Minneapolis
Years and Years: Minneapolis /
My shutter exploded halfway through Years and Years’ set, so I’m particularly proud of these photos. After shooting, I was afraid I barely had gotten anything good, but as I hesitantly looked through the gallery at my hotel at 2am, I found some shots I am honestly proud of. I often get asked what camera I use, as if having the right gear can make or break your career. I always say the same thing: use what you have, what you can afford, and practice and practice and practice. I hope this gallery and the story of my broken shutter helps illustrate that point: it doesn’t matter so much your gear, but your eye and your willingness to keep going despite difficulties.
The photos after this text section are ones that were affected by the broken shutter. They aren’t the same photos I would’ve gotten otherwise and there were definitely moments I missed as a result of my equipment failure. However, they are presentable and much better than I ever guessed, and I am proud of them.
LANY fans : Minneapolis /
Minneapolis LANY shows hold a special place in my heart. It was in Minneapolis (this same venue actually) that I saw first LANY, opening for Oh Wonder in June 2016. That was also the same day I went on my very first adventure with Blake. My only camera was a disposable; I didn't even know that was a LANY "thing," but it was a happy accident. Jump forward to October 2017, and they're headlining a sold-out show. I'm with the same boy, but I've got a much larger camera and I'm actually working (how crazy is that?) and the boy and I are holding hands now.
Minneapolis was also the first city I'd done LANY fan photos in, and I've grown to recognize some of the fans and they know me by name. (And I try hard to remember your names--there's a lot more of you than me!) The LANY fandom is like a little family and I love that so much. It's like having a bunch of little sibs at every show.
Some of them had different hair colours this year and it was definitely colder than last fall's show, but their eyes were bright and their hands clutched roses. In front of First Avenue, they'd drawn with chalk the LANY rose and sweet notes to the band. They huddled under blankets and denim jackets, excitement building as the door time drew near.
I said it last fall and I'll say it again: you humans are magic. You hold within you the power to change culture and change the world. You've done something rare: to have a fandom of a boy band that isn't catty or competitive, that cares about each other and that welcomes new humans in. That is, in small part, because of the band's attitude, but mostly, fam, that's because of YOU. That's what makes LANY special. It's how you look out for each other and befriend each other. It's how you welcomed me into the crowd when I had to shoot from there. You could've easily been irritated at the girl with the big camera, but you were kind. Thank you. It's how I can fly to New York to meet a girl from Germany and how we are friends because of a band. LANY fam is a fam.
Keep being kind. Keep bringing roses and giving each other hugs. Be generous with your kind words. It's okay to cry, but remember to laugh, too, and don't be afraid to lose your mind about the things that you love (right now for me, it's potatoes). Stay up for sunsets and wake up early for sunrises. I promise you it's worth it every time. You're getting older since I first met you, but don't let the world tell you, don't let hard times tell you, that there isn't wonder still left to find. Bad days and bad boys and bad girls will break your hearts but I promise you there are good boys and good girls and good days out there. They are coming. Each year will get a little harder, but I promise you: it will get better, too. Hold on. Hang on. Keep on. Your time is now and it may not feel like it today but the world is yours. Your time is still coming, too. You've made the band who opened up 507 days before a sold-out headliner. You have a voice and you have power and you have wonder and excitement and a lot of beautiful things. Hold them close and hold everything else with open hands. You can change the world. I believe in you. ILYSB.
the "Paul Klein pose"
Billy Raffoul : Minneapolis /
LANY /
All the images are unedited disposable camera shots and all the lyrics in quotes are from LANY's "Youarefire."
"Half days and Fridays and any days..."
I've been hustling 10-hour work days this week so that I could leave work at 11am.
Our only stop on the way to Minneapolis was at a rest stop. The light and the trees were just lovely and Blake is quite dapper so I asked him for a portrait. I was afraid it would be too dark without a flash, but it turned out lovely.
I'm pretty sure I took this at Spyhouse Coffee, but I honestly can't quite recall.
"...any days without school."
It's summer and roadtrip season. The world is wild and awake and saturated in color and life and adventure.
Spyhouse coffee. Otherwise entitled: 4 shots of espresso is a lot.
"Can I get a portrait of you right here next to all the cars?" Real life. Blake taught me about seltzer water and it was very interesting and feels quite European.
"Means more days in more ways, I've been running around...with you."
Blake and I left Ames around lunch time and drove straight to Minneapolis. Coffee, and all black everything, and no rain, and good parking. The world was in our favour. The city was ours.
Blake was kind enough to drive downtown and I took photos out of the passenger seat window. These tunnels fascinate me.
I took this shot--with flash--as we left, avoiding eye contact as we ducked out of the door, after lighting up the foyer with my 90's camera.
Minneapolis was full of old signs like these. This particular one was one of our favourites.
H&M
"Suburban World"
The valets across from this restaurant were doing a crossword puzzle together.
"This is it."
LANY
LANY went on just after 9pm and we sang and danced until the last song.
LANY : Paul
LANY : Les
LANY : Jake
OW: Oh Wonder / Oh Wow / Oh What a darling duo
Midnight found us in a white peeling parking garage (some might call it 'ratchet'), then we drove home, hands full of cold pizza, road full of fog, and eyes full of startlingly clear Minnesota stars.
"We are gold.
You are fire."