Rockin River Festival 2018

Event PhotographyPhotography

The Thrill of Event Photography: Capturing Moments at the Merritt Rockin River Festival

I have a deep passion for event photography. It’s an exhilarating art form that allows me to capture the spontaneous and genuine moments as they unfold. Unlike studio photography where you have control over every detail, event photography pushes you into an uncontrolled environment, demanding creativity, keen observation, and a fearless attitude.

Embracing the Unpredictability of Events

Event photography is all about embracing the unpredictability. You can’t control the lighting, the placement of people, or the flow of activities. This lack of control might seem daunting to some, but it’s what I find most thrilling. The challenge lies in adapting quickly to different scenarios and finding the best way to document the atmosphere and emotions.

The Merritt Rockin River Festival: An Exciting Challenge

This past summer, I was honored to be an official photographer for the Merritt Rockin River Festival. The invitation brought a mix of excitement and nerves. For those who know me well, it’s no secret that I’m not a fan of large crowds. Being in a sea of people can make me feel lost and anxious, and the thought of navigating such a chaotic environment with my photography gear only added to the pressure.

However, the opportunity to photograph such a lively event was too good to pass up. I decided to face my fears head-on and immerse myself in the festival’s vibrant energy. The festival, set in the smoky, dry summer, promised a weekend full of music, fun, and unique photographic opportunities.

Becoming a Fly on the Wall

One of the strategies I employed was to blend into the background as much as possible. I aimed to be like a fly on the wall, observing and capturing moments without interrupting the natural flow of the event. This approach allowed me to document the festival in a way that felt authentic and unposed.

The attendees were so engrossed in their enjoyment that they barely noticed my presence. This level of immersion helped me capture the essence of the festival – the joy, excitement, and community spirit. Each photograph became a snapshot of the collective experience, a testament to the festival’s lively atmosphere.

Capturing the Spirit of the Festival

Event photography at the Merritt Rockin River Festival required me to stay alert and ready for anything. The energy was palpable, with people dancing, singing, and enjoying the music. The challenge was to capture these fleeting moments in a way that conveyed the festival’s spirit.

From candid shots of friends sharing a laugh to wide-angle shots of the crowd swaying to the music, each image told a part of the story. The smoky summer air added a unique texture to the photographs, giving them a distinctive look that perfectly matched the festival’s rugged charm.

Favorite Moments from the Festival

Reflecting on the festival, several photographs stand out as favorites. There’s a shot of a group of friends cheering with their drinks held high, the sun setting behind them and casting a warm glow over the scene. Another favorite is a photo of a young couple dancing, lost in their own world amidst the crowd. Their joy is contagious, and the image captures a beautiful, unguarded moment.

I also love a wide shot of the main stage, with the band performing and the audience illuminated by colorful stage lights. This photo encapsulates the festival’s essence – a celebration of music, community, and the pure joy of being in the moment.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Joy

Despite my initial nerves about the crowd, photographing the Merritt Rockin River Festival turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience. It reminded me of why I love event photography – the opportunity to capture genuine moments and the thrill of working in dynamic, unpredictable environments.

The festival pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the chaos. In doing so, I was able to create a series of photographs that not only document the event but also tell a story. Each image is a piece of the larger narrative, a snapshot of a memorable weekend filled with music, laughter, and camaraderie.

Event photography, with all its challenges and rewards, continues to be a passion of mine. It’s an art form that constantly pushes me to grow and adapt, and for that, I am grateful. Here’s to many more events and the countless moments waiting to be captured.

 

 

Tags: Event Photography, Photography

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