is starting to get some recognition and booking more bands. This is exciting for me as a music photographer.
Why drive 5 hours to see some great bands? Really you don’t have to. How about 2 hours or less on the road
to check out some great music. I say not to shabby.
Early this year I was blown away by a band that is based right in the hart of Oregon. Bend is becoming home
to many amazing shows and these guys are deep in the hart of what is booming. I have always enjoyed going
to the Oregon Winterfest in Bend and looked up their music line up for the event. I saw this band, looked
intriguing and so I did a little research. I have never heard of them and noticed that they have been going on
tour all over the world. Are on the line up for LasVegas Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival this May and
many more. I Youtub'd their music and fell. It is not my usual genre but, I am a bit out of the ordinary. SO I
got my photo pass and hit the show.
I was captivated by the energy and sound. As I would describe it is punk/ska/jazz/blues... As I have seen them
explain their sound as a Folk Circus. OK, it kind of works. Their energy is fantastic, crazy excitement that is
on stage and shared with their fans. They have a melodic upbeat jazzy kind of punk sound that makes you
want to hop. Who I am talking about has been together for 14 years and have been touring all over the world.
Larry and his Flask! Watching them on a cold February night really warms you.
I hope that I can convince you all to check them out in Bend on their only show this spring and summer at the
Volcanic Theater and Pub on May 24, 2018.
“Larry and His Flask are a five piece, high energy Rock and Roll band that incorporate elements of Punk, Gypsy
Jazz, Folk and Americana music. Some people refer to them as “Folk Punk” or “Punk/Grass”, but regardless of
genre classification they strive to bring the party to every crowd. Their goal is to get everyone stomping, clapping,
dancing, smiling and having a damn good time!” (www.larryandhisflask.com)
Make sure you check them out at https://www.facebook.com/larryandhisflask/ or http://www.larryandhisflask.com/
and also follow them on Instagram.. I know you will not be disappointed.
By Charity Roach
March 10, 2018
It is amazing to see the winter cold and weather leave as spring is only a few days away. What this means for us
Oregon concert goers, is music is going to be filling the air. I started out this year with a great venture to the Oregon
Winterfest.. It was amazing to see the upbeat/folk/punk tunes from Larry and His Flask. The energy on the stage
and and in the crowd was electric.
A few weeks later I got to hit a great show at the Midtown in Bend Oregon to catch Pennywise. Working hard to get
a photo pass for this show I finally got it only a couple days before. Strung Out was on the list of bands playing, and
was supervised they also brought in a Bend local band to warm up the crowd. I have to hand it to Bend, they really
do support their local musicians and give them an opportunity to achieve something big with what they love. Bend
has an amazing culture and draws out the arts and entertainment from within the community.
No Cash Value - Got to chat a little with this band over messenger, it was a good incite of what they are and what
they love to do. “We started in 2000. Been mostly on ever since. Our music is available on YouTube only right now.
We are a group of independent hobbyists who love to play loud and fast. NoCashValue consists of: Alan Burmeister
on drums. Andrew McCumber on guitar/vox. Ray Pederson on guitar/vox. Rod Butler on bass. And Brian McConnell
on guitar/vox. Our influences range from So-Cal punk to 80’s/90’s thrash metal.” (No Cash Value) I love being able
to shoot up and coming bands due to the fact that they love to talk about their passion and music. It helps me as an
artist to connect.
When getting the honor of watching these guys do what they love it really hit me of their passion for music. The energy
really filled the room as people were still filtering in. Many crammed up to the stage to take in the bands energy and
give these locals some love. I plan to see more of these guys and also capture more of their shows, and Ihope to see
you there as well.
Strung Out - “is an American punk rock band from Simi Valley, California, formed in 1989. They are known
mainly for their musical style, which fuses aspects of melodic punk rock, progressive rock and heavy metal
to form their primary sound.” (wiki)
This was my first taste of Strung Out and I fell hard. I love music and fast beats. I love seeing the energy on
the stage that transcends to the fans. The interaction of Strung Out on the stage resonated through the Midtown.
Pennywise - Can we just say these guys are fun. Laid back, full of energy and fast crunchie punk beats.
They formed back in 1988 with their American Punk sound. There has been a few changes to the band
since the 90s but have still pulled off a great sound and continue to tour through the states engaging
with their long line of fans.
As they hit the stage, they put on a show. Quite a few songs in they ended up playing with the crowd
as if it was a band practice. Tidbits of this and that songs from this band to that or even some of their
older songs. Joking and playing brought the house down with fun and excitement. Creating a suspense
for what they will play next.
As a final note, there will be many more shows to catch in Bend Or. They are the heart of the state
and have the most amazing since of Culture and a HUGE support for music and their community.
Remember - your never to young to crowd surf...
Bend Oregon
July 4 2017
Centeral Oregon is known for it Craft Beer and diverse culture and as anyone knows with culture comes music.
Bend Oregon is a hot spot for a variety of different styles of music. The lead singer of Deftones,
Chino Moreno, has found a home in Bend Oregon and is ready to find his place in the Bend music scene.
It was an amazing surprise that Deftones decided to do their only Oregon show in Chinos home town.
The crowd gathered and filled the Les Schwab Amphitheater on July 4 2017 to ROCK the faces of concert
goers from all around Oregon. Many came from Klamath Falls, Eugene, Portland and other small surrounding
areas to see and witness the amazing energy that the Deftones emit from the stage. I was honored once again
to witness this energy and capture the night. It was quite difficult to contain my own feelings when the beat
gets going to not hop around with all the others. Focusing on the stage and the show, I was bouncing.
Opening up the stage and setting the energy high was Thrice. An amazing up and coming band that has
put out some amazing tunes with the soulful melodies with a hard crunch. Black Honey and Hurricane has
to be my top two faves that are now playing on many stations.
Just after Thrice and to really get the crowd jumping was Rise Against. I have seen these guys at a previous
festival and the energy is staggering. Heavy riffs and rocking lyrics makes this band a must see (if you have not seen them yet).
Three amazing bands to help celebrate Americas Freedom.. Amazing night and please support our musicians.
Visit their Facebook, Instagram and twitter pages. Follow them and keep the music alive. Keep them touring so
we can witness some of the most amazing shows.
ALSO, dont forget to follow me as well hear, or https://www.facebook.com/photobycharity or on Instagram at
#photobycharity where i will be posting and blogging about all the shows I get the honor of capturing.
]]>2014 was my first year attending the aftershock, and it was also my first real break at photographing any real big names in the music world. I have had the pleasure of capturing the event each year and each year it is more amazing than the one before.
This years line up was epic with bands like Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Korn, Slayer and so many others. Phenomenal shows put on by all that graced us with their ear tantalizing tunes and heavy beats. It was all worth the miles I put under my feet running from one stage to the other and the lack of food since I as always on a time limit. It was also worth the constant bumping, pushing, the occasional head in the middle of a frame and the copious amount of sweat to bring the show to you. It is my love, excitement and passion..
The people of Monster Energy Aftershock and Danny Wimmer Presents put one an amazing show sparing no expense. The venue was top notch. Perfect location to get a room and walk to the event. The food at all vendors was great for being a festival, when I got to eat. They have narrowed it down to the best time of year where it is not to hot and dusty. But we cannot forget the acts. DWP has gotten it down, Rock is NOT dead, and that was proven this weekend with a complete sold out show. They know who we crave to see and they know what will blow the socks off the fans.
With the event it hols many things, so I am going to start off by introducing you to the food and vendors. There were a few private vendors that graced us with their amazing creations from outstanding burgers to pizza..
Each person worked long hours and helped us feed our hunger after hours of head banging, jumping, running from stage to stage and living life up. BUT don't forget we have to also quench our thirst. No matter what you want they have it. Soda, sports drinks, domestic and draft beer along with your mixed drinks as well. These lovely ladies along with many others delivered your drinks with a smile...
Aside from the food and drinks you can always look around at the merchant vendors that brought you your favorite bands shirts and the 2016 Concert shirt. You cant leave the venue without a piece of the event. There were many other vendors that brought us other lines of clothing, music equipment and more.
You all do realize that this event also caters to the young of heart. Bringing your kids to a festival teaches them different cultures and music. It was amazing to see the young rockers out there with horns up and having a blast with their families in one of the greatest shows on the west coast. I know I have brought my son to many of these events and they are memories that will always last a lifetime.
It was very cool to see the creations made by many with it was even more fun to watch this dude and his mom get there creative juices flowing. The festival set up a bunch of walls so everyone can join in on getting there tag on. At the end of the show there were many creative pieces on those walls.
Last of all, you just cant have a festival without the fans. 2016 Aftershock festival was another sold out show with thousands of people from all over the world to attend. Not only were there people from the west coast many traveled miles to see this epic show, one that I heard was from England.
Thank you so much Danny Wimmer Presents and Monster Energy, we could not have been more happy to support such an amazing show and what a success it was for an EPIC weekend of music, energy, excitement and fun. You have really nailed it on the head of what the people want.
]]>As a concert photographer it is a bit hard to find the great shows in the genre that I have fallen in love with in southern Oregon. There is a group that is dedicated to get this area ROCKIN'. K and K Promotions has been hosting a local rock festival for 4 years. This year was my first year to capture the event and who what a show they put on.
This was K & K Promotions 4th Annual Table Rocks Music Festival held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in one of the best venues around, the Lithia Amphitheater. The reason that I say it is the best is that it has a great LARGE stage where it is easy to move around to capture the performers at any angle. I has a lot of area to either sit in the grass, seats or stand up front to get closer to the action. It has food and drink, with many micro brews from the Oregon/California area to please any pallet. K & K Promotions are the host with the most.
This year they had the head liner with Fuel. It was an honor to see their show after getting the chance to meet Bret Scallion at the 2014 Aftershock Festival. They captured the crowd with an amazing and energizing performance.
They also had the boys from Trapt who awed the stage with their well known songs and great energy.
Alien Ant Farm stoll my heart and ears at this show. I have never had the opportunity to see them before and this was probably one of my faves from this show as they kind of hold a special place in my heart. I really have to hand it to the drummer for playing with me as I captured him smashing out the heavy beats.
Starset is an up and coming band that is technologically sound. They have a few great songs out there on the radio and they really put on a great performance. I can really see them getting way bigger than they are now. Love the sound and love the stage presents.
Then the opener, Tantric.. A blast from the past. These boys have been wowing audiences for many years and they did not disappoint at this show. They killed the stage and interacted with the crowd as they enjoyed the rest of the show with all their fans.
All and all, I have to say, I hope and pray that K & K Promotions will continue to keep Rock alive her in So. Oregon. To all you following my site, please, please get the word out and help support this group as they continue to bring some great shows to our area for a really great price. We need to keep it ROCKIN'.
For quite some time now I have been daydreaming of a new brand. Something edgy that expresses my style, my interests and me. It has been a very tough search both in my heart and internet. First I thought, what is my style. Well, I came up with five words that explained my style of photography and me. Raw, Energy, Emotion, Power and Edgy. The next thing is what I wanted on my logo, the Dragonfly is one of my favorite creatures. They are everywhere and are fascinating. I have always been drawn to the symbolism of the dragonfly as well.
“The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.” (the dragonfly site.com)
This is so very true for me and what I have gone through and what I am doing in my life. CHANGE, new adventures. New life. New career. Following my dreams as an artist, professional and leaving my shell. I have found a new strength in myself that I have never new existed.
With this new logo, I feel it expresses everything in a simple, edgy nutshell. The circles represent sound waves. Well, the sound of music, the bass blasting through monitors, the vibration that is felt by every one that music moves.
I waited such a long time to get this together. Have every thing together and matching. I have my BRAND!
What my business is about!
Music – No, I am not a musician. Cant even play a note, but one day I will learn. So what do I mean by music? I photograph shows. In hopes that one day I will be a bands tour photographer. It is a big dream, but anything can happen. I also photograph band portraits that can be used on their promotional flyers, cd covers, facebook pages and so on.
Events – You guessed it, any event you need photographs of. I have for the past 6 years photographed the Kruise of Klamath. I have photographed and written published work of motorcycle rally’s over the past 4 years. Galas, dance recitals’ and shows. You have an event, I will photograph it. Capture memorable moments that you may have missed.
Lifestyle – This is simple. High School Senior portraits, maternity, engagement, babies, family, business head shots and the most special of all, Boudoir. Pretty self-explanatory and it is the bread and butter of any photogs business. This gives me a chance to get meet up with you and learn about you. I try to always incorporate your life, enjoyments and your natural you in your images.
Creative and Personal Portraits
Business head shots
Family Portraits
Boudoir! Classy, Sensual, Sexy and HOT..
Please look through my open albums see where my art comes from. You can also check me out on Facebook at www.facebook.photobycharity.com Please share, and I hope to see you soon through my lens
Charity
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Roseburg, OR August 7, 2015
The Douglas Co. Fair was in full swing and they brought one of my all-time favorite bands to town to play for them, Chevelle. A great group of humble guys (family) that can put on a rockin' show. The crowd was outstanding with warm welcomes and loud Oregon pride cheers as they performed.
I have had the opportunity to meet Sam Loeffler at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento CA in 2014. SO nervous being the first person I have photographed or talked to who is very well known in the music industry, and just star struck at the fact I got to shake his hand. Got his autograph and was on cloud 9! But to my amazement, I got that opportunity again. Ya, I got to meet them all this time before their show.
As I watched everyone go through meet and greet, I noticed everyone just got their pic taken and took off. As I got up there, I asked, “Can I ask a few questions?” of course the tour mgr said, yes. SO I walked up, shook their hands and it was so cool to be noticed and remembered. Sam remembered the nervous girl behind the camera, and how incredibly hot it was at that show. Got my pic with them and then I started talking. Trying to assure that I did not trip over any words or look to nervous. I did OK..
So being new to riding and an experienced crasher… LOL… I had to ask since I have seen posts of motorcycle riding. I asked them all if they rode, Sam is the only one who really did, Dean (bassist) does a little. I asked Sam, “where is your favorite places to ride? Sam “I really like riding through the Red Woods, and there is another place from Vail Colorado where the road twits and turns all the way into Denver.” I was so excited to hear he loved to ride in our neck of the woods. Yes the Red Woods are amazing.
I then asked Sam what his play list was when riding. Sam “Well, I don’t listen to music when riding, really not ever.” I understand that music is his career, so I am sure it would be an overload, his response “If I listen to music, I can enjoy it, I would just end up picking it apart.” I understand that!! After that he asked me if I rode, I said yes, for the most part. Told him I was trying to get back in the saddle after a good wreck. He stated, to “just gear up, cause you never know.” I agreed..
Though our conversation was short, I have to say it left a lasting impression and memories. This was one HUGE step for this girl to suck it up and just go with the flow and not let nerves overtake a situation or opportunity. I felt quite special taking pics for this event and of Chevelle's show. I was the only one allowed behind the barricade and got a little more freedom than any of the other photogs there. Not sure as to why, but I guess it is all on who you talk to.
Thank you Jackie from Indegoot and Chevelle for the amazing show and for giving this girl some time.
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March 4, 2015
This is the first series of my blog, On the Road. This will give you a vision though my experiences when seeing bands passing through our area and me on the road to hit some of the biggest shows. Since this is the first part of this series, I thought I would give you some incite about me and why I am choosing this very difficult profession. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or beer and enjoy this ride with me.
Since 2009 I started college to attain my degree in photography. I have always been artistic and so enjoyed photography in High School. I wanted to put a degree with this passion of mine and make it all legit. I have bugged and begged all my friends throughout my time in school to be my models for various projects. One that I always loved to do is photograph my favorite local band, 8th Street as they performed at our local dives. I am a bit biased about this band due to the drummer being my love, but it sparked the passion to combine both photography and music. Since 2013, I lost my love to a massive heart attack. My life came to a screeching halt. I have since recovered and moving one step at a time forward while keeping my loves memory close to my heart. I have since graduated with my degree in photography in 2014. I started to photography some of my other musical friends as they perform at those same dives and it has reacquainted me with my passion for music again. The spark came back and now it is turning into a raging inferno.
In August 2014, I chose to take a huge step and see if I can get access to photograph a huge Music Festival in Sacramento Ca. At the end of August and working with our local radio station, I got that pass. What a rush!! I got to meet many of my musical idols, be up front and center photographing their emotions as they perform. Feeling the bass resonate from the monitors making my heart skip a beat. I still get goose bumps just thinking about my first experience. I found a confidence in myself that has become incredibly motivating and it is pushing forward to achieving my goal.
I have made many amazing contacts and friends over this past year that will last a lifetime. I love working with my local radio station 99.5 The Rock and 92.9 Independent of Bend in acquiring photo/press passes to these shows that I get to photograph. This is going to be a long bumpy road but that is what 4 wheel drive is for. Right?
So hang out with me, check out my blog from time to time. Watch me on Facebook at my photog site and feel the music through my pictures.
Please share this with your friends and help this girl get recognized.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photography-by-Charity/354801568439
In honor and memory of my love, my biggest support, my inspiration and biggest fan.
R.I.P Scott Smith, 1976 to 2013
Until we see you again and join that huge party in the sky!
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Gearing up for the 2015 season of car shows and cleaning up my site of old albums. With this I am giving you Kruisers the opportunity to get your photos of your beautiful classics or awards won at a 30% off savings.
You can visit any of the Kruise of Klamath albums, place your order and enter coupon code: PASTKRUISE and receive this great savings.
Hope to see you again in 2015
Was working on getting some marketing material together and wanted to see how Mpix pro print lab work with my images and I have to say, WOW!! I ordered 5, 8x10 prints of some of my favorite images from my first Music Festival. It was hard to choose just five images. This was a test to see what my clients go through when ordering their images from this site.
WELL, the experience was wonderful. The quality of the print is amazing! The color is correct and they were not darker than the original. This was an issue going through one hour photo places. The shipping was super-fast and the packaging really stands out. It felt like Christmas!
So why settle for poor quality prints of your amazing images and order through my site and get your images printed through a professional print company. If your album is still up on this site, please remember, Christmas is coming and you can send the gift of images to your loved ones or treat yourself.
Loves to all
Charity
]]>I got to work with Sidekick Nicky from 99.5 The Rock in Klamath Falls and we met some very amazing people. To be able to talk to them was an honor all in itself. Being star struck sitting in the media tent was overwhelming. Through regained composure we did our jobs and got some great images. It was so nice to see a real genuine side of the artists. We see what is on stage or in videos and to meet them as just people was very cool. Seeing how they respond to the questions and the things they share in their personal lives that we did not know. Simply amazing.
So I will share with you the amazing people I got to hang with during the festival.
I am now working on other festivals and hope to land some huge ones.
Enjoy!
I will continue to also work with my clients with their lifestyle images. I still specialize in Family, maternity, newborn, individual portraits and boudoir… Working out simple and inexpensive packages to meet your needs. Keep posted on this page and make sure to share my Facebook page with your friends or anyone in need of photography services.
]]>Spring is the perfect opportunity to gather the family and get dressed up for your photo session. Booking Now!
I got Published!!
I know for most that this is old news, but back in July I got to work with Felicia from Thunder Press Magazine. TP magazine is a motorcycle magazine written by riders and for riders. We were both covering the Rip City Riders Summer fun Run when she asked me to cover the event. Write the story and submit photographs. I was very nervous at first but then I became more and more excited. At the beginning of August I submitted what I had written and 20 images that they can choose from and a week or so later I was told that my article was going to be published. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself, but I kept it all a secret until the magazine hit the shelves. On page 50 I got a fill page with 2 of my images selected for the publication. It was so exciting to get my first break! This magazine hit shelves all over the pacific North-West. Every motorcycle dealership carries this publication and I was on those shelves. It has been a great ride and hope that it continues...
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When I first though about taking on this task, I really did not know what to do; I know for myself, I can be very bashful. Thanks to my first client who wanted to give her soon to be husband a special wedding gift, I overcame that bashfulness and had a blast capturing Morgan’s inner goddess and we created a great set of images that showed her husband how much he means to her. Since that day I have been studying many renowned Boudoir photographers and learning some tricks of the trade to perfect this line of portraiture. I have beefed up my light set ups to cast the perfect amount of light to set the mood in your images. I have also started getting some great props; you can never have too many props to add a special element to the image.
I have two locations that we can use for a unique backdrop. Yesterdays Plaza has amazing antique furniture and private rooms to allow beautiful images to be created. I have also spoke with Trish at the Level, who also stated we can use her building for a bar setting to your images. She also has a stripper pole that would produce a playful look to your images. Of course this would need to be done during off business hours. Both places will need advanced notice to set an appointment and assure your privacy. If you have a special place that you would like to have your Boudoir session performed, you just let me know where.
With the new addition, I have also found an amazing company that will process the images in a Photo book. How special would it be to hand your special someone a book that has all your seductive images. Miller Labs has many choices for book styles and we will sit down together and choose the images that will be printed in the book.
I am looking forward to working with all of you and hope to be hearing from you soon to set up your day of being a sexy goddess…
~LOVES~
Charity
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With this new blog, I will update you on photo shoots, great websites, specials, and musings. I am sure that there will be other interesting topics that will come up and I will also post them here and on my Facebook page at “photography by charity”. Stay tuned for future improvements and updates.
~Loves~
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