Thunder Bay Blues Festival 2019
I attended the Thunder Bay Blues Festival a couple years back and that was actually the first time I did so. It was only for one day and I didn’t have access to the stage or the ability to really get in close. I still managed to get a lot of great crowd photos because that is mainly what I was hired for and I had a great time doing so. Fast forward to this years event and The Walleye asked if I could capture the event for them. As soon as they said I would be getting media passes I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, it’s rare that I actually have this weekend in July free. Usually I have a wedding booked.
I attended the Thunder Bay Blues Festival a couple years back and that was actually the first time I did so. It was only for one day and I didn’t have access to the stage or the ability to really get in close. I still managed to get a lot of great crowd photos because that is mainly what I was hired for and I had a great time doing so. Fast forward to this years event and The Walleye asked if I could capture the event for them. As soon as they said I would be getting media passes I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, it’s rare that I actually have this weekend in July free. Usually I have a wedding booked.
I knew I at least wanted to get photos of the the main acts in the latter part of the day and that’s exactly what I did. With so many amazing performers it was a joy to be up close and get great shots. Of course, it wasn’t all about the performers. I made sure to walk around the venue and get a ton of photos of people attending the event. All in all it was a long, but amazing weekend of live music. I brought my wife Anne to help me out and we seriously had Thai Kitchen 3 days in a row. That is a new record for us. I’m already looking forward to next years event assuming I’m available and of course asked to capture it.
Bluesfest 2017
All the years that I have lived in Thunder Bay, I never once made it to a single Bluesfest, which all changed this past year. I was hired to cover a few hours of the event so I had no excuse this time around. The day that I chose to go, of course it rained for the first part. But that didn't mean I stopped shooting. Luckily, I was able to come back later in the evening and a lot more photos.
All the years that I have lived in Thunder Bay, I never once made it to a single Bluesfest, which all changed this past year. I was hired to cover a few hours of the event so I had no excuse this time around. The day that I chose to go, of course it rained for the first part. But that didn't mean I stopped shooting. Luckily, I was able to come back later in the evening and a lot more photos.
Admittedly, I didn't really worry about photographing the actual bands. Don't get me wrong, I captured a few here and there but honestly, it was just wasn't worth it for me. They were really strict about stopping and taking photos and I didn't have backstage access, so getting in close wasn't really an option, unless I felt like renting a huge zoom lens.
Instead, I do what I do best, I captured the people and moments within the crowd. I do it for wedding and portraits and my street photography, and this time it was no different. Next year, I will see if I can get in a bit closer but I'm so happy with all of the photos I managed to get with my lenses on hand.
