Next To Normal

Returning to doing what I love has allowed this pseudo-end to the pandemic year to feel nearly, almost, next-to-normal. A few years ago, cabaret photography became part of my work a new form of creative freedom for me, just like cabaret itself had already been.

Shooting my first show following reopening was an exciting intersection between reclaiming my creative freedom and my returning to a freer, more normal life at the end of Covid.

It was my first time shooting at the Green Room in 15 months—I went to photograph a show by broadway singer Alice Ridley, somebody whose shows I’d enjoyed before. I The house was full, everyone wore masks, the ac was broken, yet within the cluster and swell of the packed crowd was a palpable energy. The room was teeming with relief and anticipation at once. Both I and the audience were transfixed towards the stage, leaning forward towards a reassembled version of normalcy.

The following week was wildly different.

Back at the green room, this time to shoot a show by Farah Alvin, the anxious joy and the venue itself had cooled down a little bit. The AC had been repaired. The purely ecstatic quality may have dimmed a little but but on my feet shooting, I appreciated a less sweaty and yogic evening this time around.

The coiled frenzy of my first return gave way to a lighter air. I could already sense a sort of breezy, propellant promise. I’m glad to be back. 📸

NOTE: This blog was written on June 1, 2021