A Young Photographer’s Voodoo Experience

Music has always been a huge part of my life, so when I was given the opportunity to start photographing festivals I jumped at it. The 2010 Voodoo Experience is only the second gig I’ve shot and it was certainly one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I stepped through the gates on Day 1. There I was; a 19 year old college student with press access. This was the big leagues and I didn’t even realize it.

I started out getting some pictures of the smaller bands where I was one of maybe 5 photographers in the press pit, but by the end of the first day I was competing for the best shots with guys and gals from Fuse, Rolling Stone, Spin, and more. It’d be easy for anyone in that situation to feel out of place. These people work for magazines I grew up reading and television stations I grew up watching. And there I was, standing behind all of them, about to shoot some of the biggest bands of my generation with absolutely no idea what I was doing.

I have a few friends who are photographers as well and I’ve heard many horror stories about how some photogs will do anything to get their shot; from pushing and shoving to hitting or other things of that sort, but for the most part, I didn’t encounter any of that at The Voodoo Experience. In fact, most of the photographers showed a great deal of respect. They tried not to get in the way of my lens while I was shooting and occasionally some would even ask if the spot they were in was going to bother me. Some even gave me tips and advice that proved invaluable over the weekend.

Covering The Voodoo Experience this year was absolutely incredible. I learned so much from everything that was going on around me and can’t wait to apply it all at the next event I have the privilege to shoot.

Words and photos by Craig Medlin