Chris Young - Coming on over to FLORIDA

Chris Young plays to a sold out crowd at the Old Florida Outdoor Festival - Apopka, FL

Chris Young 

As a lover of music I’ve always enjoyed a great concert. Good music and undeniable talent is what draws me to an artist, but what keeps me a faithful fan is when an artist is just a good ‘ole down home soul. From the moment myself and my crew of friends met Chris Young in Nashville back in 2000, we knew he was a special person. 

Chris Young - Loving his Life!

Saturday night’s crowd at the Old Florida Outdoor Festival tour stop in Apopka, FL was a great display of how far this talented artist has come. Young was blown away from the audience’s reaction to his show, thanking the bunch numerous times for supporting his music. Young packed a lively group of attendants that sang every word and cheered at every chance they got. Young even played homage to his beginnings, mentioning his days at El Chico’s (a restaurant in Nashville he recalls playing at for quesadillas) at which a few of us cheered and in return he even acknowledged some of the original fans in attendance. Young is no stranger to Florida audiences, he visited several Florida cities while on one of his first “tours” -his Border Bookstore Tour where there would be maybe 5 people in attendance, mostly comprised of family and friends. 

Young stayed diligent to his dream, kept the faith, and continued to plug away to what would lead him to his first national record deal. Fast forward 16 years, now Young is currently nominated for several ACMs, has been GRAMMY nominated, and has 7 No. 1’s under his belt including performing to sold out shows all over the US, Asia, and Europe over the years. 

Chris Young thanking his fans!

Seeing this kid grow into the man and performer he is today brought tears to my eyes. Looking back over the long road he’s travelled from a bookstore of a handful of people to packing out a crowd at a major festival; continuing to see his dream explode and him getting to do what he loves felt surreal. Hearing the thousands of individuals singing his songs back to him could only be described as magical. Despite his success, Young continues to remain a humble and thankful person. Young exemplifies that this is what life is about.. Live your dreams and continue to be grateful for the life you live! Chris Young is doing this- and I am one proud Aunt!

The end to an awesome concert!

Denise -

Sweetwater Photography

www.facebook.com/swphotography21

www.sweet-water-photography.com

Contributor to blog: Samantha Dawn Mutschler

2015 Year Review -

2015 was an amazing year for Sweetwater Photography. There were many opportunities for new adventures and growth. From the various concerts, CMA Festival, family portraits to an opportunity to work with Silver Springs State Park on several projects lead to awesome experiences.  I am grateful for the support from clients, family, and friends. Without everyone's belief in my work, I would not be able to live out my dream of capturing the special moments in life.

Silver Springs State Park

Manatees at Three Sister State Park

The year started out with seeing hundreds of manatees at the Three Sister Spring State Park and ended with a kayaking adventure down the Silver River. In between were opportunities to witness country music's great artist living out their dreams.











CMA Festival was a fun and busy time. The week started out with Steven Whitson's Fan Club party. It was an honor to assist with photographing this talented singer/songwriter entertain his fans. How things are changing for Steven! He is living the dream! 2016 is going to be a great year for him.  I am happy to report that I will once again be photographing his fan club party in June.

Steven Whitson - Nashville TN

 During CMA Festival, many other artists spent hours performing for their fans. Billy Yates, Steven Clawson, Chris Young and others did not disappoint their fans. Another trip to Nashville, allowed me to visit the Grand Ole Opry to see a wide range of artists.  But the up and coming artist like Mo Pitney, Chris Jansen and Chase Bryant wowed the crowds and give the fans hope that country music will remember the stories behind the songs.  In March, I was able to see Lockhart's performance at Loser's Bar in Nashville.

Steven Clawson, Billy Yates, Chris Jansen, Chase Bryant

Chris Young, Craig Boyd, Restless Heart, Mo Pitney, Lockhart

 



 

 

Another amazing opportunity was to attending my local radio station's concerts. Each one was different and amazing.  The best way to hear music is acoustic.  The many artists did not disappoint their fan!   

Cadillac Three, Craig Campbell, Chris Jansen, William Michael Morgan

Craig Campbell

I had the privilege to capture moments of individual's life events. From child's first photo session to a young man graduating from high school.   Each photo session was different and special.

Capturing God's amazing work is another specialty of mine.  I love seeing a sunrise and how animals live in nature.  During this year, I was given many opportunities to photography the amazing sites.  

Flagler Beach, FL

I'm grateful for the many opportunities 2015 brought but looking forward to 2016.  It is starting out with a bang!    Be on the look out for updates!  

 

July 4th Firework Show at Silver Springs State Park

Thank you for your continued support!

Denise
Sweetwater Photography

www.sweet-water-photography.com
www.facebook.com/swphoto21