Posts Tagged ‘SingStrong’

SingStrong 2014 – First post

SingStrong 2014 - ©TimeLine Media

This is the 5th year that I have covered this annual a cappella music festival. In college, I sang in a group and their scheduled performance at this festival 5 years ago spurred me to ask the organizers if I could get access. Now, I volunteer to cover it every year just because it rekindles my love of all-vocal performances. SingStrong donates all proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise, and the silent auction to the Alzheimer’s Association. Singers from across the region, and even farther will travel to attend workshops, and perform in the shows over the weekend.

SingStrong 2014 - ©TimeLine Media
SingStrong 2014 – ©TimeLine Media

It is so nice to cover singers that are sharing the passion for their art with similar minds. The styles that all-vocal groups can take is widely varied. Groups can be choral, or barbershop, they can specialize in covering pop songs, or all original music, and some take advantage of technology to loop voices or use microphone technique to emphasize percussive mouth drumming, or beat boxing. Whatever brings you to a cappella, you will be able to listen to leaders in the genre at SingStrong. I have been introduced to many different groups, and have enjoyed seeing what they come up with every year.

SingStrong 2014 - ©TimeLine Media
SingStrong 2014 – ©TimeLine Media

Here are just a few of the photos from the weekend! I will be finishing up the edit soon. If you were in a group, or are looking for a specific section of photos, please let me know, and I will pass along the link to those when they are ready. It was just another great weekend overall for charity, and for singing. In future posts, I feature other photos either on stage, or behind the scenes. Enjoy!

SingStrong 2014 - ©TimeLine Media
SingStrong 2014 – ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

February Events

USA Dance Mid-Atlantic Championships - ©TimeLine Media

I am taking a good rest this February weekend. The gear is getting cleared off and ready for more events that we will be covering this month. There is the USA Dance Mid-Atlantic Championships this upcoming weekend. Back to the dance floor with our cameras, and I am sure that the dancers are getting ready as well.

USA Dance Mid-Atlantic Championships - ©TimeLine Media
USA Dance Mid-Atlantic Championships – ©TimeLine Media
Last February event - USA Dance Mid-Atlantic Championships - ©TimeLine Media
Last February event – USA Dance Mid-Atlantic Championships – ©TimeLine Media

The weekend after is SingStrong DC in Reston, VA! Since this is an anniversary year from when I was first introduced to a cappella music, I will be definitely be ready to get an update on what groups are doing this year. Singing, choreography, arrangements – so many things have changed over the last 20 years, and I look forward to my annual “check-up” on the latest and greatest. If you are in the area, be sure to go to their website to get info on tickets. There will be lots of performances and workshops over the three days. Plus, I can make a photo of you!

NOTA photo at SingStrong - ©TimeLine Media - February
NOTA performing on the main stage at SingStrong – ©TimeLine Media
Blue Jupiter photo at SingStrong - ©TimeLine Media - February
Blue Jupiter performing on the main stage at SingStrong – ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Needs Improvement

©TimeLine Media - Piano Keys

In my corporate job, “Improvement Needed” or “IN” used to be the lowest rank you could receive on a review. Yes it does not sound good, and is in fact very discouraging. It was meant to be a sign to the person receiving the score that they are the lowest performer. Subsequently it will likely push them out the job to something else, or out of the company completely.

Work Review

As a freelancer, it seems like I do nothing but look at where I need to make my skills better. I look at things like photo shoot setups, camera technique, composition, post-processing, etc. Then there are business things – my contracts, marketing, website – it is really an endless list. Looking back on where we are now, it would be possible to think that everything is setup just as we like it. However, I am constantly thinking it needs improvement.

©TimeLine Media - Piano Keys
©TimeLine Media – Piano Keys

I do see a correlation between my view of my work, and the work that is done by my photography subjects. I revisit many venues and events. It is easy to see the progress artists put into their craft in between the times that we see each other. It inspired me to come up with new ideas. My setup cannot be the same as the last time. It would look like I am satisfied with where I am, and what I am doing. This pushes my photography to improve every time I go out on a shoot.

©TimeLine Media - American Star Ball - Professional Ballroom Dance Competition
©TimeLine Media – American Star Ball – Professional Ballroom Dance Competition

Use weaknesses to push you off the plateau and get to the next level. Yes, a photographer needs to have good gear, but you need to have something in the frame that will hold viewer’s attention. For a singer, singing in key is the prerequisite, but singing something that people want to hear will bring you to the next level. More shoots are on the schedule, hopefully more improvements will be made!

©TimeLine Media - Blue Jupiter at SingStrong 2013
©TimeLine Media – Blue Jupiter at SingStrong 2013

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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