AJ (they/them) is a Chicago-based creative who first joined Next Wave Magazine as a photographer. What started as a passion for capturing live music through their lens quickly evolved into a love for writing. Now, AJ not only delivers stunning visuals but also contributes engaging interviews and insightful reviews. Their journey into music photography began with shooting local band Evasion and photographing their first touring band, Icon For Hire. Armed with two Nikon D850s, AJ captures the energy of live performances with a distinct eye for detail. Beyond their work with the magazine, they’re also a dedicated teacher for students who are blind and visually impaired.

AJ’s love for music shines through in everything they do. Their favorite show they’ve photographed is PVRIS, whose music is a constant source of inspiration. With a top 3 artist list that includes PVRIS, Ashnikko, and Halestorm, AJ’s taste leans toward powerful, genre-bending sounds. They dream of photographing Paramore, Måneskin, and Lights, and aspire to interview PVRIS or Lights one day. You can find their work on social media as @impendingbloomphotography on all platforms except TikTok, where they go by @ajdg.photography.