So, here’s something different!
Photographing up-and-coming artists is really enjoyable.
Photographing an artist a second time after she’s made it big? Quothe ye olde Mastercard: Priceless.
Sara Bareilles returned to Harding University.
She was one of the first concerts I ever shot as a wee photo lad back in 2007. Looking back on those photos now – perish the thought I ever post that link – I was a bit green.
The first time I met her, we were standing at the loading dock, hanging out with Julie Moffit, the warm-up act. Julie was smoking, offered a cigarette around, which nobody took (including Sara). One of the crew standing with us, star-struck, said something like: “My ringtone set for my girlfriend is your “Love Song” song!” And, as goofy as that statement might have been, Sara was very gracious and seemed sincerely flattered.
Even now after photographing dozens and dozens of artists, she has stood out in my mind as a real sweetheart of the music industry.
Five years makes a lot of difference for an artist. Sara Bareilles isn’t that cute little girl, hiding behind her electric piano anymore…
She’s… well… Sara Bareilles.
I always like to see people succeed.
It gives hope. It gives strength.
Even more so because she hasn’t sold out.
If she ever sees this, I hope she knows that I have nothing but respect for people like her. She does her thing, makes it big, and can still be just “one of the guys”…
Stay tuned…
-Noah D.
