2023 was a hell of a year. An incredible journey of sorts — filled with unforgettable shows, remarkable encounters, and the constant juggling act of balancing music and sports photography, and the demands of a challenging full-time job.
Capturing the Beat:
The concert photography year kicked off early for me with Wallows and MAY-A. That show gave way to plenty more throughout the year. From the electric energy of music festivals to the intimate performances in local venues, each event presented a unique opportunity to freeze moments in time. It felt good to be back!
Even though concert photography took over most of my time in 2023, I could not let my love for sports photography be left unanswered. It wasn’t as much as I would have liked, a person only has so many hours in a day, but I still managed to sneak in some nice shots into my agenda. And put on my vision board for 2024 a bigger focus on sports.
Discovering New Horizons:
During the balancing act that was last year, a newfound interest blossomed: creative portrait photography for artists and athletes. Portrait photography is something that has been in my mind for a very long time. It’s an area that I had rarely practised but piqued my curiosity. I love working with people but classic portraiture didn’t appeal to me. However, whenever I see those beautifully crafted creative artist and athlete portraits, I am hooked! I was also ready for something new and to step outside my comfort zone, a.k.a. not great at directing people (yet). The challenge of capturing the essence of individuals through my lens will add a fresh dimension to my skill set.
That being said, a new skill takes time to master and I am eager to invest time and effort into it. So, to get started, I’ve set myself a challenge to create weekly creative self-portraits. Do you think I’ll make it?
Looking Ahead:
As I wrap up the recap of 2023, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, challenges, and moments of growth last year provided. The journey of merging passion with profession is ongoing, and I am excited to see how this year will go. Here’s to another year of capturing the magic of live performances, forging connections, and delving into portrait photography—all while navigating the delicate balance between passion and responsibility. Cheers to the adventure that lies ahead!