Photographer Farah Sosa attended her first Grand Performances concert before she owned a camera. Back then, she recalls, the stage set-up was unique – there was a pond on the right side of the stage where people would dance while watching the performance. Later, while exploring the power of her first camera, she documented her debut portrait of Seun Kuti as he performed at the concert in 2011. She fondly recalls him looking straight at her from across the pond. That was the shot.
Fast forward to 2014, Sosa was first hired to shoot for Grand Performances at the ‘People Get Ready’ concert with Dexter Story. Since then, she has captured more than 100 artists at the concert over the years, including this year’s shows with iLe, Daymé Arocena, Soulnic, and both Tributes to Max Roach and Celia Cruz. When it comes to shooting concerts, the challenges don’t usually come from the artist, but the space itself and the access points available to photographers. For Sosa, it’s important not to block the crowd’s view while shooting, which is why she often shoots from above. Being petite, she relies on steps, balconies, and other elevation vantage points at Grand Performances to get the shots she wants without interrupting the audience’s experience.
During the show, Sosa tries to savor and feel the moment, singing along to songs while focusing on capturing the perfect shot. A typical Grand Performances concert may consist of around 2,000 photos, but only about 10% make the final cut. Of those, there’s usually a 50-50 split between photos of the stage and the audience, as the crowd’s experience is just as important as the artist’s performance.
This year’s opening night at Grand Performances was magical. KCRW Summer Nights featured iLe and Mestizo Beat and iLe wore an unforgettable dress designed with small shimmering squares in different colors (pink, white, orange) that linked together like armor. As Sosa searched for 360 angles of iLe, there was no bad shot. She looked absolutely stunning.
Looking over the photos Sosa has taken, she’s always struck by the diversity of the Grand Performances crowd—families, couples, young people, and elderly folks, all enjoying the music together. She adores seeing that multi-generational aspect and capturing those moments when people feel comfortable and joyful in the space.
When it comes to shooting the backing band, Sosa always makes sure not to forget the drummer. Drummers are often positioned where they’re not easily visible, but at Grand Performances, the elevation of the stage makes it easier to capture all the musicians. The stage is spacious, with good lighting, which is crucial for getting clear, vibrant shots.
Photographing Daymé Arocena was particularly magical. She has such a big smile and exudes magnetism when she performs, which makes capturing her on camera an absolute delight. Whether it’s Sosa’s first time shooting an artist, or she’s shot them multiple times, like with Alan Lighter, Todd Simon, or Dexter Story, the experience gets easier with time. In fact, the more she shoots at a venue like Grand Performances, the more comfortable she becomes with the lighting and access points, which enables the photos to tell a deeper visual story.
During the Celia show, Sosa couldn’t help but notice how much the audience was loving the music. Many of the musicians were Cuban, and their connection to Celia’s music was palpable. It was beautiful to see how much the audience danced to her songs and enjoyed the performance. Even when shooting music that is less familiar to her, such as the Max Roach tribute, Sosa finds joy in discovering new sounds.
As a visual artist, Sosa feels a responsibility to represent the diversity of Los Angeles and Grand Performances. The multi-ethnic, multi-generational, and multilingual nature of the city is reflected in her work, and it’s something that she sees as foundational to her photography.
When she began her concert photography career over 15 years ago, there weren’t many women, especially Latina photographers, in the field. To this day it’s still a male-dominated industry but has become more diverse over time. Sosa has had the opportunity to work with young women through programs like Las Fotos Project. As her experience grows, her advice has become less technical and more practical. She reminds them to always stretch as this job is physically demanding. And, of course, to listen to the music. Knowing the artists’ styles helps you anticipate the perfect moment to capture, like when a dancer freezes or when a musician hits a high note.
Often, Sosa is pleasantly surprised by what she captures when she reviews the photos later. During the show she may not realize what she’s got until she sees it on the screen. The process of selecting and delivering the final images is almost like magic—she takes the photos, reviews them, and then moves on to the next project, only to rediscover them years later.
Capturing a group band shot can be challenging, especially when time is limited, and the band members are distracted. Sosa has learned to line them up quickly and with authority to get the shot in just a few seconds. The key to a good group photo is making sure everyone opens their eyes and brings the energy for that moment.
In Sosa’s experience, it’s not just about the technical aspects of photography but also about being in tune with the rhythm and flow of the performance. That’s what allows her to capture those magical moments. Shooting at an open venue like Grand Performances presents unique challenges, such as navigating through the crowd without disrupting their experience. Whether it’s stepping in time with the salsa dancers or finding the right angle amidst a sea of people, it’s all about blending in and becoming part of the flow.
When she looks back at her photos, certain moments stand out, like the joy on Dayme’s face, the light shining on iLe with the trees in the background, and the iconic presence of KG with the Grand Performances logo in the background. These images represent not just the events but the spirit of Grand Performances.
Sosa is particularly fond of shots that capture the interaction between the audience and the artists, like when she caught a couple she’s known for years during a beautiful moment of light. These are the moments that make her beam with pride of her work.
Always ensuring that the joy and connection of the moment are felt through her images, Sosa strives to capture the essence of the experience. In the end, the photos of Grand Performances are intended to share a story of a diverse, vibrant community and the moments that make it special.
All photos by Farah Sosa.