My First Concert to Shoot was Chappell Roan and The Aces

Earlier this year, in June, I had received word I would be receiving a media pass to photograph Kentuckiana Pride where Chappell Roan was slated to open for Icona Pop.

I had just been laid off from my day job and was NOT feeling great about myself and learning this really helped lift the spirits. Until I processed what it was I was going to be doing, and the anxiety and nerves set in.

This was possibly the biggest gig of my life. The craziest subject to shoot. I couldn't believe it. I was floored. I went out and bought a new lens, a double camera harness, two more memory cards, and a bigger camera bag. 

I was SO nervous day of the event that I showed up EARLY to enjoy the festival but carried around both cameras, the bigger bag, the extra lenses for both bodies. I left the harness at home, I never used the second camera body, I never swapped lenses. All of that for nothing lmao

Days before the festival it was announced that Icona Pop pulled out of the performance, most likely due to the understanding that 99% of the crowd attending was there for Chappell Roan,not them. Chappell was the opening act. Icona Pop were the headliners. However, given Chappell was booked for this event back in October of 2023 before she skyrocketed into the huge success that she is now, tickets to get in were only $10. 

Everyone jumped on it. People from across the country were buying tickets and flying in. Kentuckiana Pride '24 completely sold out of all tickets a full week before the event. It was this festivals very first time selling out. Ever. So Icona Pop pulled out, Chappell was moved to headliner and The Aces were booked last second to open for her.

And it was such a killer show. The Aces were cool and really interacted with my lens a lot which tickled me pink. Chappell put on a hell of a performance, but unfortunately the event staff only allowed us to shoot the first number, despite being told we could shoot the first 3. Annoying but I'm so happy with what I got from it and for my VERY first concert gig? I'm not complaining.

See some of my shots below.