Trying to focus on the small things. There were a lot of things to be thankful for this past week. Shooting a concert, first DJ, and a civil ceremony.
Let's start with the civil ceremony, an opportunity to delve into uncharted territory for me. This marked my first attempt at capturing such moments. Judging by the couple's reaction, it was a success. Due to my usual focus on the fringes of society through street photography, there has been a notable hesitancy to enlist me for more "upbeat" occasions. Venturing beyond my comfort zone was a refreshing change, allowing me to adopt a more hands-on approach to my shots. While I stayed true to my signature "street" style, I also infused some traditional techniques, creating a dynamic blend that added a new dimension to the experience.
The day kicked off with a rendezvous with the groom and his brother in Laguna Beach. They were adding the final touches for the much-anticipated "first look." Arriving 40 minutes ahead of schedule, I scouted the area for ideal shot locations. Engaging in conversation throughout, I began capturing moments behind the lens. Talking while shooting served dual purpose: building a connection with the subject and eliciting genuine, fun reactions. They wrapped their preparations. I strolled up the pathway, away from the water's edge to meet the bride. The moment she appeared, it was nothing short of STUNNING. We exchanged introductions, the entire time camera in hand, capturing the essence of the moment.
My heart raced as she walked towards the meeting spot. Nervousness crept in—I feared missing the moment, messing up the exposure, or fumbling with my cameras. To my relief, everything went smoothly. The warmth of everyone present, their kindness, made the day unfold seamlessly. Laughter echoed, as we collectively aimed to make every moment enjoyable. It was a fantastic experience that I'll cherish.
The sun faded to black, marking the end of this first time experience. I was eighty minutes away from Downtown San Diego - a city awaiting. Once again I geared up for a gig shooting a local band, Dolphins on Acid. Hopping into my car, I fueled up with some emergency candy and downed half a Celsius. Maneuvering through The 5, I downloaded images onto my hard drive and formatting SD cards. With limited resources and a tight budget, I formatted my SD cards to make room for the concert. Batteries were in abundance, but every gigabyte mattered. I arrived at the venue, catching the middle act with a sense of accomplishment.
The show was fantastic. I am a fan of punk surf rock and the energy of a mosh pit. I hit a second wind, the celsius didn't hurt.
Brain and body running on fumes, I exited the building. Exhaustion led me astray. After a five-minute detour in the wrong direction of my car, I reversed and headed home. Editing some pictures was the final task before my head effortlessly found the pillow. closing my eyes in a "well deserved" surrender to sleep. The following day was Thanksgiving. The day that began spending time immersed in the editing process before joining friends for dinner.
Two days later shooting my first club set was a departure from my usual concert-going experiences. A lover of live music, I'm well-versed in the concert venue scene. The energy, the crowd dynamics, you name it. Clubs were uncharted territory for me. The gig itself came about through cold outreach on Instagram with the artist, adding an element of uncertainty to the venture.
Arriving at the doors at what I thought was fashionably late at 10 pm, I was greeted by the revelation that the headliner wouldn't hit the stage until 12:30 am. Welp. Stepping into the club, my knees break a sweat. The anticipation and novelty of "The Club" setting added an electrifying layer to the experience.
With three cameras strapped to my shoulders, instantly a fellow photographer introduced herself. She revealed her experience shooting DJs and generously delved into the intricacies of the process. She offered insights into the dynamics and the essential shots to get. In the club, tables were currency, wristbands served as shields, and cameras, swords in the battlefield. The energy was nothing short of electric. An abundance of people losing themselves in dance, lights, smoke, and pulsating music. Amidst this electric atmosphere, I realized a crucial oversight - no flash. Typically prohibited in many venues, clubs demand it. I made it work. Navigating the dimly lit terrain with the determination to capture every moment.
Around 2am the night concluded. There was no editing this night. I got home and fell asleep on the couch, I didn't make it to the bed. I woke up, dosed myself with caffeine, and started editing. I sent the pictures along and solid feedback from the artist followed.
Uncertainty looms in my life at the moment. The ambiguity surrounding when my next gig will be, doubt about whether I'm steering in the "right" direction, and the stark reality of being on the brink of homelessness all contribute to a wonderful cocktail of stress and anxiety. I persist. The beauty lies in the fact that every day presents an opportunity to venture into something new. The constant state of learning, adapting, and creating has become my daily rhythm. Despite the hardships, there's an undeniable love for this life-a life that allows me to embrace the unknown with open arms. Yes, there will be mistakes, and rejection may become a familiar companion, but the resolve to keep trying remains unwavering.
For all the people that have realized my photography skills are stronger than my writing, have you dealt with something similar? what are you thankful for?
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