Y’all know I’m usually knee deep in bouquets and “I do’s”… but this past weekend, I traded in veils for vintage guitars and got to photograph the legendary SisterHazel at the one and only Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington, SC! 😱🤘
And yes—this was one of those “pinch me, I’m dreaming” kind of gigs.
Let me just say, this wasn’t a random moment of luck. I’ve poured years into this craft—photographing everything from dream weddings with my ride-or-die Taylor (my bestie and video genius 💁🏻♀️🎥), to driving (pregnant at that!) all day to learn and work behind the scenes with David Bergman (Luke Comb & Jon Bon Jovi's Photographer) and shooting artists like Ray Fulcher (also superr kind). Slowly but surely, I’ve built a creative style that stands out, and every now and then, doors open when you least expect it.
(SO no, I didn’t just “get lucky”—I got bold. 😉)
A Full-Circle Fan Moment 🥹
I kept this one quiet for a minute because…well, how do you casually tell people you’re about to shoot one of your favorite bands?! I’ve always loved Sister Hazel, but now? Now I really love them. The band was incredible—down-to-earth, kind, and absolutely electric on stage.
Before the show even started, I found myself backstage helping Ken (yes, THE Ken!) do a quick head shave. 😂 He wanted to make sure he didn’t miss any “white patches,” and somehow, I ended up being the girl for the job.
Add that to the resumé: photographer / hype girl / emergency backstage barber. ✂️🎤
Concert Night Vibes 🎶🌕
The venue? Dreamy. An open-air amphitheater under a glowing full moon with the breeze rolling in… photographers, this was our Super Bowl. The band absolutely brought it. Ken joked with the crowd, asked for a sugar-free Red Bull (which turned into a Coke—close enough) and the entire audience sang along like one giant family. It was magic. ✨
I watched as hands went up, people swayed, and Ken and the band gave every ounce of energy they had. I caught so many little moments—Ken high-fiving fans, kids on their parents' shoulders, friends swaying with drinks in hand. You just can’t fake that kind of joy. And I might’ve been fangirling a little, but I stayed cool (on the outside at least).
Let’s Talk Openers: The Donovan Twins 👬
Before Sister Hazel took the stage, I got to photograph the TheDonovanTwins—and wow, they blew me away! These two are seriously talented and their sound was SO refreshing. One has long hair, the other has short hair, and they have this yin-yang twin dynamic that just works on stage. Their harmonies? 😍 Chef’s kiss.
Definitely a new favorite for me, and I’ll be manifesting another show with them soon!
Fueling the Fun: Grilled Cheese Goodness 🧀
You already know if I’m shooting an event, I’m scoping out the food trucks. I ended up at MELTgrilledcheese, and let me just say: life-changing sandwich. I devoured that grilled cheese like I hadn’t eaten in weeks (because photo sessions will do that to ya). It hit so good.
“Who Are You With?” Moment 🙄
Here’s something I wasn’t expecting—at one point, I accidentally made eye contact with someone in the crowd (wedding photographer reflexes say never do that, btw), and this man hits me with the classic:
“So who are you with?”
I smiled and said, “The band.”
He blinked and goes, “Oh, like for the venue?”
Me: “Nope, for the band.”
Him: “Their website?”
Me: “Socials.”
Like buddy… it’s 2025, girls with cameras aren’t just here for fun. 🙃
But hey, I smiled, walked off, and snapped a killer shot of him mid-blink. Petty? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. 😌
My Meta Glasses Tragedy 😭
Okay, side note: I brought my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to the show to capture some extra behind-the-scenes footage—and I was so pumped because I got some seriously cool clips. BUT… somewhere between the venue and my house, they disappeared into the void.
I’ve retraced my steps, dug through gear bags, checked the car… gone.
I’m actually kind of heartbroken because those glasses weren’t just cute—they were a whole extra set of eyes for me. I hadn’t even had a chance to download all the good footage yet. 😢
Just know if you see me randomly looking under my car, It's because it's because i'm shamefully optimistic!
Rest in peace, lil Metas. You were iconic.
Fast Turnarounds & No Sleep Club 💤
Here’s what most people don’t see: I got home around midnight after the show, absolutely dead tired… and had to be up super early to head to Athens the next day(Personal day - ALWAYS take care of yourself to hun) . And even after that, I had to turn around and finish editing Sister Hazel’s gallery. Concert photographers are expected to deliver galleries fast. Like 24–48 hour fast. It’s a totally different pace from weddings, but I’m always up for the challenge. I may have missed some sleep, but the energy in those shots was worth every ounce of caffeine!
Wanna See the Magic?
I’ve dropped some sneaks below—crowd moments, emotional closeups, guitar shreds,
and a full moon that really understood the assignment. 📷🌙
📍If you’re looking for a concert photographer in Augusta, GA, concert photography in South Carolina, or an event photographer in the CSRA, hit me up—I’m your girl. 💁🏼♀️.
Now excuse me while I go replay “Happy” on full blast and relive it all over again.
xo,
Ash
@4APhotosVideo
📍Concert Photography Georgia + South Carolina
📷 + 🎥 (with my bestie Tay!)
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