Rocking the Daisies 2024 has just wrapped up, leaving festival-goers with amazing memories of live music, stunning art, and the vibrant energy of the Western Cape’s Cloof Wine Estate. For photographers who attended, this music and lifestyle festival was a prime opportunity to capture the excitement, colours, and eclectic vibes. In this post-festival guide, we’ll share photography tips to help you relive the magic through your lens and perfect your festival photography skills.
Capture the festival atmosphere
Rocking the Daisies is not just about the music, it’s about the experience. From the celestial “In the Stars” theme to the art installations and eco-conscious activities, there was no shortage of vibrant scenes to photograph. To truly capture the festival atmosphere, focus on wide-angle shots that show both the performers and the audience together. The crowd’s energy, colourful outfits, and stunning scenery will tell the full story of the festival experience. Using a lens like the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 can help you frame these wide-angle shots and take in the whole scene.
Focus on the details
While wide shots are useful for documenting the overall vibe, don’t forget the details. Festivals are full of interesting little moments: close-ups of people dancing, artistic face paint, instruments, or even those colourful festival wristbands. A versatile lens like the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is perfect for zooming in on these smaller details without sacrificing image quality.
Get creative with low-light photography
Festivals often continue late into the night, providing a unique opportunity for experimenting with low-light photography. When the sun sets and the stage lights come on, it’s time to push your camera’s ISO and embrace the glow of neon lights and LED displays. A fast prime lens, like the Sigma 35mm f/1.4, will let you shoot in dim lighting without needing to use a flash, ensuring your images stay atmospheric.
Utilise action shots
The festival lineup featured dynamic performances from artists like Snoh Aalegra and Mick Jenkins, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture action shots. For these, you’ll need a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, whether it’s the musicians jumping on stage or the crowd dancing below. Consider using burst mode to ensure you don’t miss those split-second moments. A high-speed memory card is essential to keep up with the rapid shooting.
Don’t forget to have fun with portraits
Festival-goers are often dressed to impress, especially with the “In the Stars” theme this year. Capture creative portraits of attendees, playing with different compositions and angles to highlight their festival style. Whether you’re shooting posed portraits or candid snaps, try using a lens with a wide aperture like the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 to create a beautiful background blur and make your subject pop.
If you’re planning for future festivals or just want to upgrade your gear, we have everything you need to keep rocking your photography. Now that the festival has ended, you can start editing your shots and sharing them to relive the magic of this unforgettable event!
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