When I started writing this I knew I couldn't just dribble out another live performance review. I was fortunate enough to do that in 2023. Instead, I thought I'd speak on what shooting one of the most incredible live acts on earth for the third and fourth time was like. If you've followed me for any length of time you probably know I'm a fan. During last year's tour I found myself for the first time since photographing live music, incredibly nervous. Probably in part because Heilung were & still are one of my bucket list bands since discovering them in 2017.
Having the opportunity to photograph them again in 2024 meant the world. I'm currently strung out from a busy wedding season, new diet (hello health), dad duties and just life in general - but no matter what I had on, I was not missing the Sydney shows for anything.
I intended to approach these shows with fresh eyes, a new perspective if you will, and shoot it differently than how I had a year ago.
I'm a full time wedding photographer. Storytelling & photo journalism is what you'd call my style. It doesn't always translate to shooting shows but for these two nights that was the goal. I know the songs & setlist like the back of my hand, and while taking in every second of this incredible experience, I became totally immersed in the groups movements, following the beat & the change of lighting. Finding details within the instruments & the stage design. Constantly on the hunt for fresh compositions while using members to frame key moments in the songs.
Everything I've learned in the decade I've had a camera in my hand came into play. This wasn't just any show. It was a therapeutic dance (if you saw me at any point in the set you know I was in the flow state) coupled with a determination to create the most fulfilling art I've ever made before, all while covering music.
At the end of the second show I sat for the last part of Hamrer Hippyer and just took it in. In the silence that follows that song. With sound of birds & the smell of burning incense. Every stress & worry I've had looming was gone. I knew without looking at the back of my camera that I had achieved what I set out to do. I'm incredibly grateful & forever indebted to the group for allowing me to be one of a few creatives who get to photograph them directly.
This will be the last time we see Heilung for a few years while the group goes on hiatus next year. Until next time - Thank you Heilung.
