Becoming A DC Music Photographer - Again
7 years ago, I left the DC Area to move to Seattle, only to end up in Tulsa, Oklahoma shortly thereafter. Along the way, I learned about reaching out to marketing managers and directors, talking to and directing talent, video production and editing, and how to improve my skillset, whether that meant new knowledge, new tools or both. Now, I find myself with a combination of all these things as I settle in back home in the DMV. Losing both of my parents in the last 4 years was a heavy factor in coming home, but it also felt like it was time.
I spent the last 5 years in Tulsa, building a network of clients that were all about making the city better. More cultural, more thoughtful, while having hard conversations. The people I got to meet taught me so much about community and what that truly looks like.
I’ve spent the last few months working on moving back to the area and now finally feel a bit settled in and ready to connect with all of you again.
What I love so much about the craft of photography is getting to know people. To see people, both in the literal and emotional sense. It’s this connection that I feel is so important to being able to create a great image. Understanding a subject allows you to craft an image that suits them the best and brings that best element of them out. With the Ava shot, I’ve been wanting to photograph her for years and as an avid fan of her music, I knew key parts of her songs that would be ideal to photograph. With my friend Hannah, her warm and cozy vibes fit best inside a coffee shop with big bright windows.
Okay, so what does this all mean in terms of being a DC Area photographer again? All the experience that I’ve accumulated over the past few years photographing artists like Bebe Rexha, Icona Pop, Rapsody, Jennifer Hudson and more, combined with the fact that I’m a local - I know what these venues look like because I’ve danced in them. I’ve watched my favorite artists perform in them. So whether its Merriweather or Wolf Trap or Ram’s Head, I know how to move in those spaces. Combining the two is where I can shine with a love for the area and the art in a way that brings so much together.
Coming home feels like the hero’s journey, becoming a DC based music photographer that also does portraits and photojournalism as well as filmmaking as a DP (director of photography) / camera operator. I’m really excited to see what this new chapter brings with it and I’m excited for you all to follow along with me.
You can see what I’m up to actively on my Instagram.
