dream garden bestie festie
Once upon a time in Richmond, Virginia, ...
a group of my friends invited the public to enjoy their backyard garden dreamscape, which featured a wild harvested, multi-course meal; a photobooth; live music; vintage clothing popups; glorious flowers; and probably the best dance party I'd ever grooved my body to.
My initial aim in showing up was to support my friend Lou who had been talking about wanting to be a DJ since we met, was asked to do so at this event, but didn't have any sound equipment. I brought in my PA system and a small mixing console for her (and she fucking CRUSHED it), and had no distinct intention to pull out my camera.
Nothing against doing so, I've just been that person at so many events in years past and am enjoying my leaning into engaging with community gatherings differently these days — adding to the vibe while not feeling like I need to be the one to capture it all, too.
I brought a typewriting setup with the invitation for peopple to ask me to conjure poems on the fly. But wound up not writing at all.
Instead, I caught the waft of a whim to take pictures of some of my homies who were innvolved or in attendance.
Instead I got choked up while playing a couple of songs on a cute boy's guitar (oh haaaaaaay) during the open mic session.
Instead I modify my outfit no less than four times.
Instead I moved my body with even more abandon than I was capable of back when I used to drink alcohol.
Without further yammering, here my some snaps from the day, shot with my Canon 5D Mark IV and a Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 that I wanted give take for a test run after having recently acquired it.
(I'd considered writing more about the profound impact this day had on me, but think some things are better left to their moment & place than verbally regurgitated at length.)
(For a beautiful, more immersive dive into the festival, though, check out certified badass Katie Bosch's coverage of the day's various pronouncements.)
My name is Marcelo Asher Quarantotto.
I WRITE WITH WORDS, PHOTOS, VIDEOS, WEBSITES AND MUSIC.I am a father of three beautiful daughters and husband to the most gracious, saintly creature I've ever met. (You'll find pictures of them here from time to time.) I am also a multidisciplinary storyteller.