On June 3 and 4 I had a media press pass to get an up-close look at Twin Cities Christian radio station 98.5 KTIS’ Joyful Noise 2016 festival in Blaine, MN at the National Sports Center. It was an incredible experience as my credentials got me access to the photo pit immediately in front of the stage where concert photographers take photos of the artists during their performance. I got to live out a life long dream of mine as I captured so many fun energetic moments that both the musicians and crowd shared.
The festival included live music from headlining artists Newsboys and Chris Tomlin, as well as other well-known artists Francesca Battistelli, Josh Wilson, Crowder, Matt Maher, Meredith Andrews, Zealand Worship, Consumed by Fire and more. As stated on their website, the mission of 98.5 KTIS' Joyful Noise festival is to lead people to Christ and nurture believers in their spiritual growth through Christ-centered media. For less than what you might pay for a single concert ticket, Joyful Noise admission gets you a full day of music with a great mix of local and national acts.
Each Joyful Noise artist delivered a unique and amazing performance that strongly showed their faith and connected the audience with one another and God. It was the perfect summer weekend as thousands of people uplifted God in worship. I loved experiencing the entire festival from the photo pit and witnessing the lively, deep and anointed performances that were given onstage.
Capturing Joyful Noise was an experience like none other. I got to run around the stage and get up close with the artists. Usually I spend time taking photos during concerts from the crowd, but this time I got to take them in front of the barricade. Concert photography is something I have always passionate about, but it's definitely a whole new experience when you have the right credentials.
I got some great photos for my first time photographing a major concert festival like this with a press pass. It's fun to watch your dreams unfold and your hard work being paid off. If I learned anything from this experience, it's that I am definitely going into the right field of study at college.
I absolutely love photojournalism and photography because one single picture can hold so many memories and represent so many different emotions. When looking back, everything you felt in that moment can come flooding back. I love that, I live for that; it's something so incredible and beautiful. When you mix that with a concert, an experience that is so in the moment, alive and full of life, it's wondrously magical. I'm already craving my next concert photography adventure.
I interviewed a few families at the festival and each person I talked to very much enjoyed the experience and the music. Tammy Hanson Cortes and her family has been going to Joyful Noise every summer for the past four years. She said, “We keep coming back because of the awesome worship and friendly atmosphere. And of course, all the great bands that come. We have loved it the past few years so much. Every year Santa brings four tickets for our family for Christmas. Our two boys who are 13 and 10 are always very excited to open them. It’s a great family gift, something that we can do together to celebrate the beginning of summer.”
Cortes family 2016
Audrey and Grace Cram, two sisters who attended the for the first time this summer, both loved the variety of artists and dancing along to the great music. They loved being in the pit right by the stage and singing along to the Newsboys. Both girls said they can't wait to go back next year.
Audrey and Grace Cram 2016
Joyful Noise 2016 was the perfect summer weekend. Huge thank you to KTIS and the University of Northwestern for helping me chase my dreams. For more photos of the festival, check out my blog: www.fearlesseyesproductions.wordpress.com
