’s been working closely with nation and area acts for years now, and he’s known throughout the community for his creativity, generosity and just for being a cool dude all around. I had a chance to hang out with Mike at Johnny Mac’s a few weeks back, and I was able to get the full story on Mike and his work, which you probably have already seen.
His care for his subjects, willingness to give himself and the camera over to the moment and what it demands, and signature color composition all combine to make some of the most stunning images ever captured in the Asbury scene.
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