SXSW 2015

By Ellie Pritts

March 23^rd, 2015

"Sleep is overrated"

This was the second year I attended SXSW, last year as a visitor and this year as a resident. I did not plan on shooting anything for SXSW since I have a 9-5 job now, but somehow I ended up committing to working for 6 different clients… go figure. As I write this I’m realizing my last full night of sleep was exactly a week ago!

My work over the week ranged from two Instagram takeovers, a couple portrait sessions for a record label, two showcases for my good friends at M for Montreal, and of course the live concert photography that has been my bread and butter over the last several years. I also got interviewed by American Photo Magazine, which was really cool.

Above: Viet Cong guitarist Danny Christiansen

Below: Big Sean, Courtney Barnett, Natalie Prass, Rae Sremmurd

"what are you most excited to cover?"

A lot of people asked me this over the past week, and not many were familiar with my answer. I was most excited to shoot the PC Music showcase, and it did not disappoint. Most of my best images of all week are from this showcase. It was also the night I worked the latest, but it was by far the most enjoyable. Below are some of my favorite shots from the showcase.

Above: QT

Below: Hannah Diamond, Danny L Harle, QT, Sophie, GFOTY

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Below: Fader Fort, Viet Cong, THEE Satisfaction, Ryan Hemsworth, Tanya Tagaq

Below: Rae Sremmurd, Tobias Jesso Jr., Dinner

Portraits in the rain

It rained heavily throughout the two biggest days of SXSW, but the show must go on! I worked despite the rain, trashed a pair of shoes and improvised waterproofing my gear with an assortment of plastic bags. I had a few photoshoots lined up with artists on the Bright Antenna record label and welcomed the respite from long lines to muddy photo pits (I’m looking at you, Fader Fort.)

Looks like we made it

I cover my fair share of festivals and shows. It’s hard and often thankless work. Photographers and writers are generally woefully under-appreciated and under paid. As SXSW came to a close I reflected on my experiences working this particular festival. Will I do this again next year? Was it worth it? Honestly I’m still working it all out in my head. I can say that I’ve never had a more difficult time doing my job than I had at SXSW. But I can’t say no one warned me, in fact almost every photographer I respect has advised against shooting it. But I had to do it, I had to experience it myself. I don’t regret it at all, and I’ve never been more excited to sleep…