Every year, when the Austin City Limits Music Festival is all wrapped up, I ponder if I can see myself doing this again the following year. The days are long and hot, my 45-year-old body aches—and then we repeat it all over again the following weekend. Of course, once the lineup is released and the festival gets close, the anticipation turns into excitement. What’s made the festival more exciting than the lineup each year is getting to work it with my daughter, Ryder. It’s been incredible to watch her break into the festival world as a young photographer, capturing the experience from her perspective.
Now in her third year as an accredited member of the media, Ryder’s instincts are even more refined than in years past. Her photography has shown me a different side of the festival. Sometimes I wonder if, as veterans of the festival world, there are elements that pass us by because we either aren’t looking for them or we experienced them early on and they’re no longer on our radar. Looking through Ryder’s gallery has reminded me that there’s so much more to a music festival than the music.
Daniel Cavazos and Ryder Blue Cavazos / photo by Rick Kern
I asked Ryder to provide some words to accompany her images. I found her words to be honest and thoughtful, sincere and sweet. Maybe I won’t hang up the towel just yet.
“Shooting ACL is always so much fun for me. I get to really expand my horizons and knowledge with photography. I think my favorite part about it, though, is being able to capture happy moments in other people’s lives. I also love getting to learn more about what goes into the mechanics to create a successful music festival. I love taking photos of the positives around me, whether that’s the people or the joyful moments I experience and get to capture. I also love taking photos of those with bright personalities, whether that’s being shown through their clothing or their smiles.
“ACL weekend one is always the most exciting for me because of the anticipation leading up to it. This past weekend was very, very hot, but I had so much fun getting to experience new things and being able to spend time around the people within ACL. The lineup this year is so good, and I loved getting to hear all the music and sharing that experience with everyone. Overall, this past weekend has been very memorable and rewarding."
Check out Ryder’s photos from weekend one below, and find our full live coverage of the event here.
Ryder Blue Cavazos and Daniel Cavazos / photo by Rick Kern
