Kicksville
I didn’t even know where to begin when it came to Kicksville—but from the moment I saw photos of Shawn’s property, I knew this festival would be something special. And it absolutely was.
There was a warmth to it, a familiarity that took me back to the small-town festivals my dad used to take me to as a kid. The kind where children ran free without a worry, where the air was thick with laughter and community, and where no one feared getting lost—only losing themselves in the moment.
For a first-year event, everything ran incredibly smoothly. The organizers trusted me to do what I love most: photographing what i find intresting , just as I’ve done before. That trust let me shoot without pressure, without feeling like I had to capture every second. Instead, I could focus on the moments that truly mattered—the ones that resonated with me or, better yet, the ones I knew would mean something to someone else.
As always, my goal wasn’t just to take snapshots but to freeze emotions in time, framed in a way that felt compositionally alive. And there’s no better place to do that than an intimate festival where everyone feels like family.
Kicksville wasn’t just an event; it was a feeling. And I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
This year, I walked into the festival with a clear goal: create more video content. And I did! While I still snapped a good number of photos, I didn’t come away with as many shots during the performances as I usually do. That’s the trade-off when you shift focus—but honestly? I’m thrilled with how some of the footage turned out.
Two weeks later, I’m still sifting through everything. That’s the downside of experimenting with multiple formats: post-processing becomes a monster. Video editing, photo selects, color grading—it all piles up fast. But even with the extra work, I don’t regret the pivot.
First frame of the trip—nothing groundbreaking, but that’s not the point. This was my test shot on a lens that arrived 30 minutes before we left, fresh out of the box.
Mike: takes quick nap
Me: creates entire photo series
Hands tell stories. A tight grip, relaxed fingers, how they move or rest—it all shows a mood or moment without words. That’s why I’m always photographing them. Simple as that.
this might be one of my favorite frames in a while.
I was drawn to this window, a perfect little portal between the foyer and den, when I spotted Mike melting into the massage chair. id hoped for just one figure to balance the frame, but the universe gave me two.
Similar to the photo above. Anytime i see a mirror or reflective surface im trying to figure out a way to make a photo out of it. what would have made this frame better is if Anthony was looking in mikes direction .
Mike’s bed looked like a stuffed animal sanctuary—the perfect setup for another ‘sleeping Mike’ portrait. But this time, there was one problem: he couldn’t stop grinning.
Turns out, that smile makes the whole thing better.
From roadside motels and car seats to waking up in places like this—gratitude doesn’t even scratch the surface. Years ago, I was crashing solo between shows; now, I get to share spaces with the band and kind people like Shawn, who open their homes like it’s nothing.
I love the framing of this photo. Thinking i should have cropped the roof out but for now it stays. Anthony playing air drums, the Mercedes badge, and the beutifull front of the house really come together nicely .
Pulling into the festival, the energy hit instantly—cheers, waves, and smiling faces. I was still scrambling through my camera bag, desperate to capture this moment. Is it technically perfect? Nah. But does it document the moment? Absolutely.
Earlly morning drinking decaff coffe.
Portraits should tell a story, not just smile for the camera. When Shawn rolled up on his e-bike, I knew this little truck with mikes drums pilled in the back—was the perfect co-star. No forced poses, just a real moment and a backdrop that feels like it’s got tales to tell.
jake on his side stage perch.
Real or fake?
You know me—I’m always hunting for those tight staircases and narrow hallways, using their leading lines to frame a shot. But outdoors? That obsession gets tricky. Had to get creative with this one to scratch that same itch. Love how the composition turned out, even if the lighting isn’t quite what I wanted. Sometimes the shot’s more about solving the puzzle than perfection.
Let me explain the feet pics.
I didn’t plan to become Kicksville’s unofficial podiatrist, but when the festival’s name is a pun waiting to happen, you lean in. Suddenly, every boot, sandal, and barefoot dancer became a composition—textures, motion, dirt-strewn stories.
i liked this one because it felt like one persons with two different legs
Not much to this one just some clapped out kicks.
This one felt like a painting to me
i love all thats going on this photo. The abandoned crocs the young grill and the target dog-and the way the lens rendered is really nice.
I had this idea to document the crew’s radios—all scuffed up, name-taped, and full of that well-loved festival energy. Didn’t get as many as I wanted
This is the photo that started the idea. I thought maybe all of them would be this unique, but most of the ones i saw they just wrote there name.
It’s always a challenge shooting groups candidly—someone always spots you and suddenly everyone’s posing. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) But I’m forever chasing those real, unscripted moments where not everyone’s looking—or even facing the camera. This one? Nailed the vibe.
Not a bad spot for a backstage break.
Some guy showing me his dance moves.
Shawn's family welcomed all of us - crew, staff, - into their home like we were old friends. The incredible homemade meals, the laughter around the table, that feeling of being exactly where you're meant to be... these intimate moments are why I keep my camera close.
So grateful they trusted me to document these personal moments without hesitation.
some moments don’t need words—but when Shawn’s mom leaned in and told him, ‘We’re so proud of you,’ the whole room felt it.
You can see it in their faces: Shawn absorbing the weight of it, Mike grinning ,and that quiet, glowing pride that only family can bring
Delicious crab cakes and slaw
Clean plate
I wanted to capture the perfect contrast—the wild energy of the festival outside and the quiet comfort of home inside. After searching for a window with a direct stage view (and not wanting to intrude too much), I found this instead: a dog, completely at peace, napping in the hallway while the party raged on just beyond the walls.
This LEGO recreation of Papadosio was next-level. We had it set up on the side stage, and I couldn’t resist—threw a light on it and let the colors cycle while dosio played . Looked so cool in person.
