Photo: Ryah Giles
I will always love street photography. Even when shooting for a festival, my favorite shots away from stage end up being the ones where i blend into the surroundings and attempt to be invisible. Where I can see people’s honest reactions without engaging them.
Thursdays at a multi day music fest are more relaxed for me. I spend a lot of time walking the grounds, getting a feel for the place as well as the attendees. I generally shoot less on these days, but always have my cameras with me.
For those who like to know gear, I was shooting with 2 Nikon D750 bodies, one Tamron 15-30 mm, f/2.8, one Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 on my Black Rapid Double harness.
What’s funny is that after i shot this shot, i completely forgot about it. Now, 4 years later, in looking at images for this article, I came across it and instantly remembered every detail of the encounter.
Late afternoon, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival Oct 3, 2019. Walking from one end of the festival grounds to the other, I heard her playing her ukelele and followed the sound. When i saw her sitting on the rock wall, I fired off a few quick shots using the 70-200 mm lens and went on my way. I had thought about how inspiring the festival must be to her, to be one of the lucky ones introduced to the freedom of music at such an early age. Now, 4 years later, I’m struck by her gaze. Curious and relaxed. Exactly how a music festival should be enjoyed.
Shot details:
ISO: 125
Focal Length: 160 mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Shutter Speed:1/160
Editing Information: Post processing was only a contrast boost in Lightroom