It was an amazing night in downtown Los Angeles, the presence of Columbian singer Karol G lit up Crypto Arena like no other. Colors of the Colombian flag were held by many concert goer’s in attendance. Waiting outside the arena were the restless crowd properly dressed for an all-night party, sporting Bichota inspired looks and Karol G merchandise of course. There was no shortage of red, blue or green hair amongst her fans either. Karol g fans also received wristbands that would light up during different parts of the concert.
Karol G made her grand entrance inside a floating barb-wired heart, along with many pole dancers who compliment her every move with an erotic dance move. The lights dimmed, and the crowd jumped to their feet as Karol G made her grand entrance inside the metal barbed wire heart and to the opening chords of "Gutbela" while flames were beneath her. La Bichota then sang through a slew of popular hit songs such as ‘MAMIII’, “Mi Gente.” and “Provenza”. It was definitely a night to remember, everybody with their cell phones taking pictures and recording making memories will forever be cherished in their hearts. Whether she was flying through the crowd in a Ferrari while singing “Makinon" or singing a special song to that one lucky fan, the crowd was eating the entire show up. You could actually see how the Crypto Arena was packed, every chair filled, everyone with their cellphones out.
Another highlight was the concert's dance contest, where a few lucky fans get picked from the crowd to have a dance-off for $10,000 cash prize. One lucky guy who danced his butt off, ended up winning the money and the respect from the concert goers. Karol G’s energy is what brings the best out of people and her performance definitely was one for the books. It's no longer a question if Karol G has the star power and command to hold it down at larger venues like her male contemporaries do. Karol G demonstrated how she could stand tall next to her fellow reggaeton artists, she proved it by selling out every show nationwide. It was most certain a great night and one to remember.
It all started back in 2009, my brothers and I decided to move back to South Central, Los Angeles from the Inland Empire. Both my brothers attended music and film school in Hollywood. At the time I was working construction in Las Vegas for nearly one year, but I always knew I had a passion for photography, but didn’t know what or where to start shooting.
As soon as I finished working in Las Vegas, I saved up enough money to buy a Canon camera. A friend of mine who was a night club promoter at the time asked me to be a roaming photographer at his venue. I had little to no experience shooting anything or anyone, but I felt confident and plus I was a people person, so I knew both of those qualities would help me succeed in being a photographer. I was a club photographer for almost a year until I started meeting people and networking. Then eventually I met a club photographer who owned his own business shooting venues all over Southern California.
For the next five years, I was shooting many nightclubs in LA, OC, IE and the Valley, eventually booking my own gigs. I even shot at the RIO in Las Vegas on the weekends when I worked out there for three months. Additionally, I booked a local night club working Tuesday nights as a roaming photographer for almost three years. At the same time, I was shooting Tuesday nights at a radio station working for rapper Dub-C. So after working at the radio station, I would leave to shoot at the club at night…
But I always felt like I needed to do more and take it to the next level. I felt like I couldn’t possibly shoot night clubs forever. I eventually linked up with my brother who had been writing for Music Connection. And thus, I began shooting local concerts all over Los Angeles and nearby counties. I felt like this was my calling. Not only do I like shooting musicians I listen to, but occasionally, I get to meet them and network with people in the business as well. I love doing what I do, but I do not put all my eggs in one basket.
Aside from shooting clubs and concerts, I have organized photo shoots with models. I have shot many events including birthday parties, weddings, Quinceaneras and more. I feel as a photographer, I cannot stick to just one preference. I feel like I have to do it all and “NO” can’t be the answer. I believe my path may be difficult, but eventually, it will pay off.
