GANGSTA PARADISE'S UPRISING STORY

What It’s Really Like Behind the Scenes as an Uprising Freelance Photographer in the DMV

To the outside world, it might look easy—just another photographer in the pit, snapping shots and posting polished content. But behind the lens, the grind tells a different story.

Over a decade ago, I started out teaching myself photography in my apartment, turning it into a makeshift studio and working with local models to sharpen my craft. That dedication laid the foundation for what would become a relentless pursuit of recognition in an oversaturated, highly competitive industry—especially in a region like the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia), where the entertainment scene is dominated by well-established media teams.

Breaking into the EDM scene here was no small task. Eventually, I had to shift focus, covering more mainstream shows to build credibility and consistency. I began seeking out independent event hosts who were booking big-name artists in Washington, D.C., and started capturing content from the sidelines. Venues like Echostage and others already had full in-house media teams, so finding a way in required more than just talent—it required access. And access, I learned, came through networking with artist managers, not just event hosts.

Things began to shift for me when I started branching out beyond the DMV. Traveling to Miami Music Week was a game-changer, even though I went there with no income, no connections, and barely a resume. It was a huge risk, but it opened new doors. I began capturing content with high production value at events that mattered but yet still struggled to gain recognition locally. My turning point came when I started interviewing artists and celebrities outside of the DMV market. That caught the attention of names connected to Ultra Music Festival, major tour managers, and the broader EDM industry.

Eventually, I realized the DMV just wasn’t built for my kind of art—or at least not yet. I constantly felt boxed in while opportunities with Club Glow, Steez Promo, Echostage, 9:30 Club, and others remained out of reach. I had to shift my mindset and stop chasing approval in one place. I began connecting with rising DJs at events, offering to cover their sets. Those connections were instrumental. They opened doors for me to work with venues like Soundcheck D.C., in collaboration with Insomniac Events and Bassrush.

Through those relationships, I discovered that many of the events I was working were indirectly tied to Live Nation. That gave me hope and a clearer vision of how to carve my path—by building through the underground and earning trust where it mattered. Soundspider (Kelly Bernard) helped me land my first major out-of-state EDM gig at S20 at the Brooklyn Mirage in NYC. That was a pivotal moment. After that, I began offering free content in exchange for exposure to build my portfolio and land more paid gigs back home.

Working with Soundspider led to additional bookings through Eternal Equinox (Justin Ali), and I soon found myself back at Soundcheck D.C. shooting for other rising talents like Trowl and more. Slowly but surely, the momentum picked up, and so did my confidence. I stopped feeling defeated and instead felt focused. I learned that many of the barriers in the DMV weren't about me—they were about structure, ownership, and access. With Live Nation controlling so many of the larger events, I had to approach things differently.

Eventually, I expanded my presence on platforms like LinkedIn, where my work caught the attention of companies like Monster Energy, King Palm, Delta Extrax, Scummy Bears, Hulu, Goldenvoice, Breakaway Music Festival and more. What I once saw as rejection turned out to be redirection. I became a gatekeeper for myself. I built my own table. And that’s when people began to recognize my value and reached out for paid opportunities.

Vahid from Club Glow also played a major role, offering me chances to cover major EDM acts that helped elevate my visibility even further in the official Soundcheck DC booth. The more I leaned into my own lane, the more doors opened—without forcing them.

What I’ve learned is that the DMV will test how much you care. But once you learn how the ropes really pull, you start to understand where and how to move. I stopped chasing validation and started leading with authenticity and persistence. Now, my work is featured across Live Nation, Steez Promo, Glow events, and more.

Sometimes, it's not about the location—it’s about timing, consistency, and resilience. And through it all, I never gave up. That’s what makes the behind-the-scenes grind worth every frame I capture.