When Canadian rock band and four-time JUNO award winners Arkells began to record their sixth studio album, Canadian photographer Jess Baumung was welcomed by the band with open arms to document their process, from recording to release.

In Jess’s kit were the Canon 1DX, paired with a Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 Art, Sigma 24-35mm f2 DG HSM | Art, Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG OS HSM | Art and a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM | Art lens.

We caught up with Jess to ask him a few questions about the process and the images from a photographers stand point.

Sigma Canada (SC): It takes a long time to build up trust with any subjects and pull off a collection of images like this. I imagine those doors weren’t opened overnight.
Jess Baumung (JB): It’s definitely something that doesn’t just happen overnight. I met the band for the first time at a music festival where they played a small acoustic set. I think they only had an EP out at the time. Over the years I would see them at various events. I’ve also worked with their manager a number of times over the last 10 years, so when the new album started coming together, they invited me to be a part of the project and it felt very comfortable being around to document it.

SC: Many photographers might think low-light studio or concert and reach for a prime, but you’ve been a big fan of the 24-35mm f/2 lens since it’s release. Is it the best of both worlds for you?
JB: I love that lens so much. Because of how sharp it is wide open, I always treat it like its a combination of a 24mm prime and a 35mm prime with the added bonus of never having to switch the lens.

SC: Arkells seem to have an unlimited supply of energy and passion to create. Was there a moment that stands out to you as a creative watching them work in the studio? 
JB: This whole album process was really inspiring creatively watching the way they work together to create a song from the ground up. One of the funnest moments for me was watching their reactions to the playbacks while in the room and seeing how excited they got. There was even a point where Max decided to jump on the table so he could dance while listening to a new song which I thought was really entertaining.

SC: Was there anything new you tried on this project to keep yourself inspired creatively? Did it work out for you?
JB: I shot a little side project on Polaroids. It was on the days they were recording People’s Champ and I decided to take a polaroid of every person who worked on the song. They were only used on social media, but I loved being able to create something unique. Other than that, I just did my best to document whatever was happening without getting in anyones way.