This was my first year shooting for Parklife DC, and it’s been a blast. I started at the end of April, shooting Langhorne Slim and John Craigie at The Birchmere. Since then, I’ve shot 40-some shows at 20-some different venues for Parklife — from cozy clubs like Songbyrd Music House and DC9 to Capital One and CFG Bank Arenas, and even Pink at Nationals Stadium.
I don’t normally write reviews, but I was asked to write a few words about my “Top 10” photos from 2023. I found it very difficult to get down to 10, so here are 12 of my personal favorite photos of the year.
1 – Langhorne Slim and John Craigie @ The Birchmere — 4/20/23
This one captures a joyful moment from that first show, with Langhorne Slim and John Craigie. I’m happy if I can make you feel what it’s like to be in the audience at a show. I’m even happier if I can get you to feel what it’s like to be onstage. This one made me very happy.
2 – Marcus Miller @ Rams Head on Stage — 6/10/23
This is Marcus Miller at Rams Head Onstage in Annapolis. One of the greatest bass players the world has ever seen, having a great time and putting on a great show. I’ve seen him play before, but this was my first time shooting one of his shows.
3 – Joey Harkum Band @ 9:30 Club — 5/4/23
Charles Kavoossi, playing guitar for Joey Harkum at the 9:30 Club. This was Charles’s first time playing the 9:30, and he seemed extra-inspired by the occasion. As the year has gone on, I’ve been trying to find more pictures to release in black & white. I love the way this one turned out.
4 – Brandi Carlile @ Wolf Trap — 6/25/23
Another b&w photo — this one of Brandi Carlile — from the Out & About Festival at Wolf Trap this Summer. Really one of my favorite musical experiences of the year. She’s an amazing performer, and very photogenic.
5 – Emily Wolfe @ Rams Head Live! — 5/17/23
This is Emily Wolfe, opening The Gaslight Anthem at Rams Head Live! in Baltimore. Maybe my favorite picture of the whole year. You know when you go to a concert, and you’re blown away by an opener you’ve never heard of? That was Emily. I think this photo captures some of the intensity of her live performance.
6 – Melt @ 9:30 Club — 10/14/23
This is Melt’s Big Ron, working the audience at the 9:30 Club. They work very hard to establish a personal connection to their fans, and I think you can feel that connection in this shot.
7 – Matt and Kim @ The Atlantis — 9/22/23
This Matt and Kim show at The Atlantis was a party – like a cross between a music concert and a minor-league baseball game. There was something going on at all times. And so much energy from just two people! Definitely a fun time. I hope I captured some of that fun in this shot.
8 – Joss Stone @ Warner Theatre — 8/25/23
Joss Stone at the Warner Theatre. Pretty sure I’ve had more people tell me they love this picture than anything else I’ve taken all year. Honestly, I had a difficult time choosing my favorite shot from this show, but I’ll listen to the crowd on this one.
9 – Jason Mraz @ Wolf Trap — 8/6/23
This is Chaska Potter, from Jason Mraz’s band, at Wolf Trap. Just a very cool moment from that concert. Lost in the music
10 – SG Goodman @ Wolf Trap — 8/2/23
SG Goodman, opening Jason Isbell at Wolf Trap, looking very spooky. I really liked the mood captured in this picture.
11 – Dashboard Confessional @ Merriweather Post Pavilion — 7/12/23
If the Emily Wolfe photo isn’t my favorite, this is. Dashboard Confessional opened Counting Crowes at Merriweather Post, and I just love the theatrical expanse of this shot.
12 – Annapolis Songwriters Festival @ Annapolis, MD — 9/14-9/17/23
This is Tianna Esperanza, captured in a quiet moment at the Annapolis Songwriters Festival. A simple silhouette, very peaceful.
That’s it! I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at some of my favorite shots from 2023. Let me know which one is your favorite. This last year has been a lot of fun for me, and I’m looking forward to what 2024 will bring.
