A San Diego Event Photographer’s Look at Louisiana Culture, California Style
As a full-time event photographer, I shoot all kinds of gigs – corporate conferences, headshots, festivals, weddings – but there’s something special about photographing music festivals where the food is just as loud as the bands.
Gator By the Bay is San Diego’s annual Louisiana-themed festival held at Spanish Landing Park. It’s a three-day celebration of zydeco, Cajun, blues, roots, and Americana music across four stages, along with food, dancing, artists and vendors, and brass bands in between. As a San Diego event photographer, this kind of event is exactly why I love what I do: color, chaos, culture, and YES CRAWFISH happening in every direction.
I Like Marathons, or: this Gig Was Part of a 14-Day, 4-Event Sprint
When I landed in San Diego for this assignment, I was on day one of a 14-day stretch with no days off: flying from Boston, to San Diego, to Austin, and then straight to Tahoe. I was thrilled to be working again with Omega Events, who first hired me last summer to photograph Bluesapalooza. That job introduced me to Ozomatli and Sugaray Rayford: two acts that made a big impression and returned again for Gator by the Bay.
I’ve photographed a lot of events, but y’all know that I can’t say no to music and especially one that brings together such a unique blend of personality, community, and dancing. It makes the long hours worth it and my feet hurt a wee bit less.
Artist Highlights From Gator By the Bay 2025
Ozomatli
I first photographed them at Bluesapalooza and was immediately hooked. They brought their signature Latin-funk-hip-hop fusion to Gator and turned Spanish Landing into a full-on dance party.
Sugaray Rayford
Powerhouse vocals, infectious energy, and real crowd connection. I’ve now photographed him in Mammoth, Lake Tahoe, and San Diego—and I’d do it again tomorrow.
D.K. Harrell
At just 25, D.K. is the future of the blues. He left the stage mid-set and wandered through the crowd, guitar still strapped on, getting people to dance. I had too many photos to choose from, so yes—his entire carousel was just him.
Selwyn Birchwood
No fluff. No filler. Just a tight, expressive blues set that pulled people in. He’s a modern blues artist who brings heat to every venue, and the crowd felt it.
Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys
One of the most authentic Cajun sets of the weekend. I shot their performance while nearby, people lined up for beignets and grilled oysters.
Kimmi Bitter
Her vintage country style brought a different texture to the lineup. Classic sound, solid stage presence, and a retro aesthetic that looked great through the lens.
Michele Lundeen
Known locally as the Queen of Steam, Michele brought deep San Diego blues history to the stage. She’s part of the soul of this festival.
The Farmers
San Diego’s own, self-described as “Bo Diddley, CCR, Joe South, and the Yardbirds shoved into a food processor, stuffed in a cannon, and fired into a beer keg at a Polish wedding.” Enough said.
More Than Music: The Culture of Gator
Photographing a music festival isn’t just about the bands. It’s about everything in between.
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The French Quarter Food Court was constantly packed and offers a wealth of Louisiana style meals: crawfish by the pound, shrimp po’boys, catfish, gumbo, boudin, beignets, and hot sauce that burned just right.
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The Food Demo Stage gave chefs the mic. It was loud, funny, and full of steam and spice. People took notes like they were in a master class and got to see chefs interact with some of their favorite musicians.
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The Bayou Groove Stage was styled like a Louisiana bayou house, porch and all, tucked under eucalyptus and oak trees, with hay bales, acoustic sets, instrument demos, and storytelling sessions with headliners.
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Second line parades happened daily. Stilt walkers, beads flying, horns blasting. One even passed by another band mid-set. It was total, joyful chaos.
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The Lil Gatorz Kidz Zone kept families in the mix without watering down the experience.
Every part of the festival had something to offer visually and that’s the kind of environment where I work best. Fast-paced, high-contrast, bright colors, great music, incredible food, and a whole lot of personality.
Final Thoughts From a Tired but Grateful San Diego Event Photographer
Gator By the Bay was sweaty, chaotic, colorful, and completely alive. It’s exactly the kind of assignment that reminds me why I do this. The light changes constantly. The crowd never stops moving. The stories aren’t posed. You have to get in it. And by get in it, I mean down on the ground or up in the air. I did, in fact, climb on a porta potty to get a second line shot from up high one day. There were no casualties.
If you’re looking for a San Diego event photographer who knows how to handle fast-paced festivals, high-volume schedules, and moments that matter, reach out today and let’s talk.
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