2014 was a rough year for me. There were amazing times of course, but overall, it wasn't the best. I graduated high school but I lost all of the photos I took since I first started out up to Summerfest. I got a job that pays well but my boss isn't the greatest human being. I had amazing opportunities and met incredible people but I also lost others along the way. Staying positive isn't always easy, but I sure as hell try.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this year and I took some of my favorite pictures. Hope you like them as much as I do.
#14 - NECK DEEP
So this shoot was scheduled/approved 4 hours or so before the show. Since it was in a bowling alley (Centennial Lanes in Tinley Park, IL), I met up with the boys while they were finishing up their games. After an hour or so of goofing around and having Dani take photos of everyone, they finished their game and we got some quick portraits done. I busted out my instax and Dani went nuts so I gave him 3 sheets total to use, or else he would have used all ten. Since they wanted to keep all of the photos, I asked them for one for me and I got this. I really like it because it was very quick and simple and the guys were so humble and welcoming. I really hope I get to work with them again soon.
#13 - CHIODOS
As I said before, I lost all the photos I had taken since I started up to Summerfest this summer. I was able to dig this one up and I've grown fond of it. I initially hated it because of the light strokes but there's something about them that I love now. Plus I love how you can see some motion in Thomas' hands. This show was on the day of my prom and I'm so glad I went. Every band was phenomenal.
#12 - AVATAR
I had never heard of Avatar up until the Pop Evil // Escape the Fate tour. When they came on stage dressed up as toy soldiers, with makeup and such, I was like "I can't do this." I've never been a fan of those things but then they started playing and I was blown away. These guys, they know how to put on a show. Johannes (vox) is easily one of the best performers out there. So much energy and good vibes all around. I can't say enough positive things about them.
#11 - FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS
So this was taken at Summerfest during Brand New. I, along with every other photographer at the festival, thought we'd be able to shoot BN since we had clearance. To our surprise however, they decided last minute to only allow the official photographer to shoot. I was so sad but Fitz was playing right next to them so I went over to give them a listen. I was not disappointed at all. In a way I'm kind of glad. FATT are SO. FREAKING. FUN. They're some of my favorite musicians right now. I only stayed for the three songs and wen back to Brand New but still, they're the best.
#10 - CIRCA SURVIVE
I love this photo of Anthony because of what he's doing. This was a crazy ass show and everyone knows Anthony is a kickass performer. Circa Survives never ceases to amaze the fans and this show was one for the books.
#9 - FIFTH HARMONY
I had never heard Fifth Harmony until this show, but to say the least, they were phenomenal. I seriously hate when people hate on girl bands & boy bands because "they don't have talent." Obviously not being a solo artist or the only vocalist and having music on the radio and being part of a music tv show MUST mean you're talentless. These girls can sing. I wish I could sing. Can't wait to see what 2015 holds for them!
#8 - EMAROSA
This show was on my birthday and I can't put it into words. I love Emarosa. Always have and always will. When Bradley joined I was more than excited. He's such a talented person and an amazing performer. This was my second time seeing them this year and I was the happiest ever. I just realized this is my #8 and my birthday is Nov. 8th. WeeEEiiIrD. I love this. I love them.
#7 - HEARTIST
I am very picky with vertical photos, so when I saw this I knew it was special. I really love the band's energy but I happened to be standing in front of Bryce when he stopped to relax for a few seconds. I really enjoy this photo.
#6 - PIERCE THE VEIL
Pierce the Veil have been one of my top five favorite bands since middle school. I have traveled many miles to see them, so when I heard they'd be playing in a neighboring state, I knew I was going. This day was nuts. I thought I had my camera charged, but when I got home from work (at around 4:30ish) I realized it was dead. PTV played at 8:30 and I was 2 hours away from the venue. I stayed home for an hour but I only had a little bit of battery still. On my way to the venue, I stopped at Denys to get a bite to eat where I asked my server to charge my camera. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have made it. I arrived at the venue at 8:25 and was ready to go. I love this photo because it was the last photo I took and Jaime's face shows the exhaustion of playing thus far. I was exhausted of shooting by the first song because they're so so sooo fun. It was my first time shooting them and I'm so glad I was able to make it. I stayed for their set and then went back to Chicago. The 4 hours of driving was worth it.
#5 - MARMOZETS
I wasn't supposed to shoot warped tour but I requested another show just for giggles and got approved. I keep up with Joshua Halling's work a lot because it's phenomenal and I saw he kept shooting this weird band called "Marmozets." Every picture of them was insane. I decided to check them out and was lucky enough to shoot their whole set. Their music is incredibly good, Becca is such a talented person. Everyone in the band is, really. I'm so glad I checked them out, they're weird and wonderful. (You'll only get it if you heard their newest album.)
#4 - DOWN WITH WEBSTER
This was the first time I was able to shoot from the side of the stage and it was so so fun. Prior to their performance, I had an interview with DWW where we talked about many fun things. I even got to pull a prank on Cameron (vox). He dropped my iPod, which was cracked, and it fell screen down. So while he was picking it up, I mentioned how it was fine because nothing has ever happened to it. As soon as he turned it around and saw the cracks his face got so red and began apologizing and asking what he could do. Once I realized he felt really bad, I told him the truth and he was relieved. The guys were laughing at him and I felt like an asshole. Anyways, they're freaking amazing live and just great humans in general. I enjoyed shooting them so much, I want them to come back.
#3 - TWENTY ONE PILOTS
|-/ are one of my favorite artists and shooting/seeing them for the first time was incredible. The thing about this photo is he was running when I took it. I happened to take the picture at the perfect moment where the light burst and he's not blurry, I love the colors and Tyler's energy seen.
#2 - NEW POLITICS
During Summerfest, I was able to do a quick photo shoot with New Politcs, who were opening for Fall Out Boy and Paramore. We hanged out inside their bus while David got ready and I have to say, everyone there was very kind and humble. Their TM, friends, girlfriends; they were so down to earth. When we were doing the shoot, they were just goofing around for a while until I asked David to do one of the tricks he's know for. He pulled this stunt and Soren and Louis followed with their own moves. They're naturals at everything they do, I'm so glad I was given this opportunity.
#1 - letlive.
If you've ever met me, then you know just how much I love letlive.. They're my favorite band and my favorite people. This photo was taken at a "No Barricade" venue while I was getting hit. Although there are many things I hate about this (like that mic stand), I love Jeff's expression and the composition. Letlive. are all about the fans and the music. This photo shows it. I miss this dude and can't wait to catch up with him next year.