I have to say that this was one of the most fun to wright. Such an honor to meet a great man who cares so much for his community and vets.  He is quite an amazing and humble man. Take a read and maybe this year we can see you again during his Thunderstruck Extreme block party for 2016

Chevelle in Oregon!

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.  

On the Road,

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, 8^th 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!