Music has always spoken to me, provided the words when I couldn’t find any, and when words wouldn’t come, melodies and often hard-hitting rock your face off riffs provided the soundtrack to my life. For years I have watched photographers at concerts, envying their spot. I had dabbled in photography a bit, more nature and landscapes, but didn’t turn my attention to concert photography until the spring of 2018, while at a festi val in North Florida. I spent the rest of that year learning and practicing and following every concert photographer I could, honing my craft and building a strong foundation.
April 2019 I had my first real taste of this drug that is concert photography. I was granted photo access as an independent photographer to Earthday Birthday, a full – day rock festival in Orlando, FL. My first day “on the job” and I had the opportunity to photograph 12+ bands…Including Godsmack, Motionless in White, Three Days Grace and Badflower! I was like a kid on Christmas morning!
Flash forward a few months of covering local bands and These Subtle Sounds agreed to expand coverage into Florida and take a chance on me as a contributor. Since August I have had the opportunity to cover over 45 bands and have two more shows slated before the end of the year, Snoop Dog and Sevendust. Every time I enter a photo pit and look around at the talented photographers that I have the privilege to work next to I pause to revel in this amazing opportunity and alignment of the planets that brought me to this place.
Choosing a “Top 10” was a challenge, so I ended up with 13. There were many more shows that spoke to me, many more artists, many more shots. These shows and images reflect some of my experiences this year, spanning a multitude of genres and generations. Music is truly an architect building bridges that connect us to each other. It is my hope that my words and images help to share this with a broader audience.
Enjoy the recap and stay tuned for 2020! Lots of shows and festivals already on deck!
Motionless In White – Earthday Birthday – April 2019
Thank you to WJRR 101.1 (Orlando’s Rock Station) for granting me my first official media pass to cover Earthday Birthday 26. The spark that was previously lit ignited this day and was the start of my concert photography journey. One of my favorite bands from this festival, and definitely one of the most photogenic, was Motionless In White.
Godsmack – Earthday Birthday – April 2019
Earthday Birthday 26 allowed me to shoot one of my all-time favorite bands, GODSMACK as they headlined the festival.
Tantric – Ferg’s, St. Petersburg – Sept 2019
This band brought me through a very difficult time in the early 2000s and I have been a fan ever since. I had the pleasure of getting up close and personal to shoot them during MuddFest this fall.
Madame Mayhem – House of Blues, Orlando – Sept 2019
Madame Mayhem was a firecracker on stage! It was a privilege and so much FUN to photographer her. I hope to do it again.
Nonpoint – House of Blues, Orlando – Sept 2019
Nonpoint. NONPOINT! These guys blew up the House of Blues and I was there to catch it all. Gotta love dreads and guitars!
Rainbow Kitten Surprise – House of Blues, Orlando – October 2019
Rainbow Kitten Surprise made me step outside of my regular music genre and what a gift that was! They had a commanding stage presence and were fun to photograph.
Black Label Society – House of Blues, Orlando – October 2019
“I’m Not Worthy” kept running through my head as I stood in the pit for this show. Zakk Wylde and BLS, TOTAL bucket list opportunity and HOLY SHIT what a show.
Badflower – The Orpheum, Tampa – October 2019
I have seen Badflower numerous times (including at Earthday Birthday earlier this year). I jumped at the chance to photograph them in this intimate venue. This shoot was even more special because I was able to take my 10-year-old daughter with me who was in heaven on the rail watching them perform. They blow me away at every performance.
Dirty Honey – House of Blues, Orlando – October 2019
Dirty Honey. Let me simplify it. Great hats. Ass shaking rock and roll. Powerful vocals. Great musicians. On my playlist daily on repeat.
Third Eye Blind – Hard Rock Live, Orlando – November 2019
November was like a blast from the past – covering bands from 20+ years ago when I was just figuring out who I was. It was an absolutely incredible experience to be in this venue, listening to a packed house sing every single lyric.
Randy Houser – House of Blues, Orlando – November 2019
This concert goes down as my FIRST country concert. Hard to believe, I know. I was surprised to admit, it took me home, taking me right back to my great grandmother’s kitchen.
Collective Soul – Hard Rock Live, Orlando – November 2019 Hard Rock Live
Another band from the soundtrack of my late teens – early 20’s. Collective Soul is an incredible band to see live. SUCH stage presence, such a love for the audience – a love that went both ways. It was an honor to be in this audience and feel the impact of their lyrics on so many.
Aaron Lewis – House of Blues, Orlando – December 2019
Aaron Lewis has always had a way of tapping into my soul, with his lyrics, and with his raw voice. I’ve always felt I could kick back and have a beer with him without any problem. Even as a country artist (not my genre of choice), he speaks to me on a very personal level. He is always true to himself, is a devout patriot, and a kick-ass musician. My playlist grew quite a bit after this show.
