Doing something different from everyone else is hard. It’s scary to take a risk and for there to be the possibility of failure. But there is a chance that risk can pay off, and for me, it did. 

I’ve had an interest in photography since middle school, but I didn’t start taking it seriously until the end of my sophomore year. I saw students getting recognized for their photos and wanted to work my way up to that as well. Except, they were all sports photographers, and I’ve never had an interest in sports.

I attended a rock ensemble concert in the winter of my sophomore year to support some friends. The atmosphere was unlike any school event I’d been to and I had wished I brought my camera to capture it. For the next concert that spring, I did bring my camera. I wasn’t sure of what I was doing but I was having so much fun and the students were thankful to have images of their performances.

I recognized sports were a priority for media coverage here at State High. I was told I needed to take photos of sports for anyone to notice me. That it was the only way I would ever get anywhere. I decided not to listen. Instead, I made a point of going to football games only to photograph the marching band. I went to concerts for rock ensemble, jazz band, choir, and went to plays and musicals. I saw how much it meant to people to have photos of themselves and to be recognised for the hard work put into their performances.

Those words of discouragement have turned to words of admiration and requests for guidance. With younger photographers being inspired and asking how to get into concert photography as well, I’ve become the person my younger self would have loved to see when she began her photography journey.

The experience and confidence I have gained through photographing rock ensemble concerts has led me to work with many local musicians as well as a few from around the country. I knew I wanted to take photos, but I wasn’t exactly sure of the subject matter. So I took a risk, worked hard, pushed through the fear it wouldn’t work, and made it farther than I ever thought possible before graduating high school.

Push yourself to do something different. If you have a passion, follow it. Don’t play it safe or keep it practical. Do what feels right to you. Do what YOU want to do.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Saige Adair

Students in the crowd reach up at senior Tal Sorek during the winter 2023-24 Rock Ensemble concert.