UTG PHOTOS: Bled Fest in Howell, MI (5/23/15)

May 28th, 2015

Benjamin Howell

Under The Gun Review sent photographer, Benjamin Howell, to cover Big Love’s Education Festival on May 23, 2015 in Howell, MI.

Scattered throughout the Hartland Performing Arts Center in Howell, MI is one of the most exciting and engaging annual music festivals Michigan has to offer. With over 70 bands playing in a ten-hour period on five different stages, Bled Fest offers one of the most intimate and intense concert experiences for both fans and press alike.

No photo pits, no guard rails, and limited security interaction allows fans to get up close and personal with their favorite artists. As soon as one band finishes, another stage lights up and the next band goes on. It may sound like a recipe for disaster, but the increased trust from security at the venue has led to a loyal and respectful fanbase.

As a photographer, sometimes I have to take risks to get the perfect shot. Sometimes I go down trying. The first year I went to Bledfest I not only destroyed my body, but also destroyed some very expensive camera equipment. As I’ve continued to attend throughout the years, I’ve noticed more people offering me better shooting locations as well as better protection from random falling persons. That feeling of safety, that temporary brotherhood, if only for that set – that’s what makes Bledfest special.

Bled Fest 2015 was stacked with talented artists such as Chunk. No. Captain Chunk! and Hit The Lights who recently released new albums, as well as other extremely talented groups like Sudden Suspension who are simply looking to get the word out on their upcoming EP. I managed to cover 19 artists in total before the crowd became too thick for me to move through.

A gallery of my photos can be viewed below.