My Experience at 2019’s Neon Desert Music Festival
As you may know, I had the opportunity to be a press photographer for this year’s Neon Desert Music Festival (NDMF) of El Paso. With this being the first music festival I’ve ever attended, it was definitely a fun and unique experience. Not only did I get a chance to photograph a variety of known artists up close, but I also made new friends and learned what it was like to be a true press photographer (sort of).
Since some of you may be interested in photographing music festivals, you may be wondering how I got access to a press pass for NDMF. Typically, there are two ways you could receive a pass to these types of events:
- Apply as an in-house photographer to shoot directly for the event’s organizers and marketers.
- Apply as a press photographer representing a separate media outlet.
Usually, the second option is the easier way to gain access to a pass, as there are many outlets in need photographers. However, I did not receive my pass through either of these two methods. I got it through winning the 2019 Neon Desert Photo Contest. In essence, I got lucky.
Regardless, the experience of shooting the festival was no less exhilarating. As a press photographer, I got access to the press pit, the media tent, and VIP sections of multiple stages. Being right in front of the artists allowed me to capture crisp and clear photos of each performance – all while the speakers blasted me with music so loud I could feel my lungs vibrating.
However, the festival was not all sunshine and rainbows (which is mostly my fault). Since this was my first time shooting a music festival, I felt the need to outdo myself and maximize my press pass – even at the cost of proper rest. Although I managed to shoot 21 performances, I got no sleep, ate only two meals over the course of the two days, worked 11 hours per day, and at times would have to shoot up to 4 performances before getting back to the media tent for a break. Regardless of this, however, I would do it all again for the experience and results I achieved. I hope to shoot this festival again in 2020 and many others in the future.
To see the full Neon Desert Music Festival galleries, visit my Galleries page.
Keep Creating.
