Volume 6: Country Angel Dreaming
Sierra Ferrell, an all-girl photo pit, and some of the dreamiest lighting ever.
The minute I was approved for this concert, I knew it was going to be one of the best for my career. When an artist pours their entire soul into their production, costume, and overall visual artistry to accompany their music, it really puts a meaning behind the word “show.” I had seen Sierra Ferrell across my Instagram feed with her colorful and eccentric style. I saw the attention to detail from all aspects of her artistry and knew that we would be a perfect fit stylistically.
Arriving for the night, I came to find that all of my peers in the pit were women. As much as I love my guy photo friends, there is a camaraderie that is indescribable amongst female photographers. Especially when in the photo pit. It feels like an absolute safe space built on trust and mutual understanding. We all know that we are a team, not only in the venue, but in the bigger picture of our industry. It isn’t easy being a woman in the music industry. But, with the determination of myself and my fellow females, we are making strides to change that.
I caught a glimpse of the opening act, Meredith Axelrod, in the wings of the stage before making herself seen to the greater audience. Even in the dim lighting, she looked like a country fairy, her tulle-filled skirt and long golden hair graced with flowers. As she arrived, the audience was captivated. Her smile was brighter than the stage-lights and she filled the room with her laughter and poise. She sang songs that were popular almost 2 centuries ago, making them known to an audience constantly being fed new music through today’s digital world. It was so refreshing to hear laments of cowboys out west in a time that none of us witnessed. She had this magical quality to her, commanding the stage as a solo artist. Playing her guitar and mouth trumpet simultaneously, whistling like a songbird, singing like an angel. She was truly a sight to see
I watched the rest of the set from the back of the venue with my fellow photographers. A lot of the audience talked over her set the longer it ran, but she kept her energy pure and radiating. As the building packed itself full, the 4 of us made our way back down to the pit. Lots of, “Excuse me!” and “I’m just trying to get to the pit!” as we pushed past floral dresses and cowboy boots. We finally made it down to the front and felt the rush of excitement as the country angel herself stepped onto the stage.
I was so excited to see the theme of her Cleveland show, as all of her previous costumes on this tour were unique and lavish. She appeared in a cloud-painted Selkie dress paired with rhinestone cowboy boots, a pair of feathered angel wings, and a bright halo above her head. She looked like she had descended straight down from the sky to the stage. Her cowboy hat-clad band appeared around her and she put her bow to fiddle and began her siren song.
She seemed like an ethereal presence as the colored lights danced around her onstage. The whole production design created the dreamiest setting I have ever witnessed. From the vines growing up her microphone stand, to the sparkles spread across her eyes, I felt as though I was witnessing a performance straight from heaven. I was entranced and so inspired. And I believe I took some of the best photos of my whole career.
After Charley Crockett and Sierra Ferrell, I think I will be trying to photograph more country artists in the future. Their stage presence and aesthetics have made me realize that live performance can truly be artistic in every aspect. It adds to the storytelling of the music and transports the viewer to a place that only exists in that time while the artist performs. I left that night knowing that these photos were better than I ever imagined I could take and I was not disappointed.
I am so incredibly lucky to have opportunities like this. To meet other women who are just as passionate as I am and who are talented beyond belief. To be so close to an artist that you can almost feel the breeze as they twirl their skirt in front of you. To freeze these moments in time forever of them doing what they love most. I have come to realize how powerful that can be. These images will outlive me, so I must do the best I can to leave a legacy that can inspire other girls out there with dreams like mine.
The way you described this makes me want to listen to her music and see her perform!! The photos really are magical.