2016 has had it's ups and downs- it was kind of slow for me photography wise. I left Orlando and moved back to the Tampa area, am taking a break from school, started a new job and in the midst of all that I was down for the count for a while before my move from knee problems. However, I still caught some rad shows and have picked out some of my favorites from this year. Check it.
1. We The Kings
I remember listening to Check Yes, Juliet on repeat back in middle school. Who doesn't? Anyways, photographing this show was a definite throwback and that made it really fun. We The Kings were going on Warped Tour after this tour and they made it on MTV's list of bands to watch- featuring this photo. To see my photo in an article that featured so many other photographers that I look up to was really cool. I had a few photographer friends of mine reach out and send me the link to show me, which is how I found out about it, and that was awesome and it might sound lame but I love when everyone in the field can come together to support each other and congratulate each other because we are all working towards the same goal and it can get hard sometimes. Regardless, this is my #1 photo.
2. LANY
I found LANY via Spotify (which shout out, Spotify is my favorite thing ever to exist) and they've grown to become one of my favorite bands. If you don't know who they are- look them up. This was one of the first shows I show since moving to Tampa and it felt SO GOOD to be at a concert again. A lot of the venues here don't have barricades and shooting from the crowd can be difficult when everyone is taller than you and/or everyone is holding their phones up but still, having the crowd presence in the photos is neat to me (sometimes) because they're such a big part of the show.
3. Motion City Soundtrack
I got to shoot Motion City Soundtrack's farewell show- a band who I've listened to for years, that I found back in the MySpace era. They're whacky and golden. This was my first show I did after having all my knee problems and after my move it gave me an excuse to go back to Orlando. I had a blast shooting this show and seeing the band. Sad to see them go, but their music will always be around.
4. Melanie Martinez
I almost missed out on this show- it had been rescheduled and I requested press for it super last minute but somehow managed to pull it off. Melanie is amazing, simply put. Her stage set up is crazy. Her performance is eerie and dark and brilliant and the crowd is singing along to every word.
5. Foals
The Ritz in Ybor is one of the coolest venues- the ceiling is super pretty and the way it reflects the lights is amazing. Anyways. Foals show was weird, in the best way. It's standard for photographers to get to shoot the first three songs from the photo pit, but for this show it was the last three. So it was a long show but we were all so ready to get into the pit and Yannis was super interactive, jumping into the crowd and standing on the barricade to sing to the fans.
6. Never Shout Never
Yet another throwback show I got to shoot. I was 15 and was begging my parents to let me go to a Never Shout Never concert- which ended up happening and my sister had to take me and had to chaperone me and my group of friends. I saw them on Warped Tour last year, too, so it was just fun to see them live once again.
7. Knuckle Puck
Honestly, Knuckle Puck ranks high on 'Sam's favorite bands to shoot' list. Their set is so high energy and the crowd is always into it. It's cool to see bands continue to grow and live out their dreams. When this tour got announced (The Wonder Years, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, Moose Blood and Seaway) I was super excited to photogrpah it.
8. Say Anything
Max Bemis. Where to start? I'm a huge fan of artist/crowd interaction because again, the fans make the show. And fans love a Say Anything show. Talk about a high energy show- I don't think Max stops moving at any point. I love watching/listening to Say Anything live.
9. The Used
This is more in appreciation for my wide angle lens. But also, the look on Bert McCracken's face says it all. The Used did a tour this year where they did two nights in every city, playing a different album each night. They had mannequins on stage and a big, beautiful backdrop.
10. Fitz and the Tantrums
Last but not least, Fitz and The Tantrums are AMAZING live. Hands down one of my favorite live acts. Also, another wide angle lens shot appreciation post. I've seen them live one other time in Orlando when I was working with the alternative radio station- and I was really looking forward to this show. Fitz and Noelle have such an awesome stage presence/chemistry and they know how to put on a show.