I have concluded that I thoroughly enjoy photographing artists that I enjoy listening to. Maybe I am just an over-obsessed fanboy that found a career to quench my need. This is a possibility, actually, I think it is reality. Regardless it enables me to create images that mean something to me. In order for it to mean something, I have to connect with it somehow.
I met Melanie while I was out photographing Lindsey Stirling. I had never heard of her prior but my friend on the tour said I had to meet her and that her music rules. I talked to her for a few minutes, watched her live show and I was sold. I honestly get so nervous going up to an artist after a show and asking to take their portraits. I know how much the artists I have worked with for years dislike it, but I had to try with Melanie.
We were in a sick location and she looked so rad. I went up to her and said something across the lines of “Good show… question, don’t kill me, can I take some portraits of you? Is that your vibe? I know you just finished a show, but we are in a nice location”. She said sure and I was relieved and stoked. It worked, and I don’t think she hates me for asking her which would ultimately be the worst outcome. In total, the shoot took about 2 minutes. Shot with the Canon 5d Mark III and Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 lens. Natural light.
![Adam Elmakias Photographing Melanie Martinez Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-V8hf3Gz/0/O/i-V8hf3Gz-O.jpg)
![Adam Elmakias Photographing Melanie Martinez Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater - photo by Svetlana Joukova](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-NjWrFrt/0/O/i-NjWrFrt-O.jpg)
![Melanie Martinez Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-LKMnDXt/1/O/i-LKMnDXt-O.jpg)
![Melanie Martinez Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Adam Elmakias](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-PRPWQ2v/1/O/i-PRPWQ2v-O.jpg)
![Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Adam Elmakias](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-tmRxPGG/1/O/i-tmRxPGG-O.jpg)
![Backstage Portrait of Melanie Martinez at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Adam Elmakias](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-nNsnzC4/1/O/i-nNsnzC4-O.jpg)
![Backstage Portrait of Melanie Martinez at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Adam Elmakias](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-jHGKgMn/1/O/i-jHGKgMn-O.jpg)
![Backstage Portrait of Melanie Martinez at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Adam Elmakias](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-dJRtR58/2/O/i-dJRtR58-O.jpg)
![Backstage Portrait at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Adam Elmakias](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-svrfV8X/1/O/i-svrfV8X-O.jpg)
![Backstage Portrait at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Adam Elmakias](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-vQgd47S/1/O/i-vQgd47S-O.jpg)
![Backstage Portrait at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Adam Elmakias](https://print.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZprS5KX/2/O/i-ZprS5KX-O.jpg)