Some gigs feel like work. This one felt like a gift.


On Saturday, September 19th, I found myself in downtown Lafayette for the 29th Annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, which is the largest event in Lamorinda and one of the five biggest outdoor festivals in Contra Costa County. I was there to photograph the young violinists of The Studio Violin, led by their longtime Suzuki-trained teacher, Miss Chloe Ross. And yes, a couple of those violinists happen to be my own kids, which made it extra special.


Taking the limelight


On Saturday morning, the kids helped kick off the weekend on the Community Stage, which is located on Mt. Diablo Blvd., east end of the Festival near the intersection of Moraga Road. Their set ran 10:30-11:15 am, one of the very first performances of the festival.


I'm so happy I got to watch them take the stage. These kids prepare so hard and it shows. They played their hearts out for their parents and a cheerful crowd that couldn't stop smiling and clapping along. It also helped having a sugar-loaded DJ as the hype man. Watching them play was truly one of the most rewarding moments of my year.

Two young girls playing violins outdoors in a black and white photo at a music event.
Black and white photo of a young girl with braids standing outdoors near a Kenworth truck with adults behind her.
Young violinist taking a deep breath backstage before The Studio Violin's performance at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Black and white photo of young children standing outdoors at a community event with adults nearby.
Black and white photo of a person wearing white sneakers standing on a cobblestone and pavement surface in sunlight.

The photography side: finding the quiet moments


When people think of event photography at a performance, they picture the big stage shots: bows raised, crowd cheering. I love those too, and I made sure to capture them. But my favorite part happens before the first note.


Backstage is where the real story lives. I love the candid moments I catch as the kids get ready. I shot many of these in black and white, because stripping away color lets you really feel what's happening: the quiet focus, a deep breath, a little pep talk, a moment alone with their thoughts before they step out. Those still, in-between moments say so much about their courage and heart.


My approach for shoots like this is simple: stay small, stay patient, and let the moments come to me. Kids can tell when a camera is "performing" for them, so I keep a respectful distance, wait for natural gestures, and switch to faster shutter speeds once they hit the stage so every bow stroke stays crisp.


A group shot to remember


We capped it all off with a wonderful group shot of the kids, some of their parents, and Miss Chloe. After all the nerves and excitement, seeing everyone together, beaming, was the perfect ending. That's the photo families will print and keep.

Large group of children in green uniforms and adults posing outdoors near vine-covered columns on a sunny day.
Young string orchestra students in green uniforms pose outdoors with violins near stone columns.

Bravo!


Bravo to every one of these talented musicians, their amazing teacher Miss Chloe Ross, and the families cheering them on. Keep playing, keep shining, and keep sharing your music with the world! Check out the studio's Instagram page for even more amazing posts.


Planning a recital, performance, or community event of your own? We'd love to help you capture it, from the big moments on stage to the quiet ones behind the curtain. Just reach out.