Usually, when I obtain media passes to events, I'm conscious of the fact that depending on the assignment, there may be a slew of other photographers and videographers trying to get that perfect shot or interview question that'll get their YouTube channel percolating on the views side.
The last time I recall being in a media frenzy with bloodthirsty photographers/videographers was All-Star weekend. Two or three events I remember perfectly are, interviewing legendary Nike and Jordan designer, Tinker Hatfield, and Houston Rocket guard, James Harden. Hatfield's interview portion was shotgun style; this is where he'd walk down a line of 3 or 4 groups of interviewers answering their questions. This was one of the more organized settings I was in. James Harden wasn't too far behind as far as organization goes. Things only became a bit hostile when a couple of media outlets that kept taking other people's opportunities to ask questions, by intervening with their own.
Covering my first notable music festival a few weeks ago, I naively expected to be pampered and cut off from the rest of the massive crowd of fans that stood in awe, as their favorite performers took the stage at Chicago's annual Pitchfork extravaganza. I was sadly mistaken. As I lined up in the media section, I wasn't anticipating a semi-calm moshpit of media outlets squeezed in tightly. We all stood shoulder-to-shoulder trying to fire our cameras off. Luckily for me, I know what had to be done to get the footage I came for.
Below are some of my favorite images of artists and random fans in the crowd. FYI, I took some time away from writing to focus on other creative avenues but it feels good to be back. Feel free to drop a comment with your thoughts or any suggestions for pieces you'd like me to write about.
