Conversations with Bella Bea

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Bea

Hi Bella , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Minnesota. Raised in the foster care system. My childhood was pretty rough and I left home when I was 18.

I always had a love of photography growing up it had always kinda been something I could get lost in. I got my first camera when I was 7/8 year old and I was hooked.

Concert photography was not on my books AT ALL!!! In fact I wanted to be a wedding photographer and that in comparison now seems so dull to what I do now.

I met a local artist here in MN. AK Oxy and I first were introduced at a show he was playing in Minneapolis that night. (Mid May 2024). This kid had talent! I mentioned that I do photography on the side if he ever needed some help with that. Ak had a lot on his plate and I was really intrested in how the unground rap scene workers. I asked him if he would want some help with the workload. I did let him know I had little to no experience with this but I’m always up for a challenge. And than before I knew it I was managing an underground artist. AK had been teaching me the ropes and allowing me to get practice.

We attended a show in Rochester MN in June of 2024 and I was kinda taking pictures of everything and everyone. The next day I posted up a lot of the pictures that I captured and received a lot of positive feedback.

Ak preformed again in Rochester back in August of 2024 and I got a lot of compliments from the previous shows and interest in my work.

Ak had previous plans to fly out to Colorado in September of 2024 to work and preform with local artist CallMeWhoElse. I was invited along to gather as much knowledge as I could have in music management.

CallMeWhoElso Owns and operates NewWest Management based in Aurora/Denver area.

Ak Oxy had two performances lined up. I photographed both shows as I always do.

I got a ton of positive feedback from my work. NewWest Management was interested in the skills I had to contribute to the team. I am very much still learning the ropes of music management as well as sharpening my skills as much as possible.

The concert photography just kinda developed on its own. I am blessed to be able to work in multiple fields of this industry with a helping hand.

Through NewWest I have been able to continue to develop my photography side. When it comes to music management I am still learning evening I can.

I hope I can continue to develop and build connections out in Colorado as it has really captured my heart. I love the music scene out here and the endless love and support artists give other artist.

I’ve really been in the scene for less than a year. Im beyond blessed to be here.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A ton!

I had to learn to walk a stage pretty much blind.

Beware of Smoke Machines!!! Lesson learned on that one always ask ahead of time if they’ll be using one.
Smoke always makes the clarity of the pictures go down and tends to make to look more on the grainy, learning how to work with this is key!

You have to move quick and carefully. The stage is often littered with cords and such for equipment. Tripping hazards are everywhere. You have to move quick and carefully form one side of stage/venue to the other.

Ear plugs are a must!! You end up climbing on the floor and behind or around the speakers. Music blasting in your ear gets olds quick.

The amount of bruises I have form jumping on and off the stages, crawling around on the floor and yes even being thrown into a mosh pit or two can happen to.

You have to think fast and move fast!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in concert photography. I think what tends to set me apart in my field is my adaptability skills. This job requires a lot of quick thinking and movement. Honestly the thing I’m most proud of is how amazing this journey has been. I’ve learned so much in less than year about myself. I found a lot of personal growth along with professional growth in this past year. Im excited to see what 2025 had to offer. I plan on returning to Denver/Aurora area in May 2025

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk is involved in everyday life. You risk stubbing your toe on the bed frame everyday or slipping on ice outside in the winter months. Everything you do and say is a risk and someone’s always gonna have a perspective and something to say about you. The more risk you take the more likely you are to be rewarded. The most important things is trusting in yourself.

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