Photographing MerleFest = honor, privilege, fun

Scythian rocked MerleFest

My career has given me many opportunities to meet many famous and interesting people and to see many things and places that well, most people only see in my images.  It has been a pleasure and honor to have the chance to photograph each one of them.  You can imagine the honor it was when I was asked to be an official photographer for the 2011 MerleFest.  It allowed me to do something I had only hoped to do.

Doc Watson

Growing up in North Carolina and being a bit of a country girl, I remember listening to bluegrass and county music since I was a kid.  You did not grow up around here if you did not know who Doc and Merle Watson are.

As a photographer, getting to photograph someone like Doc Watson is such an honor.  Being a photographer for MerleFest gave me the opportunity of creating a memory I’ll cherish forever and I have the photograph of Doc to remind me of it. 

Photographing MerleFest provided many opportunities for wonderful memories to be created.  It also exposed me to some incredibly talented artists and bands that I love to listen to now.

Scythian

Over the years, I have developed a love for a variety of music.  Folk and Americana are some of my favorites.  MerleFest introduced me to the group Scythian.  I became a quick fan of his group.  They are AWESOME! and really nice too.  I just love their music and energy.  They give an incredible live performance that can’t help but leave you pumped.

Lyle Lovett during a press conference

Lost Bayou Ramblers rocked the place too and I could listen to the harmonies of the Wailin’ Jennys all day.  So many talented artists that I had the pleasure to get to listen to while working, including Josh Williams Band, Sarah Jarosz (watch out for this young lady), Jeff and Vida and Balsam Range to name just a few.

Doobie Brothers

I even had the pleasure of photographing some local talent; The Neighbors and The Sigmon Stringers.  I’ll never forget the Doobie Brothers rocking the place and Lyle Lovett has such an amazing voice, personality and charm. 

I tell you it was a lot of fun getting to do what I love, photography, while listening to so much incredible music.  Memories I’ll never forget.  I can honestly say, it was an honor, privilege and a whole lot of fun photographing MerleFest.

Here is a short video of just some of the images from this year’s MerleFest.