Interview: Photographer Sophia Lawson Celebrates 10 Years at Mohawk with Still Sounds

Authentic. Confident. Homegrown. Enduring. Emblematic of Austin. These describe both Red River District’s Mohawk concert venue and the special snapshots photographer Sophia Lawson takes inside of it. On Wednesday, January 18, Lawson will present Still Sounds, an exhibition displaying her favorite Mohawk moments captured on camera.

The night will also feature live performances by Sabrina Ellis of A Giant Dog and Sweet Spirit, and a visual installation by Phantastic Lights – known for the psychedelic backdrops across numerous venues. It’s the perfect evening for live music lovers, those passionate about Austin’s art scene, and anyone who has shared the love at Mohawk.

While her default is to stay behind the scenes, Lawson is ready to share her work with the world. Read our Q&A below.

Before your current role at Mohawk, how were you involved in the Austin music scene?

I got my Bachelors in printmaking but couldn’t get into the fine art scene the same way. Gallery spaces are too sterile for me.

I worked at Transmission Events, which later became Margin Walker, which later became Resound. I replied to a tweet asking for a photo intern and that was that. It became this half photo half marketing assistant role I created. I said, “I’m going to be here anyways so you might as well hire me to shoot some shows.”

I remember interning at ACL Live for a summer. I got into a bunch of tapings where I would sit next to Faith Hill or see Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples in the same night. Wild.

Was music always a big part of your life?

My dad started taking me to shows when I was a kid. I really remember Spoon at SXSW 2003. The first show I went to by myself was Good Charlotte, Goldfinger, and eve6 at Austin Music Hall. I go to shows religiously at this point of my life. I also have a seafoam green Fender Squire guitar but don’t play it seriously.

What makes your photography style unique?

My thing is color and composition. I’m very intentional with placement, framing the photo.

Do you have any special influences that impact how you photograph shows?

I don’t think I consciously pull form anyone. But growing up my hero was Autumn de Wilde (known for work with Elliott Smith, Beck, Death Cab for Cutie).

Even after the pandemic, Mohawk remains a big live music institution. Why do you think Mohawk has outlived other venues?

They know what they’re about – very rock n roll, very DIY, very Austin. I’ve just met the coolest people of staff, fans, photographers, anyone who comes through the venue. Mohawk is my home. I can go to shows alone and not feel alone. My friends and family are here.

How does your knowledge of Mohawk help you shoot?

In the last couple of years, I’ve trained myself to capture everything within the first few songs rather than scrolling through a thousand different photos. I wouldn’t say its down to a science by any means, but I certainly know what works and what doesn’t at Mohawk. What helps me so much is knowing the sweet spots of the venue. I know the curves of the stage and the angles in the back of the venue.

Has social media/Instagram changed how you work at all?

Not really. Instagram used to be a different ballgame when I first started. It’s more integral for people now. The whole idea of trying to grow a following runs a little counter to just trying to share your best work. It’s great to post your work on something so accessible as Instagram. Of course I want people to see my work.

What about other photographers? Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others?

It’s hard not to always compare yourself to other photographers who are more established. I fight with the idea of “Do I take this seriously enough?” As an artist I have an idea in my head it can always be better.

I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome where I’ve taken a pause when I felt that it wasn’t worth the time…but it always was!

How did you choose the photos for Still Sounds?

It’s been the journey of my life so it’s hard to whittle it down. I definitely think this is my strongest work. It’s a cohesive theme since everything displayed is after the reopening in 2021.

Are you ready for the public to see your work?

(Long pause) I need to be fully capable with sharing my work with others. I love the accessibility of sharing a photo on the internet but it’s rare to print a photo, put it in a big space, and share it before it takes on a life of its own. It’s exciting to do it in the space I’m in, gaining the traction I’ve gained. It’s special.

The prints are real now! Its terrifying. I can’t think of anything else I’ve done for 10 straight years other than maybe school. A big part was having people behind me saying that what I was doing mattered.

What is Sophia “IRL” vs Sophia in the pit?

During a show, I try to be invisible to the artist and to the crowd. Not so much for Still Sounds.

I struggle with it. I don’t like attention. I’ve had people/photographers come up to me in the pit and say, “Hey I saw you on the internet!” and I just say I don’t want to talk. I’m in the zone! I’m working! But part of me also wants to stay a mystery. People don’t need the full full picture – you know? But with THIS, everyone will know. It’s a whole show happening. It’s been a challenge. But a good challenge. It’s given me some vulnerable moments I’m uncomfortable with but that’s good.

Do you have any advise to photographers just starting out?

For anyone looking for advice, just keep doing it. Nothing is really that easy. Your goal shouldn’t be to get famous but capture the moment. You’ll at the very least make some friends along the way.

Any preview for what we’ll see on the big night?

You can peruse my Instagram for what MIGHT be displayed. I’ll just say that everything about the night will be in the spirit of the city. And that’s what I wanted.

 RSVP here for Still Sounds

Follow Sophia on Instagram at @sophiahelenelawson

Randoms:

•   In 2019, Sophia did annual dating auction for Austin Pets Alive! where she was the grand prize
•   “The OC helped shape my personality.”
•   “Austin is turning into a reservation only town…and that’s stupid.”
•   “Once Licorice Pizza came out multiple people thought I was Alana Haim.”