DSP Music Photography - Best Of 2022 (Concerts, Festivals & Crowd Shots)

It's official. Live music is back. And, in the year 2022, it came back with a vengeance. 

And, I've been fortunate enough to be part of that come-back, documenting countless concerts and festivals over the course of the year, mostly as part of my "house photographer" duties at the Salvage Station venue in Asheville, NC, but there have been other notable events and assignments over the course of the year.

Most notable was the resumption of my house photog position at Pisgah Brewing Company ("big" events returned to the outdoor stage this past summer). I also picked up the Beech Mountain Resort Summer Series gigs at the base of the mountain (three shows over the course of June, July, and August). And, last but not least, I was back with the production team for the resurrected Warren Haynes Presents: Christmas Jam fund-raiser in Downtown Asheville, NC.

It's difficult to describe how grateful I am to have these opportunities as part of my livelihood, and to work with such wonderful clients across the board, helping them to tell their stories through my photographs. It's important to point out that my work, particularly when collaborating with venues, isn't just about the performances. Of equal or more importance are the crowd shots, wide views of the venue itself and, of course, candid (and sometimes posed) photos of the staff that make it all happen.

There is truly never a dull moment with this type of work, as every show is different, bringing with it its own energy and vibe, enthusiastic crowds and, of course, a diversity of music from bluegrass, to rock, to blues, to funk, to hip-hop, and more. 

What was my personal highlight of the year 2022?

That is an impossible question to answer, as there are many of them, and they are all noteworthy for different reasons. 

What is my own personal favorite photo that I captured in 2022, you ask?

That, too, is nearly impossible to answer (though I am partial to the shot of Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews in the header to this post), but I did narrow it down to a "Top 56" on the DSP website. You can view my favorites here:

2022 DSP BEST OF MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS

How about you? Do you have a favorite musical moment from 2022 (not necessarily from Asheville / WNC shows?

Do you have a favorite DSP image from the music highlights gallery?

Drop your comments below!

(If you are interested in purchasing DSP prints, CLICK HERE) 

PS: I can't wait to see what 2023 has in store for us all in the music world!