WELCOME TO THE

CARNIVAL

For this story, I covered Trauma Ray’s EP release show for “Carnival” on Saturday, March 14. My goal was to cover the energy and community surrounding the event. I documented moments that reveal the event's character beyond the stage performance alone. I got images of the five bands that played, environmental portraits of fans and skaters, candid moments around the carnival games and dunk tank, and detail shots highlighting the Magnolia Skate Shop collaboration board and the best skateboard trick competition. I wanted my photos to reflect both the excitement of the show and the quieter behind-the-scenes buildup, including rehearsal moments before the doors open. To do this, I reached out to the band and asked if I could attend their practice the day before the event to get those shots. I produced work that shows intentional composition, strong use of available and artificial light, and a clear sense of movement and atmosphere. I worked quickly in a fast-paced environment, creating images that feel authentic to the music community this event brings together.

Surf's Up!: Brantley Bonner crowd surfs during Trauma Ray’s set in Fort Worth on March 14. Bonner drove from Tyler, Texas, to attend the EP release show.

Surf's Up!: Brantley Bonner crowd surfs during Trauma Ray’s set in Fort Worth on March 14. Bonner drove from Tyler, Texas, to attend the EP release show.

Calm Before the Carnival: Alternative rock band Trauma Ray practices their set before their EP release show in Fort Worth on March 12. The band consists of Nick Bobotas (drums), Darren Baun (bass), Coleman Pruitt (guitar), Uriel Avila (guitar/vocals

Calm Before the Carnival: Alternative rock band Trauma Ray practices their set before their EP release show in Fort Worth on March 12. The band consists of Nick Bobotas (drums), Darren Baun (bass), Coleman Pruitt (guitar), Uriel Avila (guitar/vocals), and Jonathan Perez (guitar).

Dunkin' Uri: Trauma Ray’s Uriel Avila applauds Tommy Hurst, 11, for dunking him in the dunk tank before their set at the band’s release show for their EP, “Carnival,” at Fire Station Skate Plaza on March 14. The event was set up like a carnival, with

Dunkin' Uri: Trauma Ray’s Uriel Avila applauds Tommy Hurst, 11, for dunking him in the dunk tank before their set at the band’s release show for their EP, “Carnival,” at Fire Station Skate Plaza on March 14. The event was set up like a carnival, with games, food, clowns, and live music.

Catching Wind: Wyatt Martinez, 15, catches wind as he goes over a pump at Fire Station Skate Park Plaza on March 14. Martinez was a participant in the skateboarding trick competition at the “Carnival” that Trauma Ray put on in collaboration with Magn

Catching Wind: Wyatt Martinez, 15, catches wind as he goes over a pump at Fire Station Skate Park Plaza on March 14. Martinez was a participant in the skateboarding trick competition at the “Carnival” that Trauma Ray put on in collaboration with Magnolia Skate Shop.

King of the World: Fans swarm Jakaree Murphy, lead vocalist of the rap-metal band Empty Shell Casing, as he performs the final song of their set in Fort Worth on March 14. The Fort Worth six-piece was one of four other bands that opened for Trauma Ra

King of the World: Fans swarm Jakaree Murphy, lead vocalist of the rap-metal band Empty Shell Casing, as he performs the final song of their set in Fort Worth on March 14. The Fort Worth six-piece was one of four other bands that opened for Trauma Ray at their EP release show.

Ready for Liftoff: Trauma Ray’s Coleman Pruitt checks his pedalboard before their EP release show set in Fort Worth on March 14. Pruitt joined the band in 2019 as a last-minute addition when the other members decided a third guitar would improve thei

Ready for Liftoff: Trauma Ray’s Coleman Pruitt checks his pedalboard before their EP release show set in Fort Worth on March 14. Pruitt joined the band in 2019 as a last-minute addition when the other members decided a third guitar would improve their sound.

Handheld Drum Cam: Christopher Etter, 72, takes note of Nick Bobotas’s drum skills in Fort Worth on March 14. The music lover heard the music from his house down the street and decided to join the festivities.

Handheld Drum Cam: Christopher Etter, 72, takes note of Nick Bobotas’s drum skills in Fort Worth on March 14. The music lover heard the music from his house down the street and decided to join the festivities.

Clownin' Around: Junie Ríos, 17, and Alejandra Garza show off their “Carnival” shirts, which they earned from winning all the games in Fort Worth. Garza also won the clown contest, earning her a “Carnival”- themed skateboard and a vinyl, along with t

Clownin' Around: Junie Ríos, 17, and Alejandra Garza show off their “Carnival” shirts, which they earned from winning all the games in Fort Worth. Garza also won the clown contest, earning her a “Carnival”- themed skateboard and a vinyl, along with the shirt.

Welcome to the Carnival: Trauma Ray plays to a crowd of over 700 people in Fort Worth on March 14. The free “carnival” spanned over seven hours and brought together hundreds of people to witness the power of community.

Welcome to the Carnival: Trauma Ray plays to a crowd of over 700 people in Fort Worth on March 14. The free “carnival” spanned over seven hours and brought together hundreds of people to witness the power of community.