Concerts in the Park: Through My Lens
Photo Credit: Miles Barraza
Hi, I’m Reo Gloria – a photographer and creative director based in Sacramento. I specialize in music photography, branding, and lifestyle work.
For the past two seasons, I’ve had the honor and blessing of serving as the official photographer for Concerts in the Park (CIP). It’s been amazing to be part of something so special (and free) for our city.
If you’ve been out on a Friday night, you might have seen me around, capturing candid moments of you dancing your heart out or simply relaxing and enjoying the vibe.
This year’s Concerts in the Park Season in Sacramento truly felt like it was on another level. The weather was perfect all season. Not once did it get too uncomfortably hot, which made every Friday downtown even more inviting. With crowds turning out in full force, it really felt like the city was celebrating its music scene week after week. I made a promise to myself to really lock in as a photographer this season. No half-hearted shoots, just being present and soaking in every moment and I’m glad I stuck with it.
I’ll admit, my playlists are usually heavy on hip-hop and EDM, so a lot of this year’s lineup was new territory for me (shoutout to The Expendables and Xzibit for familiar sounds). But honestly, that’s what made it such a refreshing experience. The variety was unmatched, and every week had a new sound, a new vibe, and a new challenge to capture through my lens.
A moment that stands out above all: the week of Phantogram’s show. I’ve never seen César Chávez Plaza THAT packed for Concerts in the Park. It was so crowded they actually had to close the front gates (no more people allowed in!) That level of anticipation and energy in the air was unforgettable, both for fans and for those of us working behind the scenes.
Still, my personal highlight as a photographer was shooting Winona Fighter’s set! The way they connected with the crowd, the electricity in the plaza, and the city’s response was something I felt and will always remember. That night, I walked away with some of my favorite shots of the season.
Some of the best parts of shooting Concerts in the Park this year:
The Community: Nothing beats seeing the city come together, vibe to music, support local talent and welcome big acts with open arms.
Golden Hour Magic: The lighting just before sunset was a dream for portraits and crowd shots.
Unexpected Discoveries: I started listening to genres and artists I never would have explored on my own. It pushed me creatively and made every week interesting.
Candid Moments: Friends dancing together, artists hyping up the audience and those unscripted moments made for the most memorable photos I’ve shot for the past 2 seasons.
Connections: Getting the opportunity to meet new creatives, make new industry connections, and connect with audience members in such an intimate, energetic setting and honestly that’s really what it’s all about. These photos wouldn’t even be possible without your energy.
A big THANK YOU to everyone! From the organizers, to the artists, to the fans who brought the vibe and made this season possible. My goal was to capture the best of each day, and I can honestly say this year gave me an abundance of inspiration.
I’m already looking forward to doing it all over again next season. Until next time!
– Reo
“@thebrownchild”
If you’re looking to collaborate, book me for your next event, or just want to see more of my work from Sacramento’s music scene and beyond, check out my portfolio at www.thebrownchild.com and follow along on Instagram @thebrownchild. I’m always excited to connect with fellow creatives, artists, and event organizers. Let’s keep building something unforgettable together.