I remember seeing smut at Schubas for the first time in '21 and thinking how nice it would be if they could perform at that venue monthly. Great sound, intimate fans, and the lighting.
Good lord, the lighting is fantastic.
I felt comfortable shooting the artists that night, gaining awareness of subtleties to look for when shooting a group nearing the double digits. I loved how comfortable the artists were on stage and technically sound, ripe with melodies I'd later be driving home to.
They performed fluidly and confidently within their home base of Chicago, no longer new comers to the neighborhood, full of understated charm, charisma, and emotional resonance.
This is my favorite shoot of the group to date, alongside a growing and impressive array of performances under their belt. I hoped to capture something different that night, and though I struggle to articulate just what it was, I know it was felt by many in the room at set's end. Maybe a comfortable and transportive familiarity, easily paid out only by time.