It started with a typical feature hunt.

Having finished my previous project, choosing another when I got back to school was both exciting but also daunting. I realized pretty quickly, I can't replicate the situation I had in Minneapolis where I was able to work every day — I have classes now... and a job. Adding onto that, I wasn't really hit with a definitive moment that set me on a path to do a project like I had in Minneapolis. My idea actually stemmed from a culmination of days. Having explored different neighborhoods in the DMV for several consecutive days, I thought about looking for a “what” rather than a “where.”

Some people have advised me to think about where I am in life now and to pick a project that takes advantage of it (age, location, etc.). Something unique to DC about which I know very, very little and still find intriguing. My mind started with what DC is known for. Beyond the political/museum scene, what is vital to the culture of DC? Mumbo sauce and Go-Go Music. Not sure I wanted to do a project about a condoment so Go-Go it is.

“Do I really want to do a bunch of concert photography though?”

Granted I had this… myopic mindset before reading anything about the genre, the surrounding community or the specifics of the project. I realized pretty quickly that a challenge behind the project would be how to deviate from concert photography, how to insert the surprises.