Why Bonnaroo Still Lives in My Heart: Music Festival Memories + Packing Essentials
Few weekends stay with you forever, but last year’s Bonnaroo is one of them. The dust‑covered fields, the glow of stage lights against the sky, the crowd’s unified breath between songs… even now, it all feels like a memory that’s still breathing.
I won’t be there this year, and like so many others, my heart sank when the cancellation was announced. Bonnaroo isn’t just a music festival, it’s a collective heartbeat. Photographers, fans, artists all coming together to live a moment bigger than ourselves.
That keeps me reaching for my camera.
📸 What Makes Bonnaroo Different
Energy beyond the lineup: It’s not just who’s playing; it’s who’s dancing, laughing, hi-fiving, sharing in that energy.
Cinematic visuals everywhere: Golden hour sets, dust in the light beams, candid moments backstage, this is the unstaged magic.
Community spirit: Strangers become friends in line for coffee, at silent discos, even in mud-stuck moments at dawn.
🎒 Music Festival Packing Essentials (for photographers)
Even if I’m not shooting Bonnaroo this year, having a solid 📋 festival photography packing checklist is non-negotiable, and why it matters:
Charged Batteries & Backup SD Cards: No one wants to miss the headliner or the sunrise by the Who’s Camp.
Compact Lens Cloth / Wipes: Festivals get dusty. Your gear will need TLC.
Ear protection: Protect your ears at all costs. Loud music is blaring from all directions, especially if you’re close to a speaker in the photo pit.
Digital Backup Drives: Mistakes happen, back up fast.
Portable Charger + Cable Kit Phones double as QR passes, playlist players, and community connectors.
Mini Snack Bar (nuts, granola bites)When food lines are long, you want to stay energized and ready.
🎞️ Bringing It Home
Even though I’m not on‑site this year, I’m carrying that energy forward; every shoot, set, and crowd moment I capture is a little piece of what Bonnaroo built: connection, honesty, and that slow burn of nostalgia.
If you’re creating a festival, tour, or activation that’s built on authentic moments and lasting visuals, whether you’re a music brand, artist, or festival organizer, I’d be honored to help carry that feeling forward. Reach out (link in bio) and let’s talk about bringing the same electricity to your next story.
