Honoring a Legend: Phil Lesh’s Spirit at Hulaween

Before diving into the unforgettable experience that is Hulaween, I want to take a moment to honor Phil Lesh, the Grateful Dead icon we lost on October 25th. His legacy in music, especially in the world of jam bands and festival culture, lives on. You could feel his spirit woven into each set, with artists paying their respects in powerful ways. Andy Frasco even wrote a heartfelt song about his journey with cancer—a beautiful tribute to a legend who shaped the world of music festivals.

Suwannee Hulaween: A Magical Setting

Nestled in the scenic Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Suwannee Hulaween is no ordinary festival. It’s a unique convergence of music, art, and culture that fills the air with electrifying energy and leaves an impression on everyone lucky enough to attend. As a music photographer, I’ve captured countless live shows and festivals, but Suwannee Hulaween holds a special place in my heart. Here, I’m sharing the magic I experienced behind the lens and tips on documenting a festival of this magnitude.

The Spirit of Suwannee Hulaween

Suwannee Hulaween isn’t just about live music; it’s an immersive experience that transforms you. From costumed fans celebrating Halloween spirit to the incredible light displays, the event feels like stepping into a whimsical world. My goal was to capture this enchanting vibe, focusing on Suwannee Hulaween's unique blend of music festival photography, candid moments, and live performance artistry.

Music, Atmosphere, and Light: The Magic Triad for Festival Photography

Suwannee Hulaween’s stages are a feast for the eyes and ears, with each set featuring intricate lighting, elaborate decorations, and an array of musicians from various genres. As a music photographer familiar with capturing concert lighting, I know the importance of adapting to the environment. Shooting at night, with colorful stage lights and foggy effects, required adjusting my settings to balance vivid lighting with the ambient energy. The goal was to ensure each photo conveyed the hypnotic blend of music and atmosphere.

Spirit Lake is the festival's crown jewel and hands down my favorite spot to photograph. It’s like walking into a surreal wonderland, with murals, giant birdhouses that look like they came straight out of a fantasy novel, and mesmerizing light projections. At night, the lake transforms with holograms, lasers, and unique light shows that make every corner feel like a new adventure. With performances by Moon Tricks, Dirt Wire, and J.Worra, the energy was electrifying and gave me countless moments to capture.

Light Shows and Surreal Spaces: The House of Lost and Oasis Tent

The visuals and installations at Spirit Lake were next level, especially on Saturday night. The House of Lost looked like something out of Game of Thrones and kept you exploring for hours. The Oasis Tent offered a mix of workshops, a Phil Lesh tribute, and tons of amazing vendors. These experiences make Spirit Lake a place to get lost, and it’s one of the reasons I love shooting here.

Tips for Capturing Live Music Photography at Festivals

Festivals like Suwannee Hulaween challenge photographers to adapt quickly and shoot in varying lighting and settings. Here are a few essential tips for music festival photography that I applied to this event:

1. Be Mindful of Shutter Speed: Adjust your shutter speed to capture sharp images of performers moving on stage. I aimed for at least 1/200s to minimize motion blur.

2. Use a Fast Lens: A lens with a wide aperture is essential for low-light photography. At Hulaween, I relied on a 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 70-200mm f/2.8 to capture bright, crisp images even in dim lighting.

3. Engage with the Crowd: Some of my favorite photos are of fans immersed in the moment. Capturing these candid reactions creates a more authentic festival narrative.

Wide-Open Stages: The Meadow and The Hallows

Unforgettable Performances: Andy Frasco, Black Pumas, Jakob Nowell, and Alleycvt

Some sets this year were truly unforgettable. Andy Frasco’s set was wildly hilarious, and he surprised us all by announcing he’d signed with a record label after 15 years! Black Pumas brought a soulful energy that felt almost spiritual, and Jakob Nowell of Sublime captured hearts, sounding just like his dad, Bradley. Alleycvt brought high energy, with the crowd headbanging and hands in the air—it was pure magic, and I was lucky to capture every second.

Why Hulaween is a Must for Music Lovers

Halloween Costumes and Festival Fashion

A special feature of Suwannee Hulaween is the elaborate costumes worn by festival-goers. The Halloween-themed outfits add a quirky, playful element to the event, and photographing these fans is always a highlight. These costumes elevate Suwannee Hulaween photography, making each shot more dynamic and visually interesting.

I found myself gravitating toward clusters of fans decked out in imaginative costumes. Capturing these colorful moments allowed me to show how the spirit of Halloween merges with the festival's bohemian vibes.

Hulaween isn’t just a festival; it’s an experience that resonates with anyone who loves music, community, and adventure. The vibe is friendly, welcoming, and downright magical. If you’re looking for a festival to make unforgettable memories, Hulaween should be at the top of your list.

Until next time, Hulaween! Can't wait to be back and capture even more of the magic! ✌️