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01/07/2025

Through the Eyes of a Preteen: Lindsesy Stirling

By SYDNEY AND MIKE LEWIS // Sydney often declines certain shows, and I know without a doubt that convincing her to attend a country concert would be a futile effort, no matter the circumstances. However, Lindsey Stirling was a different story.

When Sydney first embarked on her photography journey, she was eager to secure photo passes for any opportunity that came her way. At the time, the specific subject matter didn’t seem to matter as much; it was the chance to practice and hone her craft that drove her enthusiasm. Since those humble beginnings at just seven years old, Sydney has grown significantly as a photographer. Now, with more experience and maturity, her interests have shifted toward capturing the music she feels passionate about. One common observation, however, is that much of our work leans heavily toward the metal genre. It’s a trend I’m aware of and for her to learn more, it’s perhaps time to find some other alternatives.

While metal remains at the core of the shows I typically photograph, Sydney sometimes forgets that I capture other musicians as well—though she isn’t always able to attend these performances. She is permitted entry into most venues that aren’t restricted to 21 and over, but one notable exception remains the Moda Center, Portland’s largest concert venue—a topic best left for another time. Despite this limitation, Sydney has had plenty of opportunities elsewhere, spending much of 2024 photographing at Ridgefield. However, she has yet to venture south to the Cuthbert Amphitheater, a location even I rarely make the trip to. To diversify her experience beyond the metal scene, we made the journey this year, where both Sydney and I had the privilege of photographing Lindsey Stirling—a unique and rewarding departure from the usual photo pit.

Sydney often declines certain shows, and I know without a doubt that convincing her to attend a country concert would be a futile effort, no matter the circumstances. However, Lindsey Stirling was a different story. Sydney was already familiar with her work and eagerly anticipated this opportunity. This wasn’t her first trip to Eugene with me—she had previously accompanied me to see one of her favorite Swedish metal bands, Avatar. That trip was born out of necessity, as there were no closer options, and it was certainly more feasible than her earlier attempts to persuade me to drive to Vancouver, BC, to photograph the band—a drive I wasn’t willing to undertake.

Joining Lindsey Stirling on tour was Saint Motel, a band I had previously photographed several years ago during a show with Panic! at the Disco. As noted, Sydney has a penchant for musical exploration and was already somewhat familiar with Saint Motel’s music. This familiarity likely stemmed from hearing their tracks on TikTok or discovering them through Spotify. Regardless of how she came across their work, she had at least some awareness of their sound. That said, the primary draw for both Sydney and me on this occasion was undoubtedly Lindsey Stirling.

If you’ve never seen Lindsey Stirling live, she truly delivers an unforgettable performance. Her seamless blend of violin and intricate choreography creates a visually and musically stunning experience. Sydney noted that capturing the fast-paced action was challenging, but she rose to the occasion and did an excellent job. Even the publicist remarked on the quality of the photos I shared after the show, expressing surprise at Sydney’s skill given her young age. He went as far as to say that her shots were highly professional and on par with—or even surpassing—those of photographers with years of experience. While Sydney modestly downplays the compliment, I believe her growth over the past year has been remarkable, and it’s evident in the work she’s producing today.

Lindsey Stirling is an artist Sydney and I both agree we would gladly photograph again. While Sydney, as previously mentioned, is most comfortable in a metal photo pit, this experience proved to be a refreshing departure from her usual genre. One of the key principles I’ve emphasized to Sydney about concert photography is that every artist offers a unique experience. A metal show’s raw energy and intensity will differ from the atmosphere of a country concert, while pop performances often emphasize grand spectacle and elaborate staging. Photographing Lindsey Stirling provided Sydney with an opportunity to embrace a different style, and I could tell she thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace.
 

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