Behind the Lens: I thought I'd share some concert photography with you

Every once in a while, I organize and declutter my external hard drive photography files — and just like when I declutter my home, it turns to nostalgia. You do this too, don't you?

So here I am, I went from cleaning to sharing these images with you!

Event photography is one of the most dynamic parts of my work. I’ve had the privilege of documenting everything from intimate family weddings and community celebrations to high-energy concerts with massive crowds. Here are a few standout moments from Joshua Tree Music Festival, WorldFest, and the California State Fair that I’ve covered over the past few years.

Sister Nancy - a true icon of reggae and dancehall - radiated strength and longevity as one of the first women to take the mic in a male-dominated genre. Her presence on stage was exactly what you’d expect: iconic. She commanded the space like a queen and reminded everyone why her legacy continues to inspire generations. You're singing “Bam Bam” now, aren't you?

Sister Nancy doesn’t like to be disturbed before a performance -she’s focused, grounded, getting into her flow. There was a charge in the air. Everyone felt it - even other artists were fanboying. She stepped on stage and transformed the space without saying a word beforehand. That’s legacy in motion.

Kabaka Pyramid, a Grammy award winner for Best Reggae Album just months prior, delivered a set steeped in consciousness and lyrical fire. His voice cut through the crowd like a rally cry — intentional, grounded, and sharp. He brought a clarity to the stage that few can match.

Kabaka Pyramid

Supaman, a Native American hip-hop artist and fancy dancer of the Apsáalooke Nation, blended traditional Indigenous culture with beat-driven hip-hop, prayer, and spoken word. Dressed in full regalia, he moved with the rhythm of his ancestors -telling stories of identity and joy. Watching him is a spiritual experience. He doesn’t just perform - he lifts the room into something sacred.

Supaman

Supaman also made a surprise appearance during Ozomatli’s unforgettable set — sharing a powerful rap that added another layer to an already electric performance. In true Ozomatli fashion, they closed their show by jumping into the crowd — horns, drums, and all — completely surrounded by the audience, delivering a high-energy, soul-fueling finale.

OZOMATLI

It’s been fulfilling to see that same spirit extend beyond the festival stage. This is a performance I missed, but recently, Ozomatli performed in the streets of LA alongside Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine, taking a stand against ICE in a show of unity and resistance. Epic is an understatement. As an artist and founder of New Bird Studio, our values are deeply aligned with actions like these. We believe in doing good and supporting good.

I stand in solidarity with LA - the city I was born in, where much of my family still lives.

Defund ICE.

And on that note… need some event coverage? Do you have a band or are a performer? If your values align - let’s talk.

WAR, the legendary band whose music spans decades, lit up the stage at the California State Fair in 2024. During their performance, Mayor Kevin McCarty honored them with an official state resolution - a formal recognition by California honoring their cultural legacy and impact. Seeing them honored in that way while playing timeless hits like “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “So” made for a meaningful moment, one that reminded me of being a teen in my room with the static sounds of my dad's album spinning on the turntable.

And then there was AGD7 at WorldFest — a genre-bending group from Korea whose fusion of traditional Korean instruments with rock, pop, and electronic music created a sound that was both ancient and futuristic. Their energy was magnetic, and it was exciting to document a group so fresh and boundary-pushing on stage.

AGD7

New Bird Studio is rooted in storytelling — and live music offers some of the richest visuals and energy to capture. Each frame tells a story of movement, memory, and sound. As I continue to build this archive and expand our creative offerings, I’m constantly reminded of how powerful these moments are — not just for audiences, but for the communities they build and the histories they help preserve.

Are you a musician or performer? I curate your online presence. As you know, it is very difficult to do that for yourself. That's where I come in! From a creative consultation (first one is free) to full branding - Let's talk!

If you’re hosting an event and want it documented with care, craft, and an eye for the narrative or if you are interested in licensing or purchasing an image- Let's talk!

But wait - there's more lol

Jupiter & Okwess performed at WorldFest in 2023 and at Joshua Tree Music Festival in 2018.

The vibrant energy of Jupiter & Okwess is a blast. Their sound - a powerful fusion of Congolese rumba, funk, and rock - is both traditional and modern. Documenting their set was a photographer's dream; every member of the band moved with joy, and the crowd mirrored that energy, creating a visual spectacle of pure celebration. The music told a story of Kinshasa’s spirit, and it was a privilege to capture the raw power of that narrative on stage.

And then there is my favorite of my favorite images! Fatoumata Diawara, a Malian singer and actress whose performance was a masterclass in understated power. Her voice, rich and soulful, had an incredible way of filling the entire space, and her music, a blend of Wassoulou tradition with modern Afro-pop, felt like a timeless and deeply personal conversation. Beyond her captivating stage presence, Diawara is also a prominent advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, and African unity. Her songs often carry a message of strength and resilience, and you could feel that purpose behind every note—a quiet strength that made her presence both captivating and profoundly inspiring.

This is a small sampling of my work! Visit my photography portfolio. I'm updating my portfolio of work to ease navigation so I was almost not going to share this with you but I use it as an opportunity to share the frustration of pain points.

Pain points are just a problem or an annoyance. That's it!

You can use the idea of pain points to figure out what you want for your own website. Start by looking at other websites and keeping a running list. When you see something you don't like—maybe the font is hard to read or it's difficult to find a portfolio—write that down. That's a pain point you want to avoid. When you see something you love—a clean design or a great photo gallery—write that down, too. That's the solution to a pain point. By doing this, you’ll be able to clearly describe what you do and do not like, so you’ll know exactly what you want when you are ready to get your website.

And on that note, New Bird Studio is currently offering $200 off of websites. We have limited capacity and are accepting just 2 new clients at this time, and this offer is for the first two to put down a deposit. Ends September 30, 2025.