Summer Szn 1

I'm sat in bed today doing nothing but reflecting on the last month of my life; phone on 'Do Not Disturb'. What a whirlwind it has been! I'm exhausted, but so full of joy and so full of gratitude.

In case you missed it:

I've had the pleasure of snapping photos at three different festivals over the last four weeks.

• Nelsonville Music Festival - My first music festival EVER. I had no idea what I was in for and I can see now what a privilege that was. It ended up being the most incredible weekend of my life. Full of magic; just as the seasoned NMF goers said it would be. My work ended up in Stereogum. I got to do a portrait session with an artist I admire - my first real backstage experience. The people I met - some of the most uniquely kind and creative individuals I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with. A 90's dance party to end the fest - what more needs to be said?!

  
  

• Country Concert '26 - I was working directly for Montgomery Gentry. My first experience working for an artist in that context; let alone one so widely known and respected. I also grew up listening to their music. It was a cool full-circle moment. I bawled my eyes out on my way back to my AirBnB because I'm doing things that I've only dreamt about for so long.

  
  

• Inkcarceration - Working directly for Born of Osiris. I won't lie - I was NERVOUS going in to this one. I love metal, but moshing and expensive equipment do not mix. The fest was not nearly as intense as I anticipated, and I ended up having a blast! BOO were excellent. I got a tattoo. I got to tour the Ohio State Reformatory. It was, undoubtedly, the largest event I've ever had the pleasure of snapping photos at. And yet again, every single person was so kind. They all take care of each other. It felt like a safe and non-judgemental space, and I hope I get to go for all three days next year.

  
  

To some of you it might seem like all of these opportunities popped up out of nowhere, but that's not really the case. This is everything that I've been working toward DAILY for the last (nearly) 5 years. Photographing multiple artists most days of the week. Even when I have a night off, my brain still runs amuck about next steps and things I could improve on. I also started a mentorship with the lovely and skilled Ruth Medjber a few months ago. I've learned so much from her in the last few months, and I'm so thankful for her willingness to share her time and knowledge with me.

I truly feel like the luckiest gal to have a job that I'm so passionate about and so emotionally invested in. I'm still learning how to emotionally navigate this new chapter of my career. The post-fest blues are so real. But how lucky am I to get to figure that out?!

If you're reading this and you're someone with big dreams, I beg you to follow them.

It can be a tough journey, but definitely one of the most rewarding ones. I hope you're brave enough to continue to show up, especially when it feels most scary.

Life is weird, man.

Thank you for looking at my work and truly seeing it. This is only the beginning.

You can find my most recent work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheronophoto/

Photo by Ethan Herx.