I don’t get out to shoot much anymore for the paper unless we are short staffed or it is a special event. I’ve worked as an editor, not on site, for ACL Fest since it began but alway avoided the scene because I hate crowds. In 2018, we needed help shooting it so I reluctantly said I would go. Turns out the wonderful folks at C3 have a media oasis and most outlets have their own tents to work from. GAME CHANGER. As soon as the crowd anxiety would hit, I could escape to the media area and work on editing my photos.
There are two weekends to this festival. I prefer the second because it seems more laid back to me. I can get hints from the first weekend folks about how the acts are going to go. Sometimes there are acts that just play one weekend. Sloppy Jane was one of these. I google the band because it sounded cool and when I found out what they were about, I was committed to covering them.
Being a part of the pit photo scene can be an experience in and of itself. There are super photographers who respect what you are trying to shoot and there are the oblivious ones who stand in front of the 5’2″ lady that they could easily stand behind. I enjoy shooting the early less popular bands because they see you, look at you and make your images so much more interesting. I tend to avoid the headliners because of the rules and the crowd. Not only do you have the photo scrum but you have the VIPs who have paid money to be in your way for three songs while you try to do your job. No thanks.
This year my mission was to get a fan shot worthy of missing some of the three songs I am allowed to shoot in the pit. These fans are usually smashed against the barrier and know all the songs. I found this shot at Japanese Breakfast. I love these kids and I was extremely impressed how they typed their names into my phone with one thumb.
The other act who had loyal fans fun to photograph was Arlo Parks. Although one fan could not stop staring at me. We hate when that happens. Arlo Parks was so engaging with her fans in the audience and they gave her the love that made her set shine. I am going to have to add more of her music to my playlists.
Working the festival, you must be dedicated to working long days so while you have three songs to up close and personal with the performer, you generally miss the other songs because you are running to another stage to catch another act. Editing time must be built in too. It was a perk that the media tent was close to two stages so you could hear the music well. It was not such a perk when the EDM music started up and your brains felt like they were going to leak out of your ears so thank goodness for the ear plugs. Speaking of, I have many friend with tinnitus from no protection during concert days. Wear ear protection!
I don’t know if this will be my last music festival or not but I try to photograph them all like they were going to be. For more photos go to Austin360.com.
Nell Carroll Photography 