If you are just joining in and want to check out the beginning of the story, click here for Part 1!
I have met many wonderful photographers throughout my ten-year career. Many of them, I consider good friends. Heather, of Heather Coburn Photography, is one such friend. Paul Manna of 24-7 Entertainment, was kicking off a new festival in Baltimore, The Shindig Festival. He was looking for photographers to help cover the event. Since Heather was a friend of his, she referred him to me. I eagerly jumped on board. Over the past five years, I have had the pleasure of photographing the Shindig Festivals as well as The Trifecta Food Truck and Music Festivals for Paul. The Trifecta Food Truck and Music Festival still takes place annually at the Timonium Fair Grounds during the summer! You can like and follow them on Facebook by clicking here!
Enjoy a collection of photos highlighting my work with 24-7 Entertainment.
More to the story after the photos!
After my move to Southern PA, my focus shifted slightly. During this time, I met another photographer who was interested in becoming a concert photographer. Wedding photography was also a part-time job, so I invited him to assist me with photographing weddings. I also began coaching him on the “ins and outs” of concert photography. A group of local artists would put together several events at Ruins Hall in Glen Rock, PA. So, they asked if I would volunteer to cover these smaller events as they attempted to build interest in this outdoor venue. All artists that performed at these events were local musicians. Over a two-year period, I photographed several events at Ruins Hall and supported my photographer friend, who also assisted with these events. You can check out his work on Jester Graphics and Photography here.
(Swipe through the slider below to see some highlights of these shows at Ruins Hall)
Even though I spent a lot of time supporting local events, I still made time to cover a few larger shows. Two artists that I had the pleasure of photographing were Chris Cornell and Charles Bradley. Looking back, I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to see both artists. Chris Cornell performed a mostly acoustic set at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia and Charles Bradley delivered an intimate performance at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis. Both shows demonstrated the true talent of these performers.
My work with events continued as I covered both Charm City Bluegrass Festivals and Hot August Music Festivals since 2016. These festivals take place here in the Baltimore area. There will be several preview blog posts leading up to this year’s Charm City Bluegrass Festival. This year, the festival will take place on April 26-27. You can follow the event page and pick up your tickets by clicking here!
My brief “break” in photographing concerts was coming to an end. I was becoming homesick for all the clubs and venues where I had spent so much of my free time. So, I entered 2016, I re-evaluated my current situation and reflected on what I loved most about my past experiences. I knew it was time to jump back into concert photography. As a result, I made some changes in my life to make that happen!
Read the final part of the story here! Before you go, enjoy some highlights from Charm City Bluegrass and Hot August Music Festivals from throughout the years! (link to the final post below gallery as well)
